Head of Technical

Fourier Recruitment; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Fourier Recruitment PTY seeks a senior leader in chemical formulation and process development to drive technology strategy across R&D, manufacturing, and field operations. You will lead cross-functional teams, assess process risks, and optimise scale-up and industrialisation programs.

The role requires hands-on expertise in unit operations, quality systems, and regulatory compliance, with a proven track record of delivering robust processes in regulated environments.

Qualifications

• Masters or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Biochemistry, Food Science, Industrial Chemistry, or a closely related discipline.
• 8+ years of progressive, practical experience in chemical formulation, manufacturing, process development, scale-up, and commercial industrialisation.
• An expert in Technology, Equipment, Manufacturing, R&D, Quality.

Responsibilities

• Bridge the gap between scientific rigour and commercial reality.
• Move seamlessly between the R&D lab, manufacturing plant floor, and customer environments.
• Demonstrate exceptional problem-solving with structured root-cause analysis and deviation management.

Skills

Industrial unit operations

Mixing technologies

Heat transfer

Process development

Root-cause analysis

Deviation management

Education

Masters or PhD in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering/Biochemistry/Food Science

Job description

My Client that develops, Manufactures, and Supplies a wide range of Feed additives, Biosecurity, and Hygiene solutions for the feed, Livestock, and Food industries. As a South African manufacturer, they combine science, innovation, and care to strength...

Education & Experience

• Masters or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Biochemistry, Food Science, Industrial Chemistry, or a closely related discipline.
• 8+ years of progressive, practical experience in chemical formulation, manufacturing, process development, scale-up, and commercial industrialisation (experience in regulated industries highly preferred).
• An expert in Technology, Equipment, Manufacturing, R&D, Quality.

Technical Expertise

• Deep, hands-on knowledge of industrial unit operations, including mixing technologies, dispersion, heat transfer, filtration, and automated process control.
• Proven track record in technical risk assessment, validation protocol design, and manufacturing process capability analysis.
• Strong working knowledge of quality systems, change control, and regulatory compliance frameworks (e.g., ISO, GMP, or relevant regional standards).

Leadership & Mindset

• A pragmatic, decisive leader who can bridge the gap between scientific rigour and commercial reality.
• Comfortable moving seamlessly between the R&D laboratory, the manufacturing plant floor, and the customer's operational environment.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills with a structured approach to root-cause analysis and deviation management.