Responsibilities
- Support to develop precise and comprehensive technical specifications for the procurement of new machinery, spare parts, and systems for both mill and estate operations, ensuring alignment with operational needs, industry standards, and future growth objectives.
- Support on evaluate technical proposals and specifications from multiple suppliers, conducting in-depth comparisons based on performance, efficiency, reliability, cost-effectiveness, and after-sales support.
- Support on estate mechanization and digital agriculture, researching and evaluating:
- New harvesting methods and equipment to improve efficiency and reduce labor dependency.
- Drone and satellite analysis technologies for plantation mapping, health monitoring, yield prediction, and optimizing field operations.
- Advanced irrigation systems and water management technologies for optimal crop growth and resource conservation.
- Proactively research identify, and assess emerging technologies, machinery, and best practices in the global palm oil industry and identify emerging agricultural and palm oil mill technologies, equipment, and processes within China, Malaysia, and Indonesia. This includes advancements in mill automation, AI, IoT, energy efficiency, waste treatment, and oil extraction technologies
- Regularly travel to China and Indonesia to source new suppliers and attend agriculture-related exhibitions. Additionally, travel to palm oil estates and mills in Indonesia, Malaysia, and other relevant regions as needed to gain a comprehensive understanding of on-site requirements and provide effective procurement and technical support.
- Support to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of adopting new ideas and technologies, conducting pilot projects and trials as necessary across both mill and estate operations.
- Support the full lifecycle of significant engineering and mechanization projects, including mill expansions, upgrades, new equipment installations, and estate-level technology deployments, from conceptualization and feasibility studies to commissioning and handover.
- Support to develop detailed project plans, budgets, timelines, and resource allocation strategies for both mill and estate initiatives.
- Provide strategic technical guidance and support to estate management on the implementation and maintenance of new mechanization and irrigation systems.
Requirements
- Bachelor Degree in Engineering (Agricultural, Mechanical, Chemical, Process, or a related technical field). Advantage to graduates from Chinese Universities or twinning programs with Chinese Universities.
- Minimum of [2-3+] years of progressive experience in a technical/engineering role within the palm oil industry, with a significant portion dedicated to project management, new technology implementation, and vendor evaluation, and preferably with direct exposure to the Chinese market.
- Fluent in both written and spoken Mandarin Chinese is essential for effective communication with Chinese suppliers.
- Must possess strong written and spoken Bahasa Malaysia/Indonesia skills to effectively communicate and negotiate with suppliers within Indonesia's estates and mills.
- Technical understanding of agricultural practices and palm oil milling processes, including basic chemical engineering principles relevant to the industry
- Proven ability to accurately read and interpret technical drawings and specifications.
- Significant international travel required, particularly to China, Malaysia & Indonesia, for supplier sourcing, exhibitions, and on-site assessments
- Demonstrated experience in evaluating and selecting complex industrial machinery and/or agricultural equipment from various vendors
- Strong understanding of palm oil milling processes, machinery, and equipment (sterilizers, threshers, presses, boilers, etc.)
- Familiarity with palm oil estate operations, including harvesting, planting, and crop management practices.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
- Adaptable and open to embracing new challenges and continuous learning. Strategic thinker with a proactive and innovative mindset
- Proficiency in utilizing research databases, internet resources, and standard office software applications.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: RM4,000.00 - RM5,000.00 per month
Work Location: In person