Chemical Plant Operations Manager

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary incentives

Medical & retirement benefits

Vehicle allowance

Leadership training

Autonomy in role

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Chemical Plant Operations Manager to oversee Durban manufacturing operations, drive safety, efficiency and continuous improvement. You will lead a dedicated operations team, optimize plant performance and ensure regulatory compliance.

The role requires a minimum of 10 years in chemical plant operations with 5+ years in leadership, plus a bachelor’s in Chemical or Industrial Engineering. Strong leadership and problem-solving are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years in chemical plant operations with at least 5 years in a management or supervisory role.
• Proven track record of managing production schedules, budgets and personnel.
• Strong understanding of chemical processes, equipment, safety procedures and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent leadership, communication and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct day-to-day operations of the chemical plant including production, maintenance and quality control.
• Develop strategies to optimize plant efficiency, reduce costs and improve product quality.
• Ensure adherence to safety, health, environmental regulations and company policies.
• Lead, mentor and develop the operations team for high performance and continuous improvement.
• Oversee budget development and management for the operations department.
• Implement and monitor KPIs to track performance and drive improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Problem-solving

Team management

Education

Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor's in Industrial Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and results-driven Chemical Plant Operations Manager to oversee all aspects of their manufacturing operations in Durban. This critical leadership role involves managing production, ensuring operational efficiency, maintaining high safety standards, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. You will be responsible for leading a dedicated team of operational staff, optimizing plant performance, and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements. This is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of a key operational hub within a prominent chemical manufacturing company, contributing significantly to its sustained growth and success in a challenging yet rewarding environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and direct all day-to-day operations of the chemical plant, including production, maintenance, and quality control.
• Develop and implement strategies to optimize plant efficiency, reduce operating costs, and improve product quality.
• Ensure strict adherence to all safety, health, and environmental regulations and company policies.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the plant operations team to foster a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.
• Oversee budget development and management for the operations department.
• Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track operational success and identify areas for improvement.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in chemical plant operations, with at least 5 years in a management or supervisory role.
• Proven track record of successfully managing production schedules, budgets, and personnel.
• Strong understanding of chemical processes, equipment, safety procedures, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.

Benefits

• Attractive salary commensurate with experience, plus performance incentives.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement planning benefits.
• Company-provided vehicle and fuel allowance.
• Professional development and leadership training opportunities.
• A dynamic and challenging operational environment with significant autonomy.