Position: Extraction Manager

Company: Umfolozi Sugar Mill (Pty) Ltd

Location: Zululand, 30 kms from St Lucia and 48 km’s from Richards Bay

Department: Extraction

Vacancy: Extraction Manager

Company Overview

Umfolozi Sugar Mill (Pty) Ltd is a leading sugar producer located in the heart of Zululand in the beautiful province of KwaZulu-Natal. With over 50 years of experience, we are committed to producing high-quality sugar while maintaining sustainable and ethical business practises.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Extraction Manager to join our team and lead the operations and maintenance of our extraction department. The successful candidate will have strong technical competency, leadership skills, and a background in heavy industry engineering. They must be self-motivated, a team player, and passionate about continuous improvement, quality workmanship, and safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the extraction operations and maintenance teams.
• Oversee the operation and maintenance of cane preparation, juice extraction, and de-watering Mill plants.
• Implement planned and routine maintenance strategies to improve plant availability.
• Control the maintenance and operating budgets for both the season and off-crop periods.
• Maintain a safe working environment and implement effective safety procedures for the extraction operations and maintenance teams.
• Investigate problems and propose competent technical solutions.

Requirements

• B Tech / BEng/ BSc degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• Government Certificate of Competence (GCC Factories) will be an added advantage.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a heavy engineering environment, preferably in the sugar industry.
• Proven ability to effectively manage capital projects and plant modifications.
• Good understanding of milling and diffuser operations and maintenance.
• Asset management and condition-based monitoring experience.
• Ability to lead and motivate the Maintenance and Operations teams.
• Knowledge and experience of planned maintenance systems.
• Sugar industry experience will be an added advantage.
• Good technical fault-finding and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft packages.
• Knowledge and experience of food safety standards (ISO 22000) will be advantageous.