Project Engineer

Join National Brands Limited (NBL) and be part of a legacy that has shaped South Africa’s biscuit tradition for over 170 years. With two iconic factories in Isando and Westmead, we produce beloved brands like Bakers Tennis®, Blue Label Marie®, and Choice Assorted®; creating moments of joy for generations of South Africans. At NBL, you’ll work in a dynamic, forward-thinking environment where innovation, quality, and teamwork thrive.

Why Join National Brands Limited (NBL)?

• Make an Impact: Lead engineering and capital projects that directly contribute to plant performance, reliability, capacity, efficiency, and operational excellence.
• Engineering Excellence: Work on complex projects involving new equipment, plant modifications, infrastructure, automation, process improvements, and technical solutions.
• Career Development: Gain exposure to major capital projects and work alongside experienced engineering, operations, technical, and manufacturing teams.
• Collaborative Culture: Partner with internal stakeholders, contractors, suppliers, OEMs, and specialist engineering disciplines to deliver projects successfully.
• Grow Great Brands: Contribute to the engineering capability behind some of South Africa’s most recognised biscuit brands.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Project Engineer within the Strategic Projects department at NBL Snackworks, Westmead, KwaZulu-Natal.

Reporting Structure:
Reports to: Senior Projects Manager

About the Role:
The Project Engineer is responsible for leading the planning, design, coordination, execution, and delivery of engineering and capital projects across the site.

The role provides technical and project leadership, with accountability for delivering projects from concept and design through to installation, commissioning, performance verification, handover, and asset take-on.

The incumbent will lead and coordinate internal stakeholders, contractors, suppliers, consultants, OEMs, and engineering teams to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within approved budgets, and in accordance with the agreed scope, quality, food safety, engineering, and regulatory requirements.

The Project Engineer will also identify and manage project risks, resolve technical and execution challenges, and drive project outcomes that deliver sustainable improvements in plant reliability, production capacity, operational efficiency, safety, quality, and overall plant performance.

Experience That Sets You Up for Success:

• Minimum 4 years’ experience in engineering project management within an FMCG manufacturing environment.
• Experience in engineering project design, equipment sizing and execution.
• Experience managing contractors, suppliers, OEMs, and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Experience in equipment installation, commissioning, performance verification, handover, and project close-out.
• Experience in a large-scale baking or food manufacturing facility would be advantageous.

Qualifications That Will Contribute to Your Success:

• BTech in Mechanical Engineering.
• Post Graduate Diploma in Project Management – completed or currently in progress, with completion required within 2026.

Technical Competencies:
The successful candidate should demonstrate strong capability in:

• Project planning and execution.
• CAD drawings and engineering design.
• Engineering drawing interpretation and technical documentation.
• Project cost control and budget management.
• Contractor, supplier, and stakeholder management.
• Equipment installation, commissioning, handover, and asset take-on.
• Health, safety, food safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Project reporting, risk management, and financial control.

The role requires advanced technical capability in project planning and execution, CAD and engineering design, engineering documentation, and health, safety, food safety and regulatory compliance, with strong working capability in project cost control and contractor management.

Your Impact at NBL
As a Project Engineer, you will play a key role in transforming approved capital investment into reliable, safe, efficient, and sustainable plant assets.

You will be accountable for allocated projects from inception through execution and close-out, ensuring that engineering solutions are technically sound, project risks are controlled, stakeholders are aligned, and completed projects deliver the intended operational benefits. The role operates across strategic, tactical, and operational levels, requiring the ability to translate business requirements into practical engineering execution.

Additional Requirements

• Must be able to work overtime and be flexible and available as and when required.
• Must be willing to work around operational requirements and project execution demands.
• Must be willing to perform any other reasonable duties as and when required.
• Must be able to effectively coordinate multiple projects, stakeholders, contractors, and technical activities.

Take the Next Step with NBL

Join National Brands Limited and take ownership of engineering projects that shape the future of one of South Africa’s leading biscuit manufacturing operations.