Saypro – Automation & Digital Lead – Saypro

Saypro; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading multinational company in South Africa is looking for an Automation & Digital Lead. This role is focused on overseeing the design, installation, and maintenance of control systems and automation projects. As part of a dynamic team, you will be responsible for driving improvements and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Ideal candidates will have at least 5 years of experience, strong project management skills, and expertise in PLC systems. Join us to play a pivotal role in enhancing our operations.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Training and development

Health benefits

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in automation/digital roles in manufacturing or FMCG.
• Strong understanding of PLC with minimum 3 years experience.
• Familiarity with IT/OT systems and networking.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement hardware/software for control systems.
• Lead automation and digitalization projects from concept to commissioning.
• Train maintenance personnel on new control systems.

Skills

Strategic mindset

Project management skills

Analytical and problem-solving

Communication skills

Knowledge of Industry 4.0

Education

B.Sc Electrical Engineering

B.Tech Electrical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

SAP / PMS

PLC (Siemens, Allen Bradley)

Job description

# SayPro – Automation & Digital Lead – SayPro* Neftaly Malatjie | CEO | SayPro* Email : Call / WhatsApp : Anywhere* Posted byUnilever is Hiring for Automation & Digital LeadFunction : Supply ChainReports to : Engineering ManagerScope : LocalLocation : BoksburgTerms & Conditions : Full Time, factory based

ABOUT UNILEVER

With 3.4 billion people in over countries using our products every day, Unilever is a business that makes a real impact on the world.

Work on brands that are loved and improve the lives of our consumers and the communities around us.

We are driven by our purpose : to make sustainable living commonplace, and it is our belief that doing business the right way drives superior performance.

At the heart of what we do is our people – we believe that when our people work with purpose, we will create a better business and a better world.

At Unilever, your career will be a unique journey, grounded in our inclusive, collaborative, and flexible working environment.

We don't believe in the 'one size fits all' approach and instead we will equip you with the tools you need to shape your own future.

JOB PURPOSE

This role exists to design, install, commission and maintain hardware & software for control systems and instrumentation systems.

To perform engineering-related projects and design out recurring engineering problems.

You’ll be part of a team that believes in doing work that matters — for people and the planet.

Because here, we don't just hire for jobs.

We invite you to be part of something bigger.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Hardware / Software Design, Installation and Commissioning – designs and implements hardware and software taking into consideration the human / machine interface, i.e. how the operators will interact with the process.
• Investigates the availability of hardware and software on the market.
• Selects which hardware / software to use in the factory in terms of availability, wiring and equipment correspondence with material in use in the factory.
• Plans the new system with the assistance of instrument technicians.
• Recommends opportunities for improvement in respect to production problems.
• Makes decisions regarding the final design taking into consideration the requirements of the legislation.
• Lead automation and digitalization projects from concept through commissioning.
• Interfaces with OEMs, system integrators, and cross‑functional teams to deliver solutions on time and within budget.
• Ensures robust FAT / SAT, control narratives, and documentation for all automation‑related projects.
• Maintains and optimizes PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, historians, and industrial networks (e.g., Profinet, Ethernet / IP).
• Ensures system reliability, backups, patch management, and compliance with cybersecurity requirements.
• Oversees OT / IT convergence in alignment with corporate digital strategy.
• Maintains control system operational by fault finding, correcting faults and documenting system changes.
• Responsible for the system’s integrity, backups and DRP’s.
• Documents operations training manuals for the training of users.
• Trains maintenance personnel and operating personnel on maintenance and operation of new control systems.
• Raises the budget and ensures that the project remains within budget.
• Interprets relevant laws and standards and ensures that they are implemented and adhered to.
• Investigates accidents and incidents and draws up reports.
• Operates within the framework of NOSA and OHS, SHEACO Acts, and work permit procedures.
• Co‑ordinates the work of instrument mechanics and technicians during the installation and commissioning phase of the project.
• Builds site capability through training of engineering teams, technicians, and operators on automation and digital tools.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• B.Sc Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Control Systems / Industrial Automation Engineering / B.Tech Electrical Engineering.
• 5+ years of experience of instrument control, automation / Digital roles in Manufacturing or FMCG.
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access) & SAP / PMS (Plant maintenance systems).
• Strong understanding of PLC – minimum 3 years (Siemens, Allen Bradley, Schneider).
• Familiarity with IT / OT systems, data architecture, and networking (VPNs, firewalls, OPC, MQTT, etc.).
• Support, guide and drive OHS and SHE regulations and standards and ensure compliance.

SKILLS

• Strategic mindset and ability to align digital strategy with factory priorities.
• Strong project management skills (agile or waterfall).
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Experience with industrial data systems (e.g., OSIsoft PI, Ignition, etc.).
• Working knowledge of Industry 4.0, IIoT, and Smart Factory principles.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Critical SOL (Standards of Leadership) Behaviors.

LEADERSHIP

• Always brings their best self.
• Has emotional intelligence to take feedback, manage mood and motivations, and build empathy for others.
• Sets high standards for themselves.
• Humility, understanding that leadership is service to others.
• Focus on what counts – setting clear and stretching goals and recognising maximum performance impact.
• Generates intensity and focus to motivate people to deliver results at speed.
• Being always curious and confident – anticipating and staying ahead of consumer needs and external trends to beat the competition.
• Approaches delivery with an iterative and incremental, test–do–learn approach.
• Has an owner's mindset, using data and insight to make decisions.
• Delivers with excellence – everything they do with excellence and pace.
• Takes personal responsibility and accountability for execution and results.
• Prioritises work on value to customer.
• Comprehensive understanding of Agile principles, values, methodologies, and practices that enable agility.
• Experiments with these in their own delivery.