Papermaker

About this role

Sappi, a global producer of sustainable woodfibre products, is hiring a Papermaker at its Ngodwana site. You will set and maintain the standards for paper machine set-up and running, and give technical support to the mill teams whose work affects machine performance.

What you’ll do

• Write, update and roll out standard operating procedures for the paper machine, and make sure every shift team is trained to follow them.
• Act as the subject matter expert, giving technical advice to solve operational problems and improve machine performance.
• Look after machine clothing and related equipment, such as doctors, ropes, felts, dryer screens, cleaner cones, wires and cutting knives.
• Plan shutdowns, make sure work is scoped and executed safely, oversee isolations and issue work permits.
• Troubleshoot process issues, analyse operating data and put improvements in place for efficiency and product quality.
• Coach and develop employees, run theoretical and practical assessments, and assess candidates for operating licences.
• Investigate customer complaints quickly, find root causes and put corrective actions in place.

What you need

• Matric (Grade 12) with Maths and Physical Science, or an N3 in Pulp and Paper.
• A Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Pulp and Paper Technology or a related field, or eight years’ supervisory experience on a paper machine.
• At least twelve years of relevant experience in the pulp and paper industry.
• Experience in technical research and applying papermaking principles is advantageous.

Is this job for you?

This role suits an experienced paper industry professional who enjoys technical problem-solving and coaching others. It is a good fit if you have spent many years on a paper machine and want to shape how a team runs it.

Tips before you apply

• Have your matric certificate, N3 results or BTech certificate, and proof of your years of experience, ready to upload.
• Show your paper machine experience year by year on your CV, including any supervisory roles and the machines you ran.
• Give examples of past shutdowns, troubleshooting or customer complaints you solved, and state the results you achieved.

Something extra

Sappi offers learning and development programmes, opportunities to travel, market-leading leave and employee wellbeing benefits.