Mill Manager: Utilities & Services

Sappi; Mbombela; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pulp and paper company in Mpumalanga is seeking an experienced Mill Manager to oversee Utilities & Services operations. The ideal candidate will drive operational excellence, lead a team of Production Managers and ensure the highest safety standards are met. With a strong focus on cost efficiency and performance management, this role requires at least 10 years of production experience, including 5 years in Energy or Chemical/Recovery. Join us to empower your workforce and champion continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 10 years’ experience in a production environment with at least 5 years in Energy or Chemical/Recovery.
• Minimum 5 years’ management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of Production Managers and Process Engineers.
• Monitor plant performance and implement corrective actions.
• Drive cost efficiency through budget management.

Skills

Leadership

Operational Excellence

Cost Efficiency

Safety Standards Compliance

Education

BSc Engineering / BTech Pulp & Paper or BTech Engineering

Management Qualification

Job description

Join Our Team as Mill Manager: Utilities & Services

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic leader to take ownership of our Utilities and Services operations. This role is perfect for a results‑driven professional who is passionate about people, operational excellence, and continuous improvement. Your mission will be to ensure the Utilities and Services section delivers optimal production output with top‑quality results, minimal downtime, and the highest safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of Production Managers and Process Engineers, ensuring smooth and efficient operations across Chemical & Recovery, Energy, and Services plants.
• Monitor monthly plant performance against strategic objectives and implement effective corrective actions.
• Grow and empower your workforce through career development, performance management, coaching, and aligned goal‑setting.
• Drive cost efficiency by managing departmental budgets, controlling costs, and executing both short‑term and long‑term (5‑year) improvement plans.
• Prepare and consolidate capital, fixed, and variable cost budgets for the department.
• Strengthen relationships with internal and external customers and suppliers, while contributing to strategic mill‑wide initiatives.
• Ensure full compliance with Health, Safety, and Environmental legislation and standards, while upholding excellent housekeeping and 5S practices.
• Champion continuous improvement, integrate business processes, and ensure accurate reporting and BBS observation performance.

Minimum Requirements

• BSc Engineering / BTech Pulp & Paper or BTech Engineering.
• Management Qualification (advantageous).
• 10 years’ experience in a production environment, with at least 5 years in Energy or Chemical/Recovery.
• Minimum 5 years’ management experience.