Lead Mechanical Engineer

Job Advert Summary

KEY ACTIVITIES:

Sustainability & Strategic Leadership

• Lead and coordinate sustainability initiatives focused on Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions reduction.
• Develop and implement sustainability improvement plans aligned with business objectives.
• Drive initiatives that reduce carbon footprint, water consumption, and waste generation.
• Research, evaluate, and implement emerging technologies that improve sustainability performance.
• Support strategic planning and provide annual sustainability-related CAPEX input.

Engineering & Project Management

• Lead feasibility studies, conceptual designs, and business cases for strategic projects.
• Manage the design, development, implementation, and commissioning of sustainability-focused capital projects.
• Ensure sustainable engineering principles are incorporated into all capital investments.
• Provide engineering expertise for process optimisation, equipment selection, and system reliability improvements.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives relating to safety, quality, productivity, reliability, and cost optimisation.

Operational Excellence

• Provide engineering support to manufacturing operations to achieve world-class reliability and efficiency.
• Challenge existing processes and identify opportunities for operational improvement.
• Apply best-practice engineering methodologies and project management principles.
• Facilitate risk assessments, HAZOP studies, and mitigation plans across operations.
• Ensure compliance with SHERQ, safety, environmental, and governance requirements.

People Leadership

• Mentor, coach, and develop engineering teams.
• Provide technical guidance and support to colleagues and stakeholders.
• Communicate business strategy, departmental goals, and sustainability objectives effectively.
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide subject matter expertise for complex operational challenges.

Support management through technical reporting, presentations, and strategic recommendations.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• BSc or BTech Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Chemical Engineering.
• Relevant postgraduate qualification in management or a related field.
• Matric (Grade 12).

Experience

• Minimum 15 years’ experience in Process Engineering within a continuous process manufacturing environment.
• Proven management and leadership experience in an industrial/manufacturing setting.
• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale engineering and sustainability projects.
• Experience in process optimisation, utilities engineering, and continuous improvement initiatives

Knowledge & Technical Expertise

• Advanced knowledge of sustainability practices, including Scope 1, 2 and 3 initiatives.
• Strong understanding of utilities optimisation and energy efficiency.
• Experience in project engineering and project management.
• Knowledge of equipment design, process design, and manufacturing operations.
• Understanding of environmental impact management and sustainability reporting.
• Knowledge of HAZOP, HACCP, and ISO 9000/14000/18000 standards.

Duties and Responsibilities