Project Manager

COFCO International is a global agri-business with a clear vision, strong values and a positive culture, focused on being a leader in the global grains, oilseeds and sugar supply chains. We provide the food the world needs in a responsible way. Headquartered is Geneva, Switzerland, we are ambitious, with the right structures and culture to meet the world's increasing and changing needs. With 11,000+ people in 35 countries, our global portfolio includes assets across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. We trade with over 50 nations, while providing farmers unique direct access to the growing Chinese market.

Company: COFCO International South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Vacancy:   Project Manager

Location: Standerton, South Africa

Department: Production

Job Purpose

The Project Manager will be responsible for planning, coordinating and executing plant engineering projects within an operating manufacturing environment. The role ensures that projects are delivered safely, within scope, on time and within budget, while supporting plant reliability, operational readiness, compliance and continuous improvement.

Key Performance Areas

Project Planning & Execution

• Plan, schedule, coordinate and manage plant engineering projects to ensure delivery within approved scope, timeline and budget.
• Develop project scopes, objectives, schedules, budgets and resource plans.
• Lead project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and close-out.
• Ensure that projects follow the required Front-End Loading stages during development and implementation

Technical & Engineering Oversight

• Review and approve engineering drawings, technical documents, layouts, specifications and contractor submissions.
• Ensure all engineering designs, specifications, standards and installations are technically sound, feasible and compliant.
• Provide technical engineering support to operations, maintenance and project teams.
• Evaluate technical risks, alternatives and practical implementation options.

Plant Integration & Operational Readiness

• Ensure projects are integrated into the operating plant with minimal disruption to production, utilities, maintenance activities and process safety requirements.
•  Assess plant tie-ins, layout implications, utility requirements and operational impacts.
•  Coordinate implementation plans with production, maintenance, EHS and relevant departments.
•  Support handover preparation, operator readiness and maintenance preparedness

Risk, Safety & Compliance

• Identify, assess and mitigate engineering and project risks while ensuring compliance with OHS legislation, engineering standards and company procedures.
• Conduct project risk assessments and hazard reviews.
• Monitor contractor safety performance and implement corrective actions where necessary.
• Ensure safe execution of site work, installation, testing and commissioning activities

Financial Management

• Prepare CAPEX submissions and technical financial justifications.
• Track project spending and monitor cost variances.
• Support forecasting, cost control, and commercial evaluation of alternatives.
• Review contractor costs, variation orders, and project claims.

Stakeholder, Contractor & Supplier Management

• Manage communication and working relationships with internal stakeholders, contractors, consultants and suppliers to support successful project execution.
• Coordinate contractors and suppliers during planning and execution.
• Communicate changes, priorities and execution status to stakeholders.
• Manage contractor performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations, safety requirements, project schedules, quality standards and site rules.

Project Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate project documentation, approvals, technical records, progress reports, change logs and close-out documentation.
• Prepare progress reports, audit inputs and close-out reports.
• Ensure drawings, manuals, certificates and technical documents are updated and stored correctly.

Change Management & Scope Control

• Control changes to project scope, schedule, cost and technical requirements to avoid uncontrolled deviations and protect project integrity.
• Facilitate change requests and assess technical, operational, schedule and cost impacts.
• Update plans and documentation following approved changes.
• Escalate significant changes or risks for decision-making.

Commissioning, Shutdown & Handover

• Coordinate shutdown execution, installation, testing, commissioning, snag resolution, training and structured handover to end users and maintenance teams.
• Develop shutdown and commissioning procedures.
• Supervise on-site work for safety, quality and technical compliance.
• Ensure final handover includes manuals, training, as-built documentation and maintenance requirements.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• Grade 12.
• BEng / BSc Eng / BTech in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Instrumentation, Process or related Engineering field.
• 8–10 years’ relevant experience in plant engineering, projects or industrial manufacturing environments.
• Proven experience in CAPEX projects, installation supervision, shutdown planning, commissioning and contractor coordination in an operating plant environment.
• Experience in engineering risk management, technical problem solving and plant modification projects.

Advantageous Requirements

• GCC
• Experience in soya / sunflower crush plants or edible oil extraction plants.
• SAP / CMMS / project controls exposure.

Knowledge and Experience

• Strong engineering and technical competence in a plant / manufacturing environment.
• Good understanding of engineering codes, standards, drawings, specifications and installation practices.
• Sound knowledge of plant equipment, utilities, shutdown planning, commissioning principles and contractor supervision.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Good communication, organisation, planning and time management skills.
• In-depth understanding of safety standards, permit requirements and statutory compliance within industrial operations.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and coordinate cross-functional stakeholders.
• Financial awareness in budgeting, forecasting and project cost control

Essential Skills

• Technical expertise and practical engineering judgement.
• Strong planning and execution capability.
• Attention to detail and quality focus.
• Ability to work under pressure and during shutdown / commissioning periods.
• Strong stakeholder and contractor management.
• Good communication and influence across functions.
• Safety, ethics and compliance orientation.

SHL Sub-Competencies

The following SHL sub-competencies are recommended as the top competency focus areas for this role:

Technical Competencies

• Project planning, scheduling and project controls.
• CAPEX preparation and financial justification.
• Engineering drawings, specifications, layouts and standards.
• Plant integration, operational readiness and commissioning.
• Shutdown planning and execution.
• Contractor and supplier management.
• Risk assessments, safety compliance and permit systems.
• Project documentation, reporting and close-out packs.
• Change management and scope control
•  

Working Conditions

• Plant-based role within an industrial manufacturing environment.

• May be required to work overtime or be on standby.

• Must be able to respond to breakdowns and support operations on-site.

General

• Reports to Plant Superintendent.

• Salary and Benefits: Market related salary, Provident Fund and Medical Aid benefits.

CLOSING DATE: 13 JULY 2026

How to apply

The company is offering a competitive salary with provident and medical benefits.  Exciting incentive opportunities, a rewarding work environment, product and supply chain knowledge and career growth opportunities for the right candidate.

Interested parties should please submit a comprehensive CV and covering letter, outlining why you feel that you are best suited to the position on the COFCO Careers website https://www.cofcointernational.com/careers/ by searching for vacancies in South Africa, clicking on the listed positions available, and following the prompts when clicking “Apply” on the job description, and answering all related questions in full to complete your application.

Only applications submitted direct on the COFCO Careers website will be considered.

If you do not hear from us within 21 days from date of application, please regard your application as unsuccessful. Only short-listed candidates will be moved through the Talent Pipeline and contacted.

The company appoints in line with our employment equity plan and preference may be given to previously disadvantaged individuals.

Privacy Policy

By contacting COFCO International South Africa (Pty) Ltd., you acknowledge and agree that COFCO International South Africa (Pty) Ltd. has a legitimate business purpose to collect and process your personal information (as defined in Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 and any amendments thereto (“POPIA”)) to review your personal information and to comply with its legal obligations. COFCO International South Africa (Pty) Ltd will process your personal information in accordance with POPIA and in accordance with and the purposes described in COFCO International South Africa (Pty) Ltd.’s privacy policy available at https://www.cofcointernational.com/data-privacy-policy/  You hereby confirm that you have read, understood and agree with the terms of COFCO International South Africa (Pty) Ltd.’s privacy policy, and consent to the processing of your personal information.

COFCO International is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Please refer to our Candidate Privacy Notice to know how COFCO collects and processes your personal data during your job application.