Project Manager – Greenfield Paper Mill (240 TPD)

Location: Uganda
Employment Type: Full-Time (Contract / Permanent – Project Lifecycle)
Reporting To: Board of Directors

Build a Landmark Industrial Project in East Africa

We are undertaking a major greenfield paper mill development in Uganda and are seeking a highly experienced Project Manager to lead this flagship project from concept through to commissioning and operational handover.

This is a rare opportunity to take full ownership of a large-scale industrial build, delivering a modern facility producing packaging paper and writing & printing grades from both waste paper and virgin pulp, supported by integrated utilities and a co-generation power plant.

The Role

This is a full lifecycle project leadership position, requiring deep technical expertise and hands-on execution capability across:

• Detailed engineering and design
• Equipment procurement and vendor management
• Civil construction and site development
• Mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation installation
• Utilities and co-generation integration
• Commissioning, performance testing, and operational handover

You will be accountable for delivering the project on time, within budget, and to full operational capacity.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Delivery

• Lead the end-to-end execution of a greenfield paper mill project
• Develop and manage detailed project plans, schedules (Gantt/CPM), and resource allocations
• Ensure strict adherence to budget, timelines, and quality standards
• Maintain full visibility through structured reporting to the Board

Technical & Engineering Oversight

• Oversee engineering design across:
  • Paper machines and stock preparation systems
  • Waste paper recycling and pulp processing lines
  • Utilities: boilers, water systems, ETP, compressed air
• Drive procurement of major equipment (paper machines, pulpers, turbines, etc.)
• Ensure optimal integration of co-generation and utility infrastructure

Construction & Contractor Management

• Manage all civil, mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation contractors
• Enforce HSE compliance and international safety standards
• Monitor site progress and resolve technical and logistical challenges
• Implement quality assurance protocols (FAT, SAT, inspections)

Commissioning & Handover

• Lead pre-commissioning, cold and hot commissioning, and trial runs
• Ensure plant achieves:
  • Design throughput (TPD)
  • Product quality specifications
  • Energy efficiency targets
• Oversee training, SOP development, and operational readiness
• Execute structured handover including documentation and warranties

Stakeholder & Vendor Engagement

• Act as the primary interface with OEMs, contractors, and stakeholders
• Manage supplier performance and contract delivery
• Ensure all regulatory approvals and environmental compliance are met

Candidate Profile

Experience

• 12–20 years’ experience in pulp & paper project management
• Proven delivery of at least one full-cycle greenfield or major expansion project
• Strong operational understanding of:
  • Paper machines and finishing processes
  • Waste-based and pulp-based production systems
  • Utilities and co-generation plants

Technical Competence

• Expertise in:
  • Stock preparation and paper production processes
  • Boilers, turbines, water treatment, and effluent systems
• Experience working with major OEMs (e.g. Valmet, Voith, Andritz or similar)
• Proficiency in MS Project, Primavera, or equivalent tools

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical, Chemical, or Pulp & Paper Engineering
• PMP / Prince2 (or equivalent) advantageous

Regional Experience

• Experience in Africa or emerging markets highly preferred
• Strong understanding of local construction, logistics, and regulatory environments

Personal Attributes

• Hands-on, delivery-driven leader with strong ownership mindset
• Capable of managing large, multidisciplinary teams on-site
• Commercially astute with strict cost control discipline
• Resilient and solution-oriented under pressure
• Strong communication and reporting skills

What’s on Offer

• Lead a high-impact greenfield industrial project from the ground up
• Competitive remuneration package (Paid in US$ ) with performance-linked incentives
• Accommodation and relocation support
• Direct reporting line to the Board with full project authority
• Opportunity to build a lasting industrial legacy in East Africa

How to Apply

Submit your CV along with a detailed project portfolio or cover letter outlining:

• Greenfield / expansion projects delivered
• Plant capacities (TPD) and project budgets managed
• Equipment suppliers and technologies worked with
• Verifiable references

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis — early submission is encouraged.

Attention: Butch Mollett Email: gordon@zjr.co.za Mobile/ WhatsApp : +27 83 689 4769