E & I ENGINEER (MM)

Introduction

Umfolozi Sugar Mill (USM) is an iconic sugar mill located in Mtubatuba, 48km from Richards Bay and 30kms from St Lucia. It is nestled between the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site on the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal and the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park inland. Founded in 1913, USM has become a leading producer of high-quality VHP brown sugar, crushing more than 1.3 million tons of cane per season, producing 135,000 tons of VHP sugar and 40,000 tons of molasses

USM is seeking a highly motivated E & I Engineer to lead the Electrical and Instrumentation (E&I) functions within a heavy industrial manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for ensuring the safe, reliable, and cost-effective operation and maintenance of electrical, instrumentation, automation, control, and protection systems while supporting plant production, asset reliability, and continuous improvement objectives.

Duties & Responsibilities

KEY FOCUS AREAS

• Leading the Electrical and Instrumentation teams to achieve high performance and operational excellence.

• Managing maintenance & asset reliability programmes to maximise plant availability & equipment performance.

• Ensuring continuity & reliability of power generation, steam production, process control systems, & critical plant utilities.

• Managing electrical distribution networks, substations, transformers, automation, instrumentation, & high-voltage systems.

• Overseeing process safety, protection systems, & statutory compliance requirements.

• Driving health, safety, environmental, & risk management initiatives to support a zero-harm culture.

• Managing departmental budgets, maintenance planning, shutdowns, projects, & spare parts strategies.

• Leading continuous improvement, capital projects, innovation, & technology enhancement initiatives.

• Monitoring & reporting on key performance indicators, asset performance, maintenance effectiveness, & operational efficiency.

Desired Experience & Qualification

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• BTech or BSc Degree in Electrical Engineering (Heavy Current).

• Government Certificate of Competency (Factories).

• Completion of an Engineer-in-Training programme.

• Minimum 5 years' experience in a heavy industrial, manufacturing, or engineering environment.

• Proven experience in maintenance management, asset reliability, and condition-based monitoring.

• Sound knowledge of planned maintenance systems and maintenance best practices.

• Strong technical problem-solving and fault-finding skills.

• Demonstrated leadership and people management capability.

• Experience in power generation and/or the sugar industry will be advantageous.

• Strong leadership and decision-making ability.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Strategic thinking with a hands-on operational approach.

• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.

• A commitment to safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.

• Results-driven performance and accountability.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Package & Remuneration

Applications accompanied by a detailed CV and proof of qualifications may be submitted to the Human Resources Executive at careers@usm.co.za

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 30 SEPTEMBER 2026

This appointment will be made in accordance with the USM’s EE Plan. Should you not receive any response within one month of this closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful. Umfolozi Sugar Mill (Pty) Ltd reserves the right not to make an appointment to the position as advertised.