Production Systems & Digitalization Lead - Manufacturing

Hire Resolve; Oos-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary negotiable

Job summary

A leading Chemistry lab in Port Elizabeth is seeking a Senior Production Systems & Digitalization Lead to enhance their digital manufacturing processes. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in both engineering and IT, guiding the implementation of MES platforms and automation systems. Responsibilities include managing production applications and leading software integration projects. This position offers a negotiable salary and the opportunity to contribute to the company's digital transformation initiatives.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years' experience in manufacturing, production IT, automation, or industrial digitalization.
• Dual-discipline experience (engineering and IT) essential.
• Proven track record in leading SAP-related system integration.
• Hands-on experience with MES platforms and SCADA systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain the production application and server landscape.
• Ensure long-term system performance, reliability, and cybersecurity.
• Lead SAP-to-plant software integration projects.
• Drive the digitization of manual processes using Microsoft Power Platform.
• Drive digitization using Power Platform tools (PowerApps, Power Automate, Power BI).
• Promote data-driven decision-making via analytics and reporting.
• Lead automation projects with change control and MOC standards.
• Implement cybersecurity measures, patch management, backup systems, DR plans.
• Drive cross-site standardization and contribute to global digital forums.

Skills

Engineering experience

IT skills

Experience with MES platforms

Automation systems knowledge

Project leadership

Cybersecurity awareness

Project leadership

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Information Systems

Tools

Microsoft Power Platform

SQL/Oracle databases

Wonderware/AVEVA

SCADA systems

SQL/Oracle databases

Job description

Production Systems & Digitalization Lead – a leading Chemistry lab is looking for a senior technical specialist to join their team in Port Elizabeth. The ideal candidate will take ownership of all digital production systems within a high-performance manufacturing environment. This senior technical specialist will lead system stability, integration, and digital advancement projects, focusing on MES platforms, automation systems, and SAP-to-plant integrations. The position combines engineering, IT, and project leadership, contributing directly to the company’s digital transformation and innovation roadmap.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain the production application and server landscape, including SQL/Oracle databases, MES, and automation systems
• Ensure long-term system performance, reliability, and cybersecurity
• Implement and administer MES platforms (e.g., Wonderware/AVEVA), SCADA systems, and historian databases
• Lead SAP-to-plant software integration projects, coordinating between departments and vendors
• Drive the digitization of manual processes and deploy custom digital tools using Microsoft Power Platform (PowerApps, Power Automate, Power BI)
• Promote data-driven decision-making through application-level analytics and reporting
• Lead and manage automation and application-related projects with full compliance to change control and MOC standards
• Implement cybersecurity measures, patch management, backup systems, and disaster recovery plans
• Drive cross-site technical standardization and participate in global digital forums and strategic initiatives

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechatronic, or Industrial) and/or Information Systems / Computer Science
• Minimum 10 years' experience in manufacturing, production IT, automation, or industrial digitalization
• Dual-discipline experience (engineering and IT) essential
• Hands‑on experience with MES platforms (preferably Wonderware/AVEVA), SCADA, and historian systems
• Proven track record in leading SAP-related system integration and rollout projects
• Experience with Microsoft Power Platform (PowerApps, Power BI, Power Automate)
• Knowledge of cybersecurity in industrial systems, MOC governance, and IT auditing practices
• Strong technical communication, independent work ethic, and ability to manage long-cycle projects

Benefits

• Salary: negotiable.

Contact Hire Resolve for your next career‑changing move.

Apply for this role today, contact Sonique Beetge at Hire Resolve or on LinkedIn.

You can also visit the Hire Resolve website: hireresolve.us or email us your CV: [e-mail]

We will contact you telephonically in 3 days should you be suitable for this vacancy. If you are not suitable, we will put your CV on file and contact you regarding any future vacancies that arise.