Lead Chemical Engineer - Fertilizer Production

Placements24; Richards Bay; Vor Ort; ZAR 1.200.000 - 1.800.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Relocation assistance

Annual performance bonuses

Competitive remuneration

Medical aid and hospital plan

International training and development

Zusammenfassung

WhatJobs Direct, recruiting on behalf of a major industrial client, seeks a Lead Chemical Engineer to oversee fertilizer production operations in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will lead a team of engineers, drive process improvements, and ensure SHE compliance in a large-scale facility.

The role emphasizes safety, yield optimization, cost reduction, and strategic planning, with opportunities for international training and relocation assistance.

Qualifikationen

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 10+ years in the chemical industry with 5+ years in a lead role.
• Experience in fertilizer production processes (ammonia, urea, phosphates).
• Strong process design, simulation (Aspen Plus), and troubleshooting knowledge.
• Proven knowledge of PSM and risk assessment techniques.
• Demonstrated leadership, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder presentation abilities.
• Willingness to relocate to Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.

Aufgaben

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of chemical engineers and technical staff.
• Oversee daily operations of chemical production units for efficiency.
• Develop strategies for process optimization to enhance yield and reduce energy use.
• Ensure adherence to SHE regulations and company policies.
• Conduct root cause analyses for process upsets and implement corrective actions.
• Manage capital projects from conception to commissioning.
• Collaborate with maintenance, operations, and supply chain for seamless production.
• Maintain process documentation (PFDs, P&IDs, SOPs) and stay current with industry trends.
• Contribute to long-term strategic plans for the production facility.

Kenntnisse

Leadership

Team management

Analytical thinking

Communication

Ausbildung

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

Jobbeschreibung

About the Role

WhatJobs Direct is recruiting on behalf of our client, a major player in the industrial sector, for a Lead Chemical Engineer to oversee critical operations in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This leadership role is essential for managing and optimizing the complex chemical processes involved in fertilizer production. The successful candidate will lead a team of engineers, drive process improvements, ensure operational safety, and contribute to strategic planning. This is a demanding yet highly rewarding position for an experienced professional seeking to make a significant impact. You will be responsible for the continuous improvement of plant performance, yield maximization, and cost reduction initiatives. We are seeking a results-oriented leader with a strong technical background and excellent stakeholder management skills. The role demands a comprehensive understanding of chemical engineering principles applied within a large-scale manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of chemical engineers and technical staff.
• Oversee the daily operations of chemical production units, ensuring efficiency and reliability.
• Develop and implement strategies for process optimization to enhance yield, reduce energy consumption, and minimize waste.
• Ensure strict adherence to all safety, health, and environmental (SHE) regulations and company policies.
• Conduct root cause analyses for process upsets and implement corrective actions.
• Manage capital projects related to process upgrades and expansions, from conception to commissioning.
• Collaborate with maintenance, operations, and supply chain departments to ensure seamless production.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, including PFDs, P&IDs, and operating procedures.
• Stay current with industry trends and best practices in fertilizer manufacturing and chemical engineering.
• Contribute to the development of long-term strategic plans for the production facility.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in the chemical industry, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or lead engineer role.
• Specific experience in fertilizer production processes (e.g., ammonia, urea, phosphates) is highly desirable.
• In-depth knowledge of process design, simulation (Aspen Plus/Plus), and troubleshooting.
• Strong understanding of process safety management (PSM) and risk assessment techniques.
• Proven leadership and team management capabilities.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, with experience presenting to senior management.
• Proficiency in project management and execution.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.

Benefits

• Highly competitive remuneration package including performance incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and hospital plan.
• Generous retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for international training and development.
• Relocation assistance if applicable.
• Exposure to large-scale, complex industrial projects.
• A leadership role with significant responsibility and impact.
• Annual performance bonuses.