Maintenance System Leader

Sappi; Graskop; On-site; ZAR 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A global renewable resources company is seeking a Maintenance System Leader in Graskop, Mpumalanga. This role involves leading maintenance efforts, optimizing systems, and managing projects to ensure equipment reliability. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and over 5 years of experience in a manufacturing setting, particularly in maintenance management. Competitive salary and commitment to sustainability are key highlights.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in a manufacturing environment, ideally in maintenance/reliability management.
• Strong knowledge of PLC and HMI programming.
• Experience managing projects with budgets of $1 million or more.

Responsibilities

• Lead the maintenance team and align with company goals.
• Implement best practices for maintenance and reliability.
• Oversee troubleshooting and optimization of control systems.
• Manage capital investment projects and ensure timely delivery.
• Collaborate with operations for goal alignment.

Skills

Leadership

Problem Solving

Project Management

Control Systems Expertise

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

PLC programming

HMI programming

MS Excel

SAP

AutoCAD

Job description

Press Tab to Move to Skip to Content Link

Sappi North America
Sappi North America, headquartered in Boston with corporate offices in Portland, Maine, is a subsidiary of Sappi Limited, a global renewable resource company that uses every part of the tree to make sustainable woodfiber products. With over 12,000 employees and operations in seven countries, we serve customers worldwide. Our diversified businesses include Packaging, Speciality and Graphic Papers and Dissolving Pulp, offering premium products for various industries. From cosmetics packaging and food industry barrier papers to textiles and the clothes you wear, Sappi’s solutions are vital to the future of sustainable alternatives to plastic and other fossil fuel-based products.

Take the Next Step in Your Career

Are you a seasoned maintenance leader with a strong background in manufacturing and reliability systems? Do you excel at troubleshooting, system optimization, and leading diverse teams to achieve operational excellence? If so, we want you to join us at Sappi North America as a Maintenance System Leader at our Allentown, PA facility!

In this key role, you’ll have the opportunity to lead the charge in maintaining and improving our critical systems, support safety and sustainability initiatives, and work closely with a dynamic team of professionals who are committed to excellence. Your expertise will be at the heart of ensuring that our Allentown converting operation operates at peak performance, driving the success of both the facility and the broader organization.

Role Overview: What You'll Do

As the Maintenance System Leader, you will lead all activities related to the maintenance and optimization of mechanical, electrical, and control systems at the Allentown facility. You will play a crucial role in ensuring that our equipment and assets remain reliable, efficient, and cost-effective. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Strategic Leadership & Team Management:
  Lead the maintenance team to success, providing guidance, mentorship, and ensuring alignment with company goals. Foster a culture of safety, teamwork, and accountability.
• Optimization of Maintenance & Reliability:
  Lead efforts to implement best practices for maintenance, focusing on increasing equipment reliability and optimizing performance through preventative maintenance initiatives.
• System Troubleshooting & Control Systems Optimization:
  Oversee and actively participate in troubleshooting, optimizing, and programming control systems (PLC, HMI, VFDs) to ensure seamless operations.
• Project Management & Capital Investments:
  Manage and oversee capital investment projects, from analysis and scope development to project execution. Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in alignment with site goals.
• Collaboration with Operations & Cross-functional Teams:
  Work closely with the operations team to set goals and objectives, ensuring that maintenance efforts align with site commitments. Collaborate with other Sappi North America facilities to share knowledge and ensure compliance with regional and global standards.
• Training & Development:
  Develop and implement training programs for site personnel to enhance skills, promote safety, and improve operational performance. Establish relationships with local contractors to ensure ongoing support and resources.

In addition to managing daily site maintenance activities, you'll be an active participant in the Sappi North America Maintenance, Reliability, and Risk platforms. You'll help drive the adoption of best practices across all Sappi facilities, while ensuring that Allentown meets regional and global objectives.

What We’re Looking For: Your Skills & Experience

We are seeking a highly skilled leader who thrives in a dynamic environment and can handle complex, technical challenges with confidence. The ideal candidate will possess:

• Educational Background:
  A Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or an equivalent field, ensuring you have the technical expertise to excel in this role.
• Professional Experience:
  At least 5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, ideally in a maintenance/reliability management role. Experience in the paper or converting industry is a plus!
• Control Systems Expertise:
  Strong knowledge of PLC and HMI programming (Rockwell, AB, or similar systems) and the ability to troubleshoot, configure, and optimize control systems. Experience with VFDs and printer/label systems is also beneficial.
• Project Management:
  Experience managing projects with budgets of $1 million or more, including scoping, planning, and execution.
• Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement:
  Methodical, analytical approach to problem-solving with experience using Six Sigma, Kaizen, or Kepner-Tregoe methodologies to drive process improvements.
• Leadership & Communication Skills:
  Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral. Ability to lead, motivate, and engage teams, while resolving conflicts and holding team members accountable.
• Technical Proficiency:
  Strong computer skills, including MS Excel, Access, and familiarity with AutoCAD and SAP. Familiarity with AutoCAD and other engineering software is a plus.
• Sustainability Focus:
  A commitment to corporate sustainability goals and adherence to federal, state, and local environmental regulations.

Salary is determined by a number of factors including the value of the job to the organization, market forces, internal equity and skills brought to the job.

Sappi provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Sappi complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

ABOUT SAPPI

Sappi isa leading global provider of everyday materials made from woodfibre-based renewable resources. As a diversified, innovative and trusted leader focused on sustainable processes and products, we are building a more circular economy by making what we should, not just what we can.