Papermaker

Sappi; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Market leading leave benefits

Employee wellbeing benefits

Opportunities to travel

Job summary

Sappi in Mpumalanga is seeking a seasoned Papermaker to establish and maintain standards for paper machine setup and operation, while guiding mill teams with technical expertise. The role focuses on improving machine performance, product quality, and safety through continuous improvement.

You will manage machine clothing and equipment, participate in shutdown planning, mentor staff, and drive troubleshooting with data analysis.

Qualifications

• Matric with Math and Physical Science or an N3 in Pulp and Paper.
• BTech in Pulp and Paper Technology or related field.
• Experience: 8+ years supervising on a paper machine.
• Total 12+ years in the pulp and paper industry.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain and implement SOPs for paper machine operations.
• Act as SME, providing technical advice to optimise performance.
• Manage machine clothing and equipment (doctors, ropes, felts, etc.).
• Participate in shutdown planning, isolations and permits.
• Troubleshoot processes, analyse data and drive improvements.
• Mentor and assess staff; support operating licences.
• Investigate customer complaints and ensure product quality.
• Conduct research to improve processes and equipment.

Skills

Team leadership

Mentoring

Technical guidance

Process improvement

Education

Matric with Math and Physical Science or an N3 in Pulp and Paper

Bachelor of Technology in Pulp and Paper Technology or related field

8 years' supervisory experience on a paper machine

12 years’ relevant experience in the pulp and paper industry

Job description

We are hiring!

At Sappi, we are a leading global provider with a reputation for delivering high-quality sustainable Woodfibre products and solutions for the global markets. We lead through our values centred around safety, integrity, courage, making smart decisions which we execute with speed. We are seeking unique people who believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive and safe environment.

We are hiring!

At Sappi, we are a leading global provider with a reputation for delivering high-quality sustainable Woodfibre products and solutions for the global markets. We lead through our values centred around safety, integrity, courage, making smart decisions which we execute with speed. We are seeking unique people who believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive and safe environment. We’re on the lookout for a Papermaker to establish and maintain standards for paper machine set-up and operation, while providing technical guidance and support to Paper Mill Teams on activities that impact machine performance. The role involves sharing technical expertise, conducting research, and providing advice and recommendations to optimise paper machine operations and drive continuous improvement.

As a Papermaker, You Will Be Responsible For

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

What are we looking for?

• 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.

What's in it for you?

• Opportunity to work within a global organisation that continues to thrive in a rapidly changing world even after 80 years of existence.
• Learning and development programmes to fast-track your career within Sappi.
• Opportunities to travel.
• Market leading leave benefits.
• Employee wellbeing benefits.