Sappi Vacancies

To apply, click on the link at the end of the posts and all the best with your applications.

Sappi Engineering Bursary

Sappi Engineering Bursary

Sappi offers undergraduate bursaries for Engineering and Forestry Science degrees at South African universities. 

The Sappi bursary can include tuition, books, accommodation and a living allowance. The value awarded depends on the student’s household income. 

Sappi engineering bursars have the opportunity for vacation work during July and December each year and successful completion enables entry into the Sappi Engineer-in-Training programme.

Bursaries are offered for:

• Chemical Engineering (BSc or BEng)
• Civil Engineering (BSc or BEng)
• Electrical Engineering (BSc or BEng)
• Forestry and Wood Science (BSc)
• Industrial Engineering (BSc or BEng)
• Mechanical Engineering (BSc or BEng)
• Mechatronics Engineering  (BSc or BEng)

Eligibility requirements for a Sappi bursary:

• You must be a South African citizen between the ages of 17 and 25 years old
• You must have completed in Matric or currently be in Matric
• Your must have achieved more than 70% for Maths (not Maths Lit), 70% for Physical Science and 60% for English in Matric or Grade 11 if you are currently in Matric
• You must intend to study full time at a university supported by Sappi for Engineering studies

Preference will be given to applicants from communities surrounding Sappi operations who meet the academic requirements.

Applications for the next academic year close on 9/30/2025..

Production Intern

Are you passionate about Pulp and Paper or Chemical Engineering? We’re seeking a motivated Production Intern who has completed their S4 and is looking to pursue a career in either of these fields.

As a Production Intern, you’ll be responsible for:

• Completing section-specific training as per the position requirements within the agreed timeframe
• Undergoing a general and plant-specific induction
• Completing all legal training required for the mill and your designated section
• Maintaining a high standard of housekeeping in the workplace at all times
• Committing to a 2-year structured training programme

What are we looking for?

• S4 qualification or National Diploma in Pulp and Paper or Chemical Engineering
• Preference will be given to applicants within 50 km of Sappi Ngodwana

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and meet these requirements, we’d love to hear from you!

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Sappi is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. At Sappi, we encourage and support vaccination.

Administration Officer

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 integrity, courage, making smart decisions which we execute with speed. We are seeking unique people who believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.  

We’re on the lookout for an Admin Officer based at Ngodwana Nursery to provide administrative support for the management of the Sappi nursery to ensure nursery objectives are met.
 
As a Admin Officer, you will be responsible for:

• Capture data manually for transport schedules, contractor log sheets, production records, stock records, despatches/sales records, fuel log sheets and e-leave to maintain accurate records
• Generate SAP requisitions and ensure that purchase requisitions, order numbers and tax invoices are processed using SAP to ensure that Vendors are paid in line with company policy and internal procedures
• Establish and maintain an effective procurement system with associated tracking of delivery and processing of related documents to ensure compliance with current finance records 
• Compile a monthly report on safety, diesel issues, time attendance, nursery sales records and procurement for management information
• Ensure that petty cash and general income are administered and controlled in line with company policy
• Receive plant requests from internal and external customers and align requests to orders and plant stocks to ensure an efficient supply of plants
• Schedule delivery of plants according to request from supplier nurseries by arranging logistics or delivery schedules to ensure customer requirements are met
• Reconcile job instructions to nursery despatches to ensure accurate nursery records
• Manage safety systems for the region using Isometrix, Behaviour Based Safety (BBS) and NOSA systems to ensure Sappi safety audit requirements are met 
• Attend monthly SHEQ meetings to provide information on safety, minute take and distribute minutes 
• Compile written safe work procedures (WSWP), Planned Job Observations (PJO) and prework assessment to issue to the safety committee for implementation and completion

What are we looking for?
 

