Lead Chemical Engineer - Plant Operations

Placements24; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, pension and disability cover

Performance-based bonus

Company vehicle or travel allowance

Leadership development and advanced培训

Generous leave and holidays

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a highly experienced Lead Chemical Engineer to oversee and optimize plant operations at its Gauteng facility. The role emphasizes safety, compliance, and continuous improvement while mentoring engineers and technicians.

You will drive production efficiency, manage budgets, and implement best practices in chemical processing, with a focus on safety culture and environmental stewardship. A hands-on leader is expected to advance strategic objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related discipline; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in chemical plant operations and management.
• Proven track record in leading and managing engineering teams.
• Extensive knowledge of industrial chemical processes, equipment, and control systems.
• Strong understanding of Process Safety Management (PSM) principles and regulations.
• Demonstrated experience in operational improvement initiatives.
• Excellent financial acumen and experience managing operational budgets.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage day-to-day plant operations, ensuring adherence to production schedules, quality standards, and safety protocols.
• Lead and mentor a team of chemical engineers and plant operators, fostering a culture of collaboration and high performance.
• Develop and implement strategies for process optimization, cost reduction, and efficiency improvement.
• Oversee process safety management (PSM) programs, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Conduct root cause analyses for operational issues and implement corrective actions.
• Manage the plant's operational budget and capital expenditure projects.
• Collaborate with maintenance, engineering, and supply chain teams to ensure seamless operations.
• Monitor KPIs and provide regular reports to senior management.
• Champion environmental stewardship and ensure compliance with all environmental regulations.
• Identify and implement innovative technologies to enhance plant performance and sustainability.

Skills

Leadership

Team mentoring

Process optimization

Budget management

KPI reporting

Decision making

Communication

Plant operations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Plant management software

Simulation tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and motivated Lead Chemical Engineer to oversee and manage plant operations in their facility located in Tembisa, Gauteng . This critical role involves ensuring the efficient, safe, and compliant operation of all chemical processes, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and mentoring a team of talented engineers and technicians. You will be at the forefront of optimizing production yields, managing operational budgets, and implementing best practices in chemical engineering. The successful candidate will possess a strong leadership aptitude, a deep understanding of industrial chemical processes, and a commitment to operational excellence. This position demands a hands-on approach and a dedication to fostering a culture of safety and productivity. As a key member of the operations leadership team, you will play a vital role in achieving the company's strategic objectives and maintaining its reputation as a leader in the chemical industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and manage day-to-day plant operations, ensuring adherence to production schedules, quality standards, and safety protocols.
• Lead and mentor a team of chemical engineers and plant operators, fostering a culture of collaboration and high performance.
• Develop and implement strategies for process optimization, cost reduction, and efficiency improvement.
• Oversee process safety management (PSM) programs, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Conduct root cause analyses for operational issues and implement corrective actions.
• Manage the plant's operational budget and capital expenditure projects.
• Collaborate with maintenance, engineering, and supply chain teams to ensure seamless operations.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and provide regular reports to senior management.
• Champion environmental stewardship and ensure compliance with all environmental regulations.
• Identify and implement innovative technologies to enhance plant performance and sustainability.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in chemical plant operations and management.
• Proven track record in leading and managing engineering teams.
• Extensive knowledge of industrial chemical processes, equipment, and control systems.
• Strong understanding of Process Safety Management (PSM) principles and regulations.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and executing operational improvement initiatives.
• Excellent financial acumen and experience managing operational budgets.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency in relevant plant management software and simulation tools.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package, reflecting the seniority of the role.
• Comprehensive medical, pension, and disability insurance.
• Performance-based bonus structure.
• Generous leave allowance and company holidays.
• Opportunities for advanced training and leadership development.
• Access to cutting-edge operational technology.
• Company-provided vehicle or travel allowance.
• A challenging yet