Process Operator-Dryend

Sappi; Ngodwana; On-site; ZAR 167,000 - 257,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Learning & development

Travel opportunities

Market-leading leave

Job summary

Sappi is seeking a Process Operator Dry End in Mpumalanga to operate the Newsprint Dry End section, ensuring safe, efficient production and quality at optimum cost. You will monitor equipment, adjust process parameters, and maintain equipment like dryer screens and control panels.

The role requires Matric with Maths/Physical Science or N3 and 1–3 years of relevant machine operating experience. Join a global leader in sustainable woodfibre products.

Qualifications

• Matric (Grade 12) with Maths & Physical Science or N3 Pulp and Paper.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor the dryer section, calendar stack, Pope reel, repulpers, and control panels to ensure efficient production.
• Inspect paper quality for defects and report deviations to relevant personnel.
• Perform start-ups, reel turn-ups, and clear paper jams following Best Operating Practices.
• Maintain dryer screens, ropes, and separators and ensure proper tension and cleanliness.
• Monitor and adjust production parameters such as basis weight, run speed, and caliper as directed.
• Adhere to health, safety, environmental and quality procedures and report incidents.

Job description

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 Process Operator Dry End to operate the Newsprint Dry End section safely and efficiently to ensure optimum production output and quality at the best cost with minimum downtime.

As a Process Operator Dry End, you will be responsible for:

• Operate Dry End Equipment: Operate and monitor the dryer section, calendar stack, Pope reel, repulpers, auxiliary equipment, console and control panels to ensure efficient and stable production.
• Monitor Paper Quality: Inspect paper for defects, including dirt, creases, ridges, rope marks, blotches, formation issues and wet streaks. Check reel density, hardness and caliper, and report deviations to the relevant personnel.
• Perform Start-ups and Reel Turn-ups: Feed the paper tail from the first dryer section to the Pope reel, perform reel turn-ups and remove paper jam-ups during breaks in accordance with Best Operating Practices (BOP).
• Maintain Dryer Screens and Rope Systems: Inspect dryer screens, ropes and separators; ensure correct screen tension and guiding, and maintain rope tension, condition and cleanliness to support reliable machine operation.
• Control Operating Parameters and Production Changes: Monitor and control Dry End draws, coordinate basis weight, trim and speed changes with the Process Controller and Winder Operator, and maintain paper caliper according to grade requirements.
• Maintain Production and Quality Standards: Produce paper in accordance with MPS requirements for jumbo sizes, deckle and quality specifications. Maintain optimum broke feeding and minimise heel slabs in line with BOP.
• Conduct Equipment Inspections and Maintenance Tasks: Perform shift inspections, check and correct PV fans and air make-up units, assist with felt and wire changes, fit dryer screens during shutdowns, complete assigned shutdown tasks and safely operate overhead cranes.
• Ensure Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality Compliance: Comply with all applicable HSEQ procedures and BOP, maintain safe working conditions, keep hood doors closed, and promptly report accidents, injuries, unsafe conditions, fire hazards, equipment defects and quality or environmental deviations to the Process Controller or Shift Superintendent.

What are we looking for?

• Matric (Grade 12) with Maths & Physical Science/ N3 Pulp and Paper.
• One (1) to three (3) years’ relevant machine operating experience.

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.

Sappi is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. At Sappi, we encourage and support vaccination.

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.