Join Sappi as a Senior Maintenance Engineer in Umkomaas
| Job Title: | Senior Maintenance Engineer (Mill Finishing & Recovery) |
|---|---|
| Date: | Closes 30 April 2025 |
| Location: | Umkomaas, South Africa – Sappi Saiccor Mill |
| Salary: | Market-Related |
| Company: | Sappi Southern Africa |
| Employment Type: | Full-time, Permanent |
Introduction
Looking to take the next big step in your engineering career? Sappi Southern Africa is hiring a Senior Maintenance Engineer to join its dynamic team at the Saiccor Mill in Umkomaas. This is a golden opportunity to work with a global leader in sustainable woodfibre solutions. Known for its innovation and environmentally-conscious manufacturing, Sappi offers long-term career growth, world-class infrastructure, and a chance to make a meaningful impact in the industry. If you’re passionate about engineering careers and want to work where your skills drive real-world change, this role is for you.
About the Role
As a Senior Maintenance Engineer, you’ll play a critical role in ensuring plant efficiency, safety, and reliability. You’ll be the go-to expert for engineering support, statutory compliance, proactive maintenance strategies, and cost-effective solutions. Your leadership will help maintain smooth operations across the Mill Finishing and Recovery sections, while ensuring all systems adhere to ISO and OHSAS standards. In addition to managing engineering projects, you’ll drive continuous improvement initiatives, reduce downtime, and oversee equipment upgrades—all contributing to higher plant performance and reduced operational risk.
Who Should Apply
This role is ideal for experienced professionals who have a solid background in electrical or mechanical engineering within the heavy industry or manufacturing space. If you’ve managed multidisciplinary maintenance teams and enjoy tackling technical challenges while leading others, Sappi offers the environment and support to thrive. You’ll need a strategic mindset, problem-solving abilities, and a proactive approach to engineering. Experience with paper machinery is a big plus, but what matters most is your drive to improve systems and mentor your team to excellence in a fast-paced, high-tech environment.
Skills & Requirements
To succeed in this position, you must meet the following criteria:
- BSc/BEng/BTech/Advanced Diploma in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering
- 5–10 years’ engineering experience in a manufacturing or heavy industrial setting
- At least 5 years leading multidisciplinary maintenance teams
- Government Certificate of Competency (GCC) – a must-have
- Project management skills and ability to oversee large-scale equipment upgrades
- MDP qualification or similar leadership training is advantageous
- Familiarity with systems like ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 50001, ISO 55001, and OHSAS18000
- Paper machine experience will be a strong advantage
Candidates should also be comfortable using reliability monitoring tools, conducting root cause analyses, and preparing business cases for improvements.
Benefits
Sappi offers more than just a job—it offers a career path. As part of the Sappi team, you’ll enjoy:
- Competitive salary package
- Robust learning and development programs
- Opportunities to grow within an international brand
- Support for personal and professional growth
- Workplace culture that prioritizes safety, inclusion, and employee wellbeing
- Generous leave benefits and wellness support
- The pride of contributing to one of the world’s most sustainable paper companies
With over 80 years in business, Sappi is a name associated with excellence, innovation, and commitment to community and the environment. If you value smart engineering and long-term impact, this is where you belong.
How to Apply
Interested in joining the Sappi team? Head over to the official Sappi careers website and navigate to the current vacancies section. Search for the job title “Senior Maintenance Engineer (Mill Finishing & Recovery)” and click on the listing. Make sure to submit your application before the deadline on 30 April 2025. Prepare your updated CV, proof of qualifications, and any supporting documents to stand out. Be sure to showcase your experience in maintenance production, change management, and engineering service excellence.
Closing Thoughts
This opportunity at Sappi Saiccor Mill is more than just another job—it’s a chance to be part of something global, sustainable, and deeply impactful. If you’re an engineer looking to lead change, build smarter systems, and grow your career in a supportive environment, don’t let this pass you by. Sappi is looking for people who are ready to shape the future of engineering, and that could be you. Take action today—apply now and unlock your next big move.
Apply Now
