Engineering Manager

The Engineering Manager – Mills is responsible for maintaining and continuously improving maintenance systems to ensure maximum plant availability, operational efficiency and asset reliability at the mill.

The role plays a critical leadership function in supporting the company’s Operational Excellence strategy by optimising plant performance, managing engineering and maintenance teams, driving continuous improvement initiatives and ensuring compliance with safety, environmental and regulatory standards.

The incumbent will lead maintenance and engineering activities, manage capital expenditure planning, and ensure that plant assets operate safely, efficiently and sustainably.

• Lead the maintenance and engineering function to ensure optimal plant performance and asset reliability.

• Develop and implement maintenance strategies aligned to best practice and international standards.

• Manage preventative, predictive and corrective maintenance programmes to maximise plant availability.

• Implement effective maintenance philosophies such as Reliability Centred Maintenance (RCM) or Total Productive Maintenance (TPM).

• Manage engineering contracts, maintenance plans and technical projects within the mill.

• Identify opportunities for technology improvements, innovation and process optimisation.

• Manage departmental budgets, forecasting and financial reporting.

• Drive cost optimisation through improved maintenance efficiency and asset management.

• Ensure responsible capital expenditure planning and management of engineering CAPEX projects.

• Improve plant productivity while controlling maintenance costs.

• Support the implementation of operational excellence initiatives across the mill.

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives such as TQM, OE, SHEQ and competency development.

• Promote a culture of efficiency, innovation and operational discipline.

• Contribute to plant-level strategic planning and performance KPIs.

• Lead, develop and manage high-performing engineering and maintenance teams.

• Provide coaching, mentoring and performance management to ensure continuous development.

• Create an environment that promotes engagement, accountability and teamwork.

• Manage labour relations effectively in a unionised environment, ensuring adherence to collective agreements and company policies.

• Recruit, retain and develop technical talent within the department.

• Build strong partnerships with internal stakeholders including Production, Supply Chain, Finance, SHERQ and Human Capital.

• Ensure effective collaboration between production and maintenance teams to optimise plant operations.

• Manage relationships with external contractors, service providers and relevant stakeholders.

• Ensure compliance with all applicable legislation and regulations including OHSA, NEMA, LRA, BCEA and SDA.

• Maintain adherence to ISO, safety, environmental and governance requirements.

• Ensure plant and equipment operate efficiently to reduce energy and water consumption.

• Minimise environmental impact and support sustainable operations.

• Initiate and manage engineering improvement and capital projects.

• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and aligned to operational requirements.