• Grade 12 or equivalent NQF level certificate
• An Administrative qualification will be preferable 
• 3 years minimum relevant experience
• Strong computer literacy with SAP is preferable
• Driver’s license 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 (dependent on upon the role).
• Market leading leave benefits.
• Employee wellbeing benefits.
   

Sappi is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. At Sappi, we encourage and support vaccination.

Knife Grinder

We are looking for a skilled and dedicated Knife Grinder to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for sharpening & casting Softwood & Hardwood Chipper Knives to precise tolerances.

Responsibilities:

• Sharpen and cast Softwood & Hardwood Chipper Knives to the required tolerances (daily).
• Prepare the knife widths at the lead casting station according to the desired specifications and tolerances.
• Record and file quality measurements.
• Operate and maintain the Knife Sharpening Machines according to the best practices.
• Thoroughly understand and follow the procedure for knife preparation and sharpening.
• Communicate any unsafe conditions or deviations from the standard procedure to the Mechanical Maintenance Support.
• Perform housekeeping to an acceptable standard for the Mechanical Maintenance Support.
• Perform any adhoc tasks as may be required by the Mechanical Maintenance Support.

Requirements:

• Grade 12 / N3 (Mathematics and Science).
• Preference will be given to applicants with a valid driver’s license.
• Background in fitting and turning is advantagous.

Ready to make an impact? Apply now!

Sappi is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. At Sappi, we encourage and support vaccination.

IT Technician

We are on the lookout for an experienced IT Technician to provide support and maintenance of the WAN, LAN, network, computers, and peripherals and the resolution of all IT faults logged with the Helpdesk.

As an IT Technician, you will be responsible for:

• Ensures Mill adheres to standards and policies
• Maintaining Safety standards in Department
• Timeous resolution of all IT related faults logged at the Helpdesk.                                                                                                                                                                            
• Investigate, analyse and provide solutions to technical problems.
• Service and maintenance of all computers at Ngodwana Mill and Mpumalanga Forestry sites.
• Assist in Maintenance of all network devices, peripherals and cabling.
• Assist in the implementation of all new network equipment and upgrades.
• Ensure all IT desktop equipment is efficient for required use and operational
• Assist Implementation of Anti-virus software and other packages as required.
• Ensure computers are patched with latest software patches to reduce vulnerabilities.
• Ensure the team is involves in regional and global projects and that targets are met
• Perform standby for all IT related faults after normal business hours.  
• Perform all tasks reasonably requested by the System Administrator (Site Lead)       

What are we looking for?

• Matric coupled with MCSE / IT Diploma
• Minimum 2 years’ experience within a similar role / field

Sappi is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. At Sappi, we encourage and support vaccination.

Fitter

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.

We’re on the lookout for an experienced Fitter to ensure optimum plant availability by practising efficient maintenance, overhauling and repair of all machinery and equipment/ mechanical systems according to engineering specifications and safety standards.

As a Fitter you will be responsible for:

• Maintaining  a high level of good housekeeping in the workplace at all times.
• Reporting all unsafe acts to the Maintenance Foreman, draws spares from Stores – picking list on the computer, etc.
• Fitting, assembling, grinding and shaping metal parts and subassemblies to fabricate production machines and other equipment.
• Performing any other allocated tasks that fall within the scope of a Fitter, will be required to work standby and overtime.
• Identification and development of Annual and Incidental Shut Scope and Execution Programme applicable to all Plants in area of responsibility.
• Doing daily and weekly inspections on equipment according to a detailed Check-List,  will cover breakdowns after hours and weekends on a standby basis.
• Understanding the SHEQ requirements of the Section, investigates incidents (SHEQ) and identifies root causes of non-Conformances and corrects deviations.
• Scheduling maintenance of Plant according to SAP Notifications and Planned Schedules, and does fault finding on systems during breakdowns and repair the problem to keep downtime to a minimum.

What are we looking for?

