Graduate Chemical Engineer (BSc(Eng) or BENG

Jean Fowlds Consultancy; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing company is seeking a dynamic Graduate Engineer to thrive in a highly demanding role. The position requires a BSc in Engineering disciplines such as Chemical or Mechanical, with a strong academic background. Key responsibilities include supporting operational management, driving continuous improvements, and overseeing risk management. Ideal candidates possess excellent problem-solving skills and a hands-on approach, along with strong communication abilities. This challenging role offers opportunities for career advancement within the organization, including potential progression to Head of Department and factory management positions.

Qualifications

• Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Engineering disciplines like Chemical, Mechanical, or Electrical.
• Strong academic performance in matric mathematics with at least 80% is required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Support operational management and team development within the factory.
• Drive continuous improvements and waste elimination.
• Manage capital projects and exercise financial control over costs.
• Oversee safety and risk management in compliance with legislation.
• Ensure asset preservation through effective management systems.

Skills

Problem-solving

Analytical skills

Communication

Project management

Adaptability

Hands-on approach

Attention to detail

Education

BSc Degree in Engineering

Job description

Our esteemed client, a leading entity in the manufacturing sector and a prominent member of a publicly traded group, is seeking a dynamic and resilient Graduate Engineer. This role is highly demanding and requires an individual capable of excelling in a fast‑paced, challenging environment.

Lab and / or manufacturing experience will be advantageous.

Desired Experience & Qualification

Seeking (BSc(Eng)) or BENG Graduates , unfortunately, BTech graduates will not be considered.

Degree applicable to the following disciplines :

• Chemical (preferred)
• Mechanical
• Process
• Quality
• Electrical
• Mechatronics
• Maintenance
• Industrial

Job Summary

In this challenging role, a probationary period is applicable. During this period, the successful candidate will be assessed on their understanding of processes and equipment. They will be assigned various tasks, and upon successful completion, there may be an opportunity for permanent employment. This role offers career progression, allowing the candidate to start their career with the company and potentially advance to Head of Department (HOD) and factory management positions.

The environment is highly demanding; the hours are long, physical fitness is essential, and it is crucial that the successful candidate can be "hands‑on" at all times.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide support to the CEO, Senior Factory Manager, and Deputy Factory Managers in operational management and team development within the factory.
• Possess excellent maintenance skills.
• Ensure asset preservation through the development, implementation, and management of effective systems.
• Develop and implement best practices in all areas of the factory.
• Act as a credible leader, guiding and developing operational teams and individuals to achieve targets.
• Drive continuous improvements and waste elimination to reduce costs and enhance quality.
• Manage capital projects effectively.
• Exercise financial control over factory costs.
• Oversee safety and risk management in compliance with legislation.
• Ensure the factory remains focused on agreed key performance indicators.

Key Strengths / Abilities

• Ability to work autonomously
• Energetic, proactive, and highly motivated
• Manage growth and change in a professional and entrepreneurial manner
• Adaptive and creative in achieving targets
• Hands‑on and results‑driven
• Focused on customer and business needs
• Tenacious in goal attainment
• Elevated level of attention to detail
• Analytical and meticulous problem solver
• Capable of identifying opportunities
• Challenge established practices to evaluate the validity
• Possesses engineering and project management skills to drive and deliver continuous improvement
• Strong work ethic
• Strategic and big‑picture thinker
• Demonstrates emotional intelligence, robustness, and diplomacy

Minimum Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum BSc Degree in Engineering (as specified above)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong proficiency in matric mathematics, with a minimum score of 80%
• Above‑average academic performance on transcripts