Chemical Plant Operator - Senior Level

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift allowances

Overtime opportunities

Medical aid

Provident fund

Annual bonuses

Training opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Chemical Plant Operator to join a major chemicals manufacturer in Soweto, Gauteng. You will oversee daily operation, monitoring, and control of complex processing equipment to ensure safe, efficient production.

The role demands a relevant qualification in Chemical Operations or Process Technology with 5+ years of industrial experience, strong fault-finding, data logging, and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years as a Chemical Plant Operator in an industrial setting.
• Experience with chemical process equipment and control systems.
• Strong understanding of safety procedures and environmental regulations.
• Excellent troubleshooting and data logging abilities.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor chemical processing equipment, including reactors and control systems.
• Follow SOPs, safety regulations, and environmental policies.
• Perform routine checks and preventative maintenance on plant equipment.
• Respond to alarms and deviations, taking corrective actions.
• Conduct quality control tests on raw materials and finished products.
• Maintain accurate logs of operational data and incidents.
• Collaborate with engineers and maintenance teams to resolve issues.
• Participate in safety meetings and continuous improvement of safety practices.
• Adhere to safety protocols for hazardous materials and PPE.

Skills

Chemical plant operations

Safety procedures

Troubleshooting

Data logging

Teamwork

Shift work

Education

Chemical Operations qualification

Tools

Process control systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant manufacturer of industrial chemicals, is seeking a skilled and experienced Senior Chemical Plant Operator to join their dedicated team in Soweto, Gauteng . This role is critical for the day-to-day operation, monitoring, and control of complex chemical processing equipment. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of chemical plant operations, safety procedures, and quality control measures. You will be responsible for ensuring the smooth and efficient running of the plant, troubleshooting operational issues, and maintaining a safe working environment. This is a hands‑on position that offers the opportunity to work within a vital sector of the chemical industry and contribute directly to production goals. We are committed to providing a safe and supportive workplace where experienced operators are valued.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor chemical processing equipment, including reactors, distillation columns, pumps, and control systems.
• Ensure that all operations are conducted in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety regulations, and environmental policies.
• Perform routine checks and preventative maintenance on plant equipment.
• Respond promptly to alarms and process deviations, taking corrective actions as necessary.
• Conduct quality control tests on raw materials, intermediate products, and finished goods.
• Maintain accurate logs of operational data, production output, and any incidents.
• Collaborate with chemical engineers and maintenance teams to troubleshoot and resolve operational issues.
• Participate in safety meetings and contribute to the continuous improvement of safety practices.
• Adhere to strict safety protocols, including the handling of hazardous materials and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Requirements

• A relevant qualification in Chemical Operations, Process Technology, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience as a Chemical Plant Operator in an industrial setting.
• Proven ability to operate and monitor complex chemical process equipment and control systems.
• Strong understanding of chemical plant safety procedures and environmental regulations.
• Experience with quality control testing and data logging.
• Excellent troubleshooting skills and the ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Good communication and teamwork abilities.
• Must be physically fit and able to perform manual tasks as required.
• Willingness to work shifts as per operational requirements.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, including shift allowances and overtime opportunities.
• Benefits include comprehensive medical aid, a provident fund, and annual bonuses based on performance.
• Opportunities for further training and skill development are available.

This role is based in Soweto, Gauteng , and offers a stable career path within a well-established company in the chemical manufacturing sector.