Relevant Qualifications & Experience

• Matric & N3 Engineering
• Trade Test Certificate as a Mechanical Fitter
• Minimum of five (5) years’ fitting experience with experience in the following fields:
  • hydraulics
  • pumps
  • gearboxes
• Experience within the pulp and paper industry will be and added advantage.

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 (dependent on the role)
• Market-leading leave benefits
• Employee wellbeing benefits

Sappi is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. At Sappi, we encourage and support vaccination.

Waste plant Assistant Operator

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.

We’re on the lookout for a Waste plant Assistant Operator to safely and efficiently ensure a continued supply of waste paper by administrating and liaising with the Waste Plant Outside Operator and customers on the number of loaded and unloaded bales, as well as ensuring the continuous feeding of these bales and loose broke to maintain the waste production levels, in order to supply KLB with good quality fibre.

As a Waste plant Assistant Operator you will be responsible for:

• Receiving and off- loading of waste bales from the trucks. Inspection of incoming waste bales loads.
• Clamp truck inspections and reporting of faults to the Shift Supt.
• Stacking of waste bales according to size and grade into the correct zones.
• Rezoning of waste bales according to the Day Shift Supt. instructions.
• Feeding of waste bales onto the Repulper feed conveyor.
• Do quality checks of waste bales. Moisture measurements and visual inspections.
• Cleaning of process rejects bins.
• Weighbridge ticket collection.
• Rezoning of K3 waste bales to Repulpers for White Top Liner runs.
• General housekeeping of the waste slab.
• Daily waste stock taking
• Ragger rope preparation and change outs.
• Cutting off baling wires prior to feeding into the Repulper.
• Assisting the Outside Operator when process problems occur. Clearing of blockages, replacement of cleaner cones and repairing leaks.
• Cleaning and replacement of process equipment during planned shuts
• Controlling of the process when the Outside Operator is elsewhere occupied or when there is a staff shortage. Operating the overhead crane and give assistance to the engineering personnel

What are we looking for?

• Matric with Maths and Science or N3 Pulp and Paper.
• 0-6 months Plant experience.

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.

Sappi is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. At Sappi, we encourage and support vaccination.

Draughtsman

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.

We’re on the lookout for an experienced Draughtman to create detailed engineering drawings of machinery and plant using computer software to convert the concepts and plans of mill engineers into technical drawings which assist in the seamless implementation of new projects, modifications, and additions within the Mill.

As a Draughtsman, you will be responsible for:

• Complete an on-site inspection of the proposed work area and collect all relevant information by taking measurements and photographs of the work to be completed
• Inspect the position of the existing equipment or pipework to determine if the new installation can be completed without interference or disruption to the existing plant
• Assess the proposed concept and ensure the instructions are clear by communicating with the plant representative at all times
• Liaise with engineers and fabricators with the knowledge of the chief draughtsman to make the necessary improvements on designs and identify ways to make the design stronger, safer, and more cost-effective
• Assign a suitable number to the drawing to be created and enter it into the  drawing register and database with the correct drawing title
• Plan work to be completed according to the lead times set by the engineer requesting the work to submit drawings within the time frames
• Create technical drawings for all engineering disciplines on purpose-designed machinery and as-built equipment using Autocad, Inventor, or Plant 3D on a daily basis
• Create drawings as requested for piping, isometrics, bill of materials, plant layouts, structural, electrical, instruments, and mechanical parts, which are error-free, legible, and easy to understand
• Prepare a material take-off list with clear specifications of quantity, sizes, and material of construction required for tender purposes
• Complete drawings on time according to set Sappi standards and specifications
• Use creative sense to sketch and create drawings as per requirements outlined, if no concept exists, and refer for approval by the chief draughtsman and the requesting engineer
• Deliver drawings on time, adhering to customer requirements to prevent customer complaints and comebacks
• Review the final drawing and cross-check to identify any errors or oversights using the necessary checklists to assist
• Update flowsheets (P&ID) of specific installations, describing all equipment in the plant
• Modify drawings daily for plant, electrical, and instrument machinery on Autocad
• Update and input information on the  Data view system regularly to ensure data is accurate and always available for use
• Provide a service to the mill by creating PDFs and prints of drawings to be issued by the Chief Draughtsman to Engineers, Buyers, and contractors
• Align all drawings created to approved standards of fabrication and safety, including the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).

