Technical Specialist (Chemical Engineer) at SASA

The Cane Testing Service (CTS) provides a specialist service under contract to individual Mill Group Boards to determine the quality of individual grower cane deliveries to the mill for cane payment purposes. This analytical chemistry service assesses the recoverable value content in cane delivered to the mill by growers, providing a neutral and objective basis on which to calculate recoverable value payment by miller to grower. The CTS also provides a technical audit of the distribution between millers and growers ensuring fair and equitable division of proceeds.

 

Leading the technical audit team is a Technical Manager and CTS is currently looking to secure the services of a suitable candidate in this regard.
Reporting to the General Manager, the key functions of this position is to provide strategic technical direction and specialised technical support. The position focuses on continuous improvement of control systems and practices to underpin precise and consistent technical performance. The hallmark of CTS has always been customer service par excellence so this position will be directly responsible for spearheading project management and special investigations within CTS to enhance customer focus and responsiveness.

 

Your key performance areas will include:

• Strategic planning in conjunction with senior management regarding operational efficiencies.
• Audit all aspects of sampling, analytical routines and equipment to ensure compliance and/or maintenance of Official Methods.
• To review all technical audit reports and determine any non-compliance with Official Methods and develop and implement an appropriate corrective action plan.
• To continuously improve data integrity, security and distribution.
• To progress technical understanding of laboratory operations by training Cane Testing Service employees in the theory and practice as per Work Instructions and Official Methods.
• Providing guidance and support in ensuring legal compliance to OHASA and SHE stipulations.
• Continually drive improvements in process design and operational performance.

 

The nature of this position requires a qualified Chemical Engineer so applicants must have a BSc (Chemical Engineering) together with:

• A minimum of 4yrs experience in a plant environment.
• Proven technical and project management experience.
• A sound knowledge of quality assurance principles and relevant health and safety legislation.
• Ability to communicate technical information to a diverse audience drawing on sound understanding of scientific principles in solving complex technical problems.
• Ability to interpret relevant data and to apply specialised knowledge to ensure required information is provided.
• Willingness to travel extensively throughout the sugar industry.
• Able to spend extended periods away from home.

 

Application Procedures

If you would like to take your career forward, then begin by visitingwww.sasa.org.za. Navigate to the Careers @ SASA page and follow the relevant link from there. Please feel welcome to attach a comprehensive CV when making your submission as this will assist our short-listing process. Helpful to the process will also be an indication of your current total guaranteed remuneration package and any variable benefits.

SASA follows a comprehensive recruitment process that includes the formal assessment of cognitive abilities and preferred behavioural styles, undertaken by an internationally acknowledged organisation in such assessments.

 

The ideal candidate will have the following competencies:
Ability

• review all technical audit reports and determine any non-compliance with Official Methods and develop and implement appropriate corrective action
• interpret relevant data and apply specialised knowledge to ensure required information is provided
• communicate technical information to a diverse audience drawing on sound understanding of scientific principles
• provide guidance and support in ensuring legal compliance to OHASA and SHE stipulations.
• continually drive improvements in process design and operational performance.
• progress technical understanding of laboratory operations by training employees in relevant laboratory aspects

 

Experience
making persuasive and compelling technical presentations
technical troubleshooting

 

Knowledge
project management principles and techniques
The South African Sugar Association (SASA) provides a diverse range of highly specialised services to the South African sugar industry and our activities are funded in the main by the sugarcane growers and sugar milling companies. Our mission is to provide specialist services that enhance the profitability, global competitiveness and sustainability of the South African sugar industry.

Apply online before 04/04/2014.
Please note that Recruiters may delete or expire jobs at any time.