PACKAGING ENGINEER

Tongaat Hulett; Durban; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading sugar company in Durban is seeking a skilled engineer responsible for the maintenance of the Sugar Packaging Plant. This role involves providing technical expertise, managing engineering projects, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Candidates should have a degree in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, along with significant experience in facilities engineering. Strong leadership and problem-solving skills are essential for success in this dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of experience in projects, facilities engineering and/or maintenance of packaging equipment.
• Proven experience in managing and leading teams within a unionised environment.
• Strong theoretical and practical base in project and packaging engineering.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for safe and efficient maintenance of the Sugar Packaging Plant.
• Provide project engineering expertise to support operational goals.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in packaging and engineering.

Skills

Strong problem-solving skills

Analytical thinking

Interpersonal skills

Continuous improvement passion

Resilience in pressure

Leadership abilities

Education

B.Sc./B.Tech in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering

GCC Factories Certificate

PMP certification

Tools

MS Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Projects

Job description

Overview

The incumbent will be responsible for the safe, efficient, and economic maintenance of the Sugar Packaging Plant (FPA), while also providing project engineering expertise to support strategic, productivity, and operational goals. Develop and align policy and procedural frameworks to ensure compliance with legislative requirements. Maintain oversight of maintenance plans and ensure safe execution of high-impact engineering tasks. Provide technical expertise to resolve operational and quality issues. Design new packaging concepts to support category growth and improve productivity. Support selection, specification, and commissioning of packaging equipment, including FATs. Manage budgets and operational expenditure effectively. Engage in projects from conceptualisation to commissioning. Drive continuous improvement initiatives in packaging and engineering. Coach, mentor, and manage teams in achieving performance and safety targets. Ensure plant availability and reliability at all times while maintaining SHEQ standards.

Top Accountabilities

• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.
• Analytical thinker with the ability to interpret complex technical data.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Passionate about continuous improvement, safety, and performance.
• Resilient and able to operate in a high-pressure environment.
• Team player, innovative thinker, with strong leadership and coordination abilities.

Skills

• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.
• Analytical thinker with the ability to interpret complex technical data.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Passionate about continuous improvement, safety, and performance.
• Resilient and able to operate in a high-pressure environment.
• Team player, innovative thinker, with strong leadership and coordination abilities.

Qualifications and Experience Required

• B.Sc./B.Tech in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering (EIT program from a sugar factory advantageous).
• GCC Factories Certificate would be an advantage.
• 5–10 years of experience in projects, facilities engineering, and/or maintenance of packaging equipment.
• PMP certification would be an added asset.
• Proven experience in managing and leading teams within a unionised environment.
• Strong theoretical and practical base in project and packaging engineering.
• Advanced computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Projects).