Lead Chemical Engineer - Petrochemical Operations

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Bonus incentives

Retirement plan

Leadership training

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Chemical Engineer for our George, Western Cape facility to lead design, operation and optimization of petrochemical processes.

The role requires a Master's in Chemical Engineering with 10+ years in petrochem, including at least 3 years in leadership. You will drive safety, process improvements, capital projects and mentor junior engineers while balancing on-site and hybrid collaboration.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 10+ years in the petrochemical industry.
• Minimum 3 years in a supervisory or lead role.
• Strong knowledge of refining processes, catalysis, process control, and thermodynamics.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of chemical engineers in design, operation and optimization.
• Develop strategies to enhance plant efficiency and reduce costs.
• Oversee major projects, including new plant construction, equipment upgrades, and process modifications.
• Ensure strict compliance with health, safety, and environmental (HSE) regulations and company policies.
• Provide expert technical consultation and troubleshooting for complex operational challenges.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the engineering department.
• Manage vendor relationships and ensure quality of procured equipment and services.
• Develop and present technical reports and proposals to senior management.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers, fostering their technical and professional growth.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement risk mitigation strategies.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Process optimization

Safety compliance

Project management

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

Pro/II

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent entity in the petrochemical industry, is seeking an accomplished Lead Chemical Engineer to drive key initiatives from their George, Western Cape facility. This role is critical for overseeing complex operational processes, ensuring adherence to stringent safety and quality standards, and contributing to the strategic development of their refining and chemical production units. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in petrochemical engineering, a strong leadership aptitude, and a passion for optimizing plant performance. You will play a vital role in a highly technical and fast-paced environment, working on challenging projects that are crucial to the company's success. This is an excellent opportunity to lead a team and shape the future of chemical operations in the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of chemical engineers in the design, operation, and optimization of petrochemical processes.
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance plant efficiency, reduce operational costs, and improve product quality.
• Oversee the execution of major projects, including new plant construction, equipment upgrades, and process modifications.
• Ensure strict compliance with all health, safety, environmental (HSE) regulations and company policies.
• Provide expert technical consultation and troubleshooting for complex operational challenges.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the engineering department.
• Manage vendor relationships and ensure the quality of procured equipment and services.
• Develop and present technical reports and proposals to senior management.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers, fostering their technical and professional growth.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement risk mitigation strategies.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in the petrochemical industry, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or lead role.
• Extensive knowledge of refining processes, catalysis, process control, and thermodynamics.
• Demonstrated experience with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, Pro/II) and data analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of process safety management (PSM) standards and HAZOP studies.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work model, balancing on-site presence with remote collaboration.
• Experience in project management and capital expenditure planning is advantageous.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel occasionally to other company sites.

Benefits

• This position offers a highly competitive remuneration package, including a generous base salary, annual bonus incentives, and extensive benefits such as comprehensive medical coverage, life insurance, and a robust retirement savings plan.
• Our client also provides significant opportunities for career advancement, continuous professional development, and leadership training.
• Employees benefit from a collaborative work environment in George, Western Cape , access to cutting-edge technology, and involvement in impactful projects within the energy sector.