Project Manager, Operations Manager, Quality Engineering

COFCO International is a global agri‑business focused on leading the grains, oilseeds and sugar supply chains. With 11,000+ people in 35 countries, our portfolio spans the Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East, and Asia‑Pacific, trading with over 50 nations to provide farmers direct access to the growing Chinese market.

COFCO International South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Project Manager

Standerton, South Africa

Production

The Project Manager will plan, coordinate and execute plant engineering projects within an operating manufacturing environment. The role ensures projects are delivered safely, within scope, on time and within budget, while supporting plant reliability, operational readiness, compliance and continuous improvement.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Coordinate shutdown execution, installation, testing, commissioning, snag resolution, training and structured handover to end users and maintenance teams.
• Develop shutdown and commissioning…