Mechanical Engineer – Back-End

Illovo Sugar (Malawi) plc is the country’s leading producer of raw, refined and specialty sugars, employing more than 9,000 people. The company is part of Illovo Sugar Africa Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Associated British Foods plc (ABF).

Job summary

The Mechanical Engineer – Back-End will provide mechanical engineering support to factory operations, maintenance and capital projects, ensuring optimal equipment performance, operational efficiency and continuous improvement.

Duties and responsibilities

• Ensure optimal performance of all mechanical equipment.
• Provide engineering support to the Factory team on seasonal equipment settings, including boilers, mill settings and centrifugal cycle optimisation.
• Provide mechanical engineering support to the Maintenance Head on repairs to critical equipment and abnormal projects.
• Provide mechanical engineering support to the Project Engineer and Optimisation Head, including managing and overseeing on-site projects.
• Manage and oversee all mechanical work on abnormal projects during the off-crop period.
• Develop seasonal and off-crop mechanical budgets with the Maintenance Head, Finance Business Partner and Optimisation team, and manage the budgets.
• Collaborate with the Reliability Engineer to identify reliability improvements through design modifications and reliability improvement strategies.
• Drive maintenance improvements to optimise the efficiency and output of all mechanical equipment.
• Provide engineering support for specifications and plant modifications.
• Audit and analyse maintenance systems and processes to identify engineering-related inefficiencies.
• Address production losses caused by inefficient engineering systems through critical analysis and performance optimisation.
• Promote and adhere to Illovo’s procedures, policies and guidelines, including those relating to HSE, Food Safety and Quality (FSQ), Competition Law and Anti-Bribery and Corruption (ABC).

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• At least 3 years’ experience in a manufacturing environment; heavy industry experience is an advantage.
• Knowledge and experience in continuous improvement.
• Experience managing large-scale maintenance planning using SAP S/4HANA.
• Professional registration with the Malawi Engineering Institution will be an advantage.

How to apply

Send your application letter together with a detailed CV, copies of relevant certificates, traceable referees and a copy of your National ID to:

The Site People and Performance Head
Illovo Sugar (Malawi) plc
P.O. Box 46
Dwangwa
Email: [email protected]

Clearly indicate the position you are applying for. The closing date for applications is 19 November 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.

Illovo Sugar (Malawi) plc is an equal opportunity employer, and women are encouraged to apply.