Chemical Operations Manager

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary

Significant bonus potential

Company car

Generous PTO

Retirement benefits

Job summary

Placements24 in Soweto seeks a Chemical Operations Manager to lead production, safety and quality across departments. The role oversees budgeting, process optimization and compliance in a senior, strategic capacity.

You will drive continuous improvement, mentor teams, and ensure safety systems are robust while supporting profitable operations. A strong engineering background with leadership is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering; MBA is a plus.
• 10+ years in chemical manufacturing ops with 3+ years in management.
• Proven ability to lead large teams and complex processes.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of chemical production departments; meet targets.
• Develop and manage operational budgets; control costs.
• Implement safety and environmental management systems.
• Lead and mentor production teams; foster high performance.
• Drive continuous improvement using lean or Six Sigma.
• Ensure product quality meets regulatory standards.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Process Safety

Quality Management

ERP Systems

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering

MBA (plus)

Tools

ERP Systems

Job description

About the Role

A significant chemical manufacturing facility in Soweto is looking for an experienced and strategic Chemical Operations Manager to lead their production teams. This senior leadership role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of chemical manufacturing operations, ensuring safety, quality, efficiency, and profitability. You will manage departmental budgets, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and foster a culture of high performance and safety compliance. This is a vital position for contributing to industrial growth and innovation within the Gauteng region, managing complex chemical production processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of chemical production departments, ensuring targets are met.
• Develop and manage operational budgets, controlling costs and optimizing resource allocation.
• Implement and enforce stringent safety and environmental management systems.
• Lead and mentor production teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Ensure product quality meets all standards and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field; an MBA is a plus.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in chemical manufacturing operations, with at least 3 years in a management role.
• Proven track record in managing large production teams and complex processes.
• Strong knowledge of process safety, quality management systems, and environmental regulations.
• Excellent leadership, decision-making, and strategic planning abilities.
• Experience with ERP systems and production planning tools.

Benefits

• Executive-level salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Significant bonus potential tied to operational performance.
• Company car and executive perks.
• Generous paid time off and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for advancement within a growing organization.