What are we looking for?

• NQF level 5 (N5 in Draughting, Engineering studies or related equivalent)
• 3 years of relevant experience within a heavy industry engineering environment
• Proficient in the use of AutoCAD, while  Inventor & Plant 3D would be advantageous
• Computer Literate in MS Office suites with experience in SAP is considered 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 (dependent on the role)
• Market-leading leave benefits
• Employee wellbeing benefits

Sappi is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. At Sappi, we encourage and support vaccination.

Maintenance Planner

We are hiring!

We’re on the lookout for an experienced Maintenance Planner to provide an infrastructure for effective maintenance planning, shut planning, failure analysis and maintenance performance reporting at Tugela Mill in order to become a World Class Business.

This role reports directly to the Planning & Development Manager.

The main responsibilities of this job are to:

• Co-ordinate and maintain Shut Schedule for effective forward planning.
• Co-ordinate activities during shuts by liaison with all departments and disciplines (Production, Engineering etc.).
• Coach engineering & production to ensure compliance to Shutdown Business Process.
• Provide detailed shut plans for annual shuts and other shuts.
• Advice Engineers/Foreman on resource requirements from shut plan.
• Reporting on progress and advice on possible delays during shutdowns.
• Note and recording all deviations from plan during shut for post mortem discussion & action.
• Support MDT in all aspects of shut planning and preparation.
• Assist Planning Administrators to ensure compliance to Shut Planning Business Processes.
• Ensure continues improvement by regular audits and updating of shut schedules.
• Establish and co-ordinate action plans to close out non-compliance to shut schedules and shut gaps found on audits.
• Maintain statutory schedules with regards to plant shuts and coordinate and align shuts as per statutory requirements.
• Assist in identifying root causes from shut related incidents back to maintenance schedules and update schedules. (loop closure).
• Develop and manage shut task lists in SAP R/3 for repetitive jobs.
• Develop and implement Shut measurement tools.
• Provide Engineering Manager, Planning & Development Manager, and Engineers with shut performance reports.
• Carry out Shut effectiveness audits.
• Establish and manage action plans to correct areas of non-conformance found on audits.
• Assist outside auditors (CAP, ISO etc) when auditing Shut system.
• Ensure compliance to Shut business processes by regular audits.
• Establish and manage action plans to correct non-compliance found on audits.
• Training and coaching other employees on Shut Business Processes
• Manage integrity of Shut work orders data by regular audits
• Training and coaching other employees on SAP transactions.
• Support MDT with all aspects of Shut planning.
• Responsible to maintain Pressure Vessel Logbook and safekeeping of records and test certificates.

What are we looking for?

Relevant Qualifications & Experience

• Relevant NQF Level 4 with a recognised trade certificate from reputable institutions (Manpower/SETA)
• Trade Tested (Artisan) with a minimum of 3 – 5 years’ experience.
• Computer Literacy (SAP & MS Office)
• Knowledge of maintenance planning systems in the heavy manufacturing industry. Relevant experience is a plus
• In depth knowledge of SAP PM and ability to identify problem areas and recommend improvements in SAP tasks and business processes

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 (dependent on the role)
• Market-leading leave benefits
• Employee wellbeing benefits

Sappi is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. At Sappi, we encourage and support vaccination.

Mechanical Foreman

We are searching for talent!

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.  

We are on the lookout for experienced Mechanical Foremen to supervise the activities of the mechanical team, ensure equipment reliability, manage rotable equipment and other related activities to be carried out for plant availability.  

