Materials Manager Job at Sappi

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure full SHEQ compliance, maintain high housekeeping standards, uphold legal requirements, and investigate incidents to drive corrective actions.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate risks through proactive risk management and action planning.
• Oversee Engineering Spares, Raw Materials, and all MRO operations to support mill-wide performance objectives.
• Manage and optimise stores resources, stock levels, transport services, and rotable repair systems to ensure continuous plant support.
• Ensure accuracy and compliance across all material management systems (SIN, XCPIM) and maintain high-quality master data.
• Develop, implement, and review policies, procedures, and work instructions within the Materials Management function.
• Prepare and manage operational budgets, monitor working capital, and lead stock optimisation initiatives, including reduction of redundant materials.
• Lead, develop, and coach team members while managing discipline, succession planning, and overall capability growth.

Minimum Qualifications

• NQF Level 7 qualification in Engineering, Inventory Management, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Strong working knowledge of SAP is advantageous.

Minimum Experience

• 8–10 years’ experience in an engineering, manufacturing, or industrial environment.
• 5–8 years proven experience in materials management, including inventory control, warehouse operations, and stock optimisation (experience with consignment stock and contracts is an advantage).
• Minimum 5 years supervisory or management experience.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex, high-volume stores with strict compliance, accuracy, and safety requirements.
• Experience collaborating with maintenance, production, and planning teams to support plant reliability and operational continuity.
• Continuous improvement exposure (Lean, 5S, or similar) will be advantageous.