PACKAGING ENGINEER

Tongaat; Durban; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading sugar production company is seeking an Engineering Manager for their Sugar Packaging Plant in Durban. The candidate will oversee maintenance operations, drive continuous improvement, and manage teams to achieve performance and safety targets. A strong background in mechanical or industrial engineering, along with experience in packaging and project engineering, is essential. The role requires leadership skills and the ability to navigate a high-pressure 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.
• PMP certification would be an added asset.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for maintenance of the Sugar Packaging Plant.
• Develop and align policy and procedural frameworks for compliance.
• Provide technical expertise to resolve operational issues.

Skills

Problem-solving and root cause analysis

Analytical thinking

Interpersonal and communication skills

Continuous improvement mindset

Leadership and coordination abilities

Education

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

GCC Factories Certificate

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

MS PowerPoint

MS Projects

Job description

Purpose of Role

• 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.

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).