Snr Process Controller

Sappi; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 960,000; Full time

Job summary

Sappi is seeking a Snr Process Controller to oversee start-up, shutdown, and stable plant operations in our Pulp and Paper production facility in Mpumalanga. You will optimise performance, manage rate changes, and address deviations while ensuring safety, quality and environmental standards are met.

You will lead and develop operations staff, manage shutdowns and maintenance plans, and ensure accurate master data, work orders, and compliance with MOC processes.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years' manufacturing experience in Pulp and Paper industry.
• Chemical cellulose experience will be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Ensure effective start-up and shutdown of production equipment and maintain stable plant operations in accordance with operating procedures and best practices.
• Optimise plant performance and production efficiency within current operating constraints, including raw material and service availability, while ensuring the efficiency of the assigned section.
• Manage and control production operations, including implementing rate changes, identifying process deviations, and ensuring equipment faults are reported and addressed promptly.
• Manage planned and incidental shutdowns, maintenance break-ins and breakdowns, including reviewing shut lists and maintenance plans, compiling start-up/shutdown plans, and ensuring effective execution.
• Ensure compliance with Safety, Health, Environment and Quality requirements by identifying and managing risks, enforcing safety business processes and procedures, and ensuring adherence to BBS and PJO requirements.
• Lead and develop operational personnel by effectively managing available resources, maximising capacity, coaching and mentoring team members, and testing and authorising new and re‑licensed operators.
• Ensure effective Management of Change (MOC) for plant equipment, operating procedures and DCS software, ensuring changes are properly assessed, authorised, implemented and controlled.
• Ensure compliance and accuracy of operational systems and data by maintaining accurate master data, notifications and work orders, and complying with all relevant business processes.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Chemical cellulose experience

Education

National Diploma in Pulp and Paper/Chemical Engineering or related fields

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.

As a Snr Process Controller, you will be responsible for:

• Ensure effective start-up and shutdown of production equipment and maintain stable plant operations in accordance with operating procedures and best practices.
• Optimise plant performance and production efficiency within current operating constraints, including raw material and service availability, while ensuring the efficiency of the assigned section.
• Manage and control production operations, including implementing rate changes, identifying process deviations, and ensuring equipment faults are reported and addressed promptly.
• Manage planned and incidental shutdowns, maintenance break-ins and breakdowns, including reviewing shut lists and maintenance plans, compiling start-up/shutdown plans, and ensuring effective execution.
• Ensure compliance with Safety, Health, Environment and Quality requirements by identifying and managing risks, enforcing safety business processes and procedures, and ensuring adherence to BBS and PJO requirements.
• Lead and develop operational personnel by effectively managing available resources, maximising capacity, coaching and mentoring team members, and testing and authorising new and re‑licensed operators.
• Ensure effective Management of Change (MOC) for plant equipment, operating procedures and DCS software, ensuring changes are properly assessed, authorised, implemented and controlled.
• Ensure compliance and accuracy of operational systems and data by maintaining accurate master data, notifications and work orders, and complying with all relevant business processes.

What are we looking for?

• Relevant National Diploma in Pulp and Paper/Chemical Engineering or related fields.
• Minimum of two (2) years' manufacturing experience in Pulp and Paper industry.
• Chemical Cellulose experience will be advantageous.

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.