Senior Chemical Plant Operations Manager

Placements24; Riverton (UT); On-site; USD 109,000 - 194,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Premium medical

Life insurance

Top-tier retirement fund

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington, South Africa, seeks a Senior Chemical Plant Operations Manager to lead a key facility, drive safety, efficiency, and profitability, and manage a large operations team.

The role demands a strong background in chemical manufacturing, PSM, EHS compliance, and budget management, with a track record of optimizing performance and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field; MSc/MBA advantageous.
• 10+ years in chemical plant operations; 5+ years in a management role.
• Experience leading large teams and managing complex facilities.
• In-depth knowledge of chemical processes, plant equipment, and maintenance strategies.
• Strong understanding of EHS regulations and best practices in chemical industry.
• Budget management, operational planning, and continuous improvement experience.
• Excellent leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to work on-site in Upington.
• Experience with Process Safety Management (PSM) systems is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing plant operations team.
• Ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation per regulatory requirements.
• Develop and implement strategies to meet production targets and quality standards.
• Oversee maintenance, turnaround planning, and asset integrity programs.
• Drive continuous improvement via Lean or Six Sigma.
• Manage the plant budget and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Ensure EHS compliance and foster a strong safety culture.
• Collaborate with engineering, R&D, and supply chain to optimize performance.
• Report on plant performance metrics and strategic initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Stakeholder management

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

MBA or Master's degree (advantageous)

Tools

Process Safety Management (PSM) systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major industrial chemical producer, is seeking an experienced Senior Chemical Plant Operations Manager to lead their key facility in Upington, Northern Cape. This critical leadership role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of plant operations, ensuring safety, efficiency, productivity, and profitability. The successful candidate will manage a large team, drive operational excellence initiatives, and ensure strict adherence to environmental, health, and safety standards. This is a senior position requiring strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of chemical manufacturing processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and develop a high-performing plant operations team, including supervisors and operators.
• Ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the chemical plant in accordance with all regulatory requirements.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to achieve production targets, quality standards, and cost objectives.
• Oversee the management of plant maintenance, turnaround planning, and asset integrity programs.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma.
• Manage the plant budget, controlling operational expenditures and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
• Ensure strict compliance with all environmental, health, and safety (EHS) regulations and policies.
• Foster a strong safety culture throughout the operations department.
• Collaborate with other departments, including engineering, R&D, and supply chain, to optimize overall business performance.
• Report on plant performance metrics, operational challenges, and strategic initiatives to senior management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related technical field. A Master's degree or MBA is advantageous.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in chemical plant operations, with at least 5 years in a management or supervisory role.
• Proven track record of leading large operational teams and managing complex chemical manufacturing facilities.
• In-depth knowledge of chemical processes, plant equipment, and maintenance strategies.
• Strong understanding of EHS regulations and best practices in the chemical industry.
• Demonstrated experience in budget management, operational planning, and continuous improvement.
• Excellent leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Must be willing to work on-site in Upington, Northern Cape.
• Experience with process safety management (PSM) systems is essential.

Benefits

This senior role offers an exceptional salary package, comprehensive executive-level benefits including premium medical, life insurance, and a top-tier retirement fund, significant performance-based bonuses, and extensive opportunities for career advancement within a leading organization. The position is based at our well-established plant in Upington, Northern Cape.