Loader Operator & Technician

Job description

Company Overview

Zambia Sugar Plc is an ABF Group sugar company and the leading sugar producer in Zambia. Its main activities include growing sugar cane, producing and marketing sugar, and other downstream sugar products.

The company invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced persons for the following positions in the Manufacturing Department, based at Nakambala.

1. Instrument Technician x 1 – Permanent

Manufacturing Department (Nakambala)

This position reports to the Maintenance Foreman – Instruments. The successful incumbent will be responsible for installing and maintaining pneumatic and mechanical instruments, including stripping, replacing and adjusting parts, calibrating, reassembling, and checking the function of parts.

Key Responsibilities

• Work to the highest standards of safety, follow safe work rules, and not permit any unsafe acts.
• Ensure the right tools are used on the job and kept in good condition.
• Use the principle of Defect Elimination and demonstrate this in the quality of workmanship.
• Ensure workshop and plant housekeeping aligns with the 5S standard; show that no job is complete until the work area is cleaned and all safety equipment is reinstated.
• Perform Daily Plant Inspection of all equipment in the section as per PM WO route and checklist – report any defects or safety concerns.
• Ensure defects identified during inspections are documented on the checklist feedback and immediately report significant risks verbally to your FLM.
• Replace and renew materials/components commonly used in electrical instruments (e.g., conducting and insulating materials, soft/hard solders, resistance, coils, capacitors). Strip, overhaul, and re-assemble air regulators.
• Use relevant hand tools and equipment for marking, cutting, threading, and fixing when installing small bore piping, component parts, and fittings.
• Ensure correct, accurate measurements; all measurements on remote systems (including DCS) truly and accurately represent process conditions.
• Ensure all control loops are tuned and optimized for optimum functionality.
• Upon completion of repairs, ensure equipment is in good operating condition (ready to meet operational requirements, fully inspected, tested, clean, and safe per 5S).
• Ensure the Job Plan/Checklist on the WO is diligently followed; provide feedback on quality and improvements to Job Plans.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of section equipment condition and take responsibility for failures from inadequate inspection.
• Provide detailed feedback on repair jobs: (a) actual work done/corrective actions, (b) man hours used, (c) failure feedback (codes) in breakdowns, (d) material consumption, (e) tools used.
• Conduct/contribute to RCA (Root Cause Analysis) processes; adopt a mindset that all equipment failures are preventable.
• Identify training needs for technicians on equipment maintenance; inform FLM and train new artisans/assistants.
• Work with Optimization and Process teams to solve problems and promote cross-functional engagement/teamwork.
• Ensure continuous improvement by implementing functional best practices.
• Monitor section KPIs, understand your contribution, contribute to solutions for out-of-spec KPIs, and sustain in-spec performance.
• Promote/adhere to Illovo’s procedures, policies, and guidelines (including SHERRQ, Competition Law, and Anti-Bribery & Corruption – ABC).

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 Certificate.
• Diploma in Instrumentation or Electronics Engineering.
• Preferably 2+ years post-qualification experience in a heavy industry environment.
• Experience in the sugar industry is an added advantage.
• Training and experience in industrial instrumentation (minimum).
• Member of the Engineering Institute of Zambia (as a minimum).
• Suitably qualified applicants must provide certificates verified by the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA).

2. Bagasse Handler/Loader Operator x 2 – Seasonal

Manufacturing Department (Nakambala)

This position reports to the Production Shift Foremen – Boilers. The successful incumbent will be responsible for operating the mobile plant to carry out the transportation and stockpiling of bagasse.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely operate the mobile plant for transportation and stockpiling of bagasse.
• Conduct pre-start checks, report defects, and carry out general pre-start maintenance on mobile plants.
• During high crush rates (when surplus bagasse is produced), transport surplus bagasse to site stockpiles via 55m³ trucks and profile the stockpile to site standard using the loader.
• Promote and adhere to Illovo’s procedures, policies, and guidelines (including SHERRQ, Competition Law, and Anti-Bribery & Corruption – ABC).

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 Certificate.
• Valid Driver’s Licence Class C1 and above.
• Experience in a robust plant environment.
• Ability to perform work while wearing appropriate PPE (e.g., long clothing, hearing and eye protection).
• Ability to work in a hot/moist environment.
• Ability to walk and climb stairs regularly.
• Ability to lift and carry loads in accordance with the Manual Tasks Advisory.
• Hearing ability to differentiate radio/phone communications and alarms in a noisy environment.
• Suitably qualified applicants must provide certificates verified by the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA).

Application Instructions

If interested in applying for any of these roles, submit your detailed CV, copies of relevant qualifications, registrations, and ID/Passport to: Email: careers@zamsugar.zm Indicate in the subject line: “Application – (name of respective role)” (e.g., Application – Instrument Technician or Application – Bagasse Handler/Loader Operator).

• Internal employees must complete the Internal Application Form and obtain relevant signatures.
• Closing date for applications: 25th February 2026.
• Applicants will undergo pre-employment checks (qualification, credit, security, background, and medical assessments) where applicable.
• If you do not hear from the company within 4 weeks after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.

Contact Details (Head Office): Nakambala Estate,

P.O. Box 670240,

Mazabuka, Zambia

Telephone: +260-21-3-230666 / 230696 / 231111

Mobile: +260-977640572/3/4/5/6/7/8/9 Fax: +260-21-3-230116