Lead Papermaker: Optimize Paper Machine Performance

Sappi; Ngodwana; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Market leading leave benefits

Opportunities to travel

Learning and development programmes

Job summary

Sappi is seeking a Papermaker to establish and maintain standards for paper machine set-up and operation, while guiding Paper Mill Teams on activities that impact machine performance. The role includes sharing technical expertise, researching, and advising on improvements to optimise operations and product quality.

You will mentor staff, manage machine clothing and related equipment, and participate in shutdown planning to ensure safe, well-scoped work and proper permits.

Qualifications

• Matric (Grade 12) with Math's and Physical Science or an N3 in Pulp and Paper.
• Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Pulp and Paper Technology or a related field, or eight (8) years' supervisory experience on a paper machine.
• A minimum of twelve (12) years’ relevant experience in the pulp and paper industry.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain and implement standard operating procedures for paper machine operations, ensuring all shift teams are trained and operate according to established standards.
• Act as the Subject Matter Expert (SME), providing technical advice, guidance and support to optimise paper machine performance and resolve operational challenges.
• Manage and maintain machine clothing and related equipment, including doctors, ropes, felts, dryer screens, cleaner cones, wires and cutting knives.
• Participate in shutdown planning to ensure work is properly scoped, planned and executed, including overseeing isolations and issuing work permits as required.
• Apply papermaking principles, technical knowledge and research to troubleshoot process issues, analyse operational data and implement improvements to machine efficiency and product quality.
• Mentor, coach and develop employees, conduct theoretical and practical assessments, and evaluate candidates for operating licences.
• Investigate and address customer complaints promptly, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions to maintain product quality and customer satisfaction.
• Conduct technical research, keep abreast of developments in papermaking technology, and apply relevant knowledge to improve processes, equipment performance and operational practices.

Education

Matric (Grade 12) with Math's and Physical Science or an N3 in Pulp and Paper

Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Pulp and Paper Technology or a related field, or eight (8) years' supervisory experience on a paper machine

A minimum of twelve (12) years’ relevant experience in the pulp and paper industry

Job description

Sappi is seeking a Papermaker to establish and maintain standards for paper machine set-up and operation, while guiding Paper Mill Teams on activities that impact machine performance. The role includes sharing technical expertise, researching, and advising on improvements to optimise operations and product quality.

You will mentor staff, manage machine clothing and related equipment, and participate in shutdown planning to ensure safe, well-scoped work and proper permits.