Project Manager – Greenfield Paper Mill (240 TPD)
Zeebra Junction View all jobs
- Kampala, Central Region
- Permanent
- Full-time
Employment Type: Full-Time (Contract / Permanent – Project Lifecycle)
Reporting To: Board of DirectorsBuild a Landmark Industrial Project in East AfricaWe 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 RoleThis 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
- 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
- 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
- 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)
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Degree in Mechanical, Chemical, or Pulp & Paper Engineering
- PMP / Prince2 (or equivalent) advantageous
- Experience in Africa or emerging markets highly preferred
- Strong understanding of local construction, logistics, and regulatory environments
- 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
- 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
- Greenfield / expansion projects delivered
- Plant capacities (TPD) and project budgets managed
- Equipment suppliers and technologies worked with
- Verifiable references