Lead Chemical Engineer - Plant Operations

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,600,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Generous annual leave

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Chemical Engineer in Cape Town to drive operational excellence across a state-of-the-art facility. The role blends strategic remote work with essential on-site collaboration to oversee day-to-day chemical production operations.

The ideal candidate will have 10+ years in chemical plant operations, with at least 3 years in a lead role, and strong expertise in process control, safety systems, and data analysis. Hybrid work and travel to other sites are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering; Master's degree preferred.
• 10+ years in chemical plant operations, with at least 3 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Expertise in process control, troubleshooting, and optimization techniques.
• Strong knowledge of safety management systems (HAZOP, LOPA) and environmental compliance.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in process simulation and data analysis software.
• Hybrid work model with on-site presence in Cape Town.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to other company sites.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the operational activities of chemical production units.
• Ensure strict adherence to safety, health, and environmental regulations and company policies.
• Develop and implement strategies for process optimization and efficiency improvements.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex operational and technical issues affecting production.
• Mentor and develop a team of chemical engineers and technicians, fostering their professional growth.
• Collaborate with maintenance teams to ensure optimal plant uptime and asset integrity.
• Oversee process data analysis to identify trends, performance bottlenecks, and areas for enhancement.
• Participate in capital project planning and execution for plant upgrades and expansions.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and ensure their effective implementation.
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement throughout the operations team.

Skills

Leadership

Process optimization

Process control

Safety management

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Master's degree

Tools

Process simulation

Job description

About the Role

Our client is actively searching for an accomplished Lead Chemical Engineer to spearhead operational excellence within their state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in **Cape Town**. This hybrid role offers a blend of strategic remote work and essential on-site collaboration, providing the best of both worlds. You will be instrumental in overseeing the day-to-day operations of complex chemical plants, ensuring the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and product quality are consistently met. The Lead Chemical Engineer will be responsible for driving continuous improvement initiatives, mentoring a team of talented engineers, and collaborating closely with production and maintenance departments to resolve operational challenges. This is a critical position that requires strong leadership acumen, a deep understanding of chemical processes, and the ability to foster a positive and productive work environment. The ideal candidate will be a proactive problem-solver, adept at strategic planning and execution, and passionate about contributing to a leading player in the chemical industry. This role requires a commitment to both innovation and operational rigor.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the operational activities of chemical production units.
• Ensure strict adherence to all safety, health, and environmental regulations and company policies.
• Develop and implement strategies for process optimization and efficiency improvements.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex operational and technical issues affecting production.
• Mentor and develop a team of chemical engineers and technicians, fostering their professional growth.
• Collaborate with maintenance teams to ensure optimal plant uptime and asset integrity.
• Oversee process data analysis to identify trends, performance bottlenecks, and areas for enhancement.
• Participate in capital project planning and execution for plant upgrades and expansions.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and ensure their effective implementation.
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement throughout the operations team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in chemical plant operations, with at least 3 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Demonstrated expertise in process control, troubleshooting, and optimization techniques.
• Strong knowledge of safety management systems (e.g., HAZOP, LOPA) and environmental compliance.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage teams, projects, and cross-functional collaborations effectively.
• Proficiency in process simulation and data analysis software.
• Experience with process safety and risk management is essential.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work model, balancing remote tasks with necessary on-site presence in **Cape Town**.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel occasionally to other company sites.

Benefits

• An attractive annual salary of R.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Generous annual leave and performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunities for international training and professional development.
• Relocation assistance available for candidates relocating to **Cape Town**.
• Access to advanced process control and automation technologies.
• A collaborative and innovative work culture that values employee contributions.
• Company-provided laptop and mobile phone for hybrid work.