Lead Chemical Engineer - Plant Operations

Placements24; Randfontein; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive health insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Car allowance

Leadership training

Job summary

Placements24 in Rustenburg is seeking a seasoned Lead Chemical Engineer to head the plant operations team. This senior role requires strong leadership and extensive expertise in chemical manufacturing and process optimization to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operation of complex facilities.

You will manage capital projects, mentor engineers, drive continuous improvement, and partner with plant management on strategic initiatives to meet production targets and sustain operational

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in chemical plant operations and engineering leadership.
• Expertise in process design, troubleshooting, and scale-up.
• Proven track record of successful project management and team leadership.
• In-depth knowledge of safety protocols, environmental regulations, and quality management systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of chemical and process engineers, providing technical guidance and performance management.
• Oversee the design, operation, and maintenance of chemical processing equipment and facilities.
• Develop and implement strategies for process optimization, cost reduction, and quality enhancement.
• Ensure strict adherence to all safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance standards.
• Manage capital projects related to plant upgrades, expansions, and new installations.
• Act as a key technical advisor to plant management on all engineering-related matters.

Skills

Leadership

Process design

Scale-up

Project management

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Education

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client seeks a seasoned and results-driven Lead Chemical Engineer to head their plant operations team in Rustenburg. This senior position demands strong leadership capabilities coupled with extensive technical expertise in chemical manufacturing and process optimization. You will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of plant engineering, ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of complex chemical production facilities. The role requires a strategic thinker capable of managing projects, leading a team of engineers, and driving continuous improvement initiatives to meet production targets and maintain operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of chemical and process engineers, providing technical guidance and performance management.
• Oversee the design, operation, and maintenance of chemical processing equipment and facilities.
• Develop and implement strategies for process optimization, cost reduction, and quality enhancement.
• Ensure strict adherence to all safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance standards.
• Manage capital projects related to plant upgrades, expansions, and new installations.
• Act as a key technical advisor to plant management on all engineering-related matters.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in chemical plant operations and engineering leadership.
• Demonstrated expertise in process design, troubleshooting, and scale-up.
• Proven track record of successful project management and team leadership.
• In-depth knowledge of safety protocols, environmental regulations, and quality management systems.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive-level salary and bonus structure.
• Executive health, life, and disability insurance coverage.
• Significant annual bonus potential and long-term incentive plans.
• Company vehicle or generous car allowance.
• Professional development opportunities and leadership training programs.