Principal Chemical Engineer - Plant Operations

Placements24; Southampton; On-site; GBP 67,000 - 103,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Medical and retirement benefits

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Principal Chemical Engineer in Randburg, Gauteng. You will lead plant operations, drive process improvements, and mentor a team of engineers to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant production.

You will oversee safety management, troubleshoot major issues, and partner with maintenance to minimize downtime while delivering capital projects and performance improvements. Extensive leadership and analytical skills are essential.

Qualifications

• B.Eng. or B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering is required.
• Minimum 12 years in chemical plant operations with 5+ years in senior/principal role.
• Extensive experience in troubleshooting and optimizing continuous and batch chemical processes.
• Strong knowledge of HAZOP, LOPA, and SIL analysis requested.
• Experience with MOC and RCA processes.
• Proven leadership and mentoring capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior technical leadership for plant operations and process optimization.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex operational problems affecting plant performance and product quality.
• Lead RCA for significant incidents and implement preventative measures.
• Develop and execute continuous improvement strategies for efficiency, energy use, and waste reduction.
• Oversee process safety management activities including hazard identification and risk assessment.
• Collaborate with maintenance to ensure equipment integrity and minimize downtime.
• Review and approve process design changes and MOC procedures.
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers to develop technical excellence.
• Prepare technical reports, operations reviews and capital proposals for senior management.

Skills

Leadership

Process optimization

Troubleshooting

Communication

Mentoring

Operational excellence

Education

B.Eng./B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a leading force in the petrochemical industry and seeks a highly accomplished Principal Chemical Engineer to oversee critical aspects of plant operations in Randburg, Gauteng . This senior role is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of complex chemical processing units. You will provide expert technical leadership, driving initiatives for process improvement, troubleshooting complex operational issues, and mentoring a team of talented engineers. This is a hands‑on position that requires a deep understanding of large-scale chemical manufacturing and a commitment to operational excellence. The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining and enhancing the plant's performance, contributing significantly to the company's bottom line and its commitment to responsible industrial practices. Your expertise will be vital in navigating the challenges of a demanding operational environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide senior technical leadership and direction for plant operations and process optimization.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex operational problems affecting plant performance, yield, and product quality.
• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) for significant operational incidents and implement preventative measures.
• Develop and execute strategies for continuous improvement in efficiency, energy consumption, and waste reduction.
• Oversee process safety management (PSM) activities, including hazard identification and risk assessment.
• Collaborate with maintenance and reliability teams to ensure equipment integrity and minimize downtime.
• Review and approve process design modifications and management of change (MOC) procedures.
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level chemical engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence.
• Prepare and present technical reports, operational reviews, and capital expenditure proposals to senior management.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental, health, and safety regulations.

Requirements

• B.Eng. or B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering.
• A minimum of 12 years of experience in chemical plant operations, with at least 5 years in a senior or principal engineer role.
• Extensive experience in troubleshooting and optimizing continuous and batch chemical processes.
• Deep understanding of process safety principles, including HAZOP, LOPA, and SIL analysis.
• Proficiency in process simulation tools and data analysis software.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal abilities.
• Experience with management of change (MOC) and root cause analysis (RCA) processes.
• Familiarity with industry best practices in operational excellence and reliability.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly attractive compensation package, including a competitive base salary, annual bonus, and comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• We invest in our employees' professional development through ongoing training, opportunities for further education, and career advancement paths.
• The role is based in Randburg, Gauteng , offering a dynamic work environment.
• Employees will have access to company-sponsored wellness programs and other valuable benefits.
• Join a stable and respected organization that values expertise, safety, and operational integrity in the heart of South Africa's industrial landscape.