Chemical Plant Operations Manager

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive bonus structure

Medical insurance

Pension plan

Incentives for performance

Leadership training

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Chemical Plant Operations Manager for our Bloemfontein facility. You will oversee manufacturing, safety, quality, and maintenance, driving operational excellence and profitability in a complex chemical environment.

You will lead large teams, develop strategies, and ensure regulatory compliance while delivering cost efficiencies and continuous improvement. This is an on-site leadership role demanding strong business and people skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field is required.
• Master's degree or MBA is a plus for leadership and strategic oversight.
• Minimum 10 years in chemical plant operations with 5+ years in management.
• Proven ability to lead large teams and manage complex operations.
• Strong knowledge of chemical processes, safety systems and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent leadership, decision-making and financial acumen.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day plant operations, achieving safe, efficient production.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve productivity and quality.
• Oversee maintenance and reliability programs for all equipment.
• Ensure strict adherence to health, safety and environmental regs.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse plant team.
• Manage plant budget, P&L, and capital expenditure planning.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Safety management

Regulatory compliance

Financial acumen

People management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field

Master's degree or MBA (plus)

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Chemical Plant Operations Manager to oversee their facility in Bloemfontein . This leadership role is responsible for the safe, efficient, and profitable operation of the chemical plant. You will lead and manage all aspects of plant operations, including production, maintenance, safety, quality, and personnel. Your primary focus will be on driving operational excellence, optimizing production output, and ensuring compliance with all environmental and safety regulations. This is a critical on-site role for an accomplished leader passionate about managing complex chemical manufacturing environments and developing high-performing teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day plant operations, ensuring production targets are met safely and efficiently.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to improve productivity, reduce costs, and enhance product quality.
• Oversee the maintenance and reliability programs for all plant equipment and infrastructure.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, and environmental regulations and company policies.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse team of plant personnel, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Manage the plant budget, P&L, and capital expenditure planning.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related technical field.
• A Master's degree or MBA is a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in chemical plant operations, with at least 5 years in a management or supervisory role.
• Proven experience in leading large teams and managing complex manufacturing operations.
• Strong understanding of chemical processes, safety management systems, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent leadership, decision-making, financial acumen, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives and achieve operational excellence.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and executive bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous pension plan with employer matching.
• Performance-based incentives and long-term incentive plans.
• Opportunity to lead a significant manufacturing operation in Bloemfontein .
• Extensive professional development and leadership training opportunities.