SU IT / Plant Engineering Lead (Fixed Term Contract)

Life tastes better with ice cream

With 19.000 expert ice cream colleagues and iconic brands like Wall’s, Cornetto and Ben & Jerry’s, loved in 76 countries, we are the world’s largest Ice Cream company leading the industry.

We create iconic ice cream brands that are part of everyday life, bringing moments of joy to millions of people around the world. Everybody loves ice cream. And as the world’s biggest pure‑play ice cream company, we have the scale and ambition to make a real difference.

What truly sets us apart is how we work.

We move fast and keep things simple. We turn ideas into action, trust people to take ownership, and work as one team to win together with integrity. Our culture is high‑performance, collaborative and focused on getting things done.

We’re curious and ready for what’s next. We embrace digital, use data to make better decisions, and keep learning, including how AI can help us work smarter and serve consumers better.

Job Summary:

Magnum ICC SA (Pty) Ltd is seeking a dynamic and experienced SU IT / Plant Engineering Lead to oversee and optimize the integration of IT solutions within our plant operations. This role will be crucial in ensuring the reliable and efficient functioning of our manufacturing systems through strategic IT infrastructure management and engineering support.

Job Responsibilities:

* Lead the planning, implementation, and maintenance of IT infrastructure and systems specifically tailored for plant operations, including SCADA, MES, and industrial control systems.
* Manage and mentor a team of IT and engineering support personnel, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.
* Develop and execute IT strategies that align with plant operational goals, ensuring robust cybersecurity and data integrity for industrial systems.
* Troubleshoot and resolve complex IT and engineering-related issues affecting plant production, minimizing downtime and maximizing efficiency.
* Collaborate with production, maintenance, and engineering teams to identify opportunities for technological improvements and automation within the plant.
* Oversee vendor relationships and manage procurement of IT hardware, software, and engineering equipment for plant use.
* Ensure compliance with all relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and company policies pertaining to IT and plant engineering.
* Develop and manage the departmental budget, ensuring cost-effective solutions and resource allocation.
* Implement disaster recovery and business continuity plans for critical plant IT systems.

* Act as the in‑market functional representative for Project OPUS.
* Validate global process designs against local business and statutory requirements.
* Support SIT, UAT, cutover planning and hyper care.
* Coordinate local SMEs and stakeholders.
* Identify risks, gaps and localisation needs.

Job Qualifications:

* Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
* Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in IT management or plant engineering within a manufacturing or industrial environment, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
* Proven expertise in industrial control systems (PLC, DCS, SCADA), Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and operational technology (OT) networks.
* Strong understanding of IT infrastructure, networking protocols, cybersecurity best practices, and data management in an industrial context.
* Experience with project management methodologies and leading complex IT/engineering projects from inception to completion.
* Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
* Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with diverse teams.
* Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
* Relevant industry certifications (e.g., CompTIA, Cisco, ISA) are a plus.
* Experience in transformation, system or process change initiatives
* Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills
* SAP / ERP experience advantageous

#TMICC

Why join us?

This is a place for people who are passionate about ice cream and are growth obsessed - both for the business and for themselves. People who act like an owner and drive our business end-to-end. People who are driven by success to deliver more than we ever thought we could! 

You’ll thrive here if you value an inclusive culture, with low ego and hierarchy - and if you’re excited to continuously learn and challenge how we work, using digital, data, and new thinking to push us forward.

- Roles with real accountability and visible impact
- Free to move fast, experiment and challenge how things are done
- Continuous learning and development as the business grows
- Reward linked to performance and contribution.

Your career here is shaped by what you deliver, as you work across functions and markets and grow with the business.

Ready to build the future of Ice Cream?

If this sounds like the place where you'd thrive, we'd love to hear from you. Apply online and share your CV. We'll review your application and be in touch with the next steps. 

If you are an individual with a disability and require assistance at any time during our recruitment process, please let your Talent Acquisition Partner know.

Additional information

The Magnum Ice Cream Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can do their best work regardless of age, disability, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. We encourage people with all backgrounds to apply including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and Māori and Pacific Peoples.