As a Mechanical Foreman you will be responsible for: 

• Short-term planning and annual shut planning
• Safety, health, and environmental issues
• Managing and prioritising maintenance process compliance on SAP
• Continuous improvement of the Mechanical maintenance function
• Budget management and control
• Monitoring the performance of the mechanical team
• Fault finding and troubleshooting on equipment to minimise downtime
• Accurate reporting
• Overseeing the learning and development of Artisans, Repairmen, and Apprentices in the team

What are we looking for?

• Full N4 Certificate or equivalent
• Mechanical Trade Test Certificate (Fitter & Turner, Fitter, Millwright)
• 7 years experience as a Trade Tested Artisan in a heavy industry environment
• 2 years of mechanical plant maintenance experience at the supervisory/leadership level
• Experience in the Pulp & Paper industry is an advantage
• SAP PM experience is an advantage
• Valid driving licence

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 (dependent on upon the role).
•    Market leading leave benefits.
•    Employee wellbeing benefits.
 
If you are resilient and energetic and looking for a new challenge at competitive market rates, click on apply now to put your name in the talent pool.

TALENT POOL: This means that your application will go into a talent pool to be considered for future vacancies that become available.  
 

Sappi is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. At Sappi, we encourage and support vaccination.

Mechanical Technician 

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.

We’re on the lookout for experienced Mechanical Technicians to assist the Maintenance Engineer and Foremen by carrying out OHS Act legal compliance statutory inspections and tasks, various mechanical project work, maintenance tasks, technical investigations, and management tasks.

As a Mechanical Technician, you will be responsible for:

• Drawing up/updating technical specifications/procedures, Capital and Renewal applications and enquiry documents
• Adjudicating quotations and is also be part of the selection of the successful contractor.
• Managing Capital and Renewal projects. 
• Updating plant mechanical drawings in consultation with the plant Foremen.
• Carring out technical investigations/feasibility studies and investigate maintenance problems, producing reports containing detailed recommendations and changes to maintenance plans.
• Provide specialist maintenance skills (SME – Subject Matter Expert) to section (in terms of specific plant and equipment where basic mechanical skills and particularly knowledge are lacking).
• Fault finding on plant and equipment not performing to OEM specifications.
• Fault finding related to plant and equipment causing production stoppages or reduced capacity throughput.
• Working without direct supervision but keep the Engineer fully informed as and where necessary.
• Assisting with plant breakdowns where necessary provide support to plant Foremen, manage sections pending situations, also carry out/perform standby duties.
• The coordination of all statutory inspections (e.g. structural inspections, pressure vessel inspections, pressurised system inspections, etc.).
• Observing company safety policies and procedures under OHS Act and IRCA.
• Utilising all Sappi’s systems in the execution of the maintenance strategy and realisation of the objectives.
• Assisting the Maintenance Engineer with the preparation of the maintenance budget.
• Executing work on shuts.
• Supervising of work being done during shuts.
• Investigating the root cause/s of frequent failures and/or high-cost maintenance equipment where solutions are derived and implemented.
• Identifying and executing cost-saving projects.
• Doing plant inspections and performing lockout audits.
• Assisting in reviewing and optimising existing maintenance scheduls.
• Assisting in developing maintenance schedules on newly installed equipment.
• Developing Best practices/QCPs for the maintenance activities.
• Doing Mill Wide Mechanical Technician standby duties as and when required.

 What are we looking for?

• NQF6: N. Diploma / NH Dip. Mechanical Engineering.

• 3-5 Years of practical experience.
• Pulp and Paper Industry experience is 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 (dependent on the role) 
• Market-leading leave benefits 
• Employee wellbeing benefits 

If you are resilient and energetic and looking for a new challenge at competitive market rates, click on apply now to put your name in the talent pool.

Sappi is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. At Sappi, we encourage and support vaccination.

Click here to apply

We wish you all the best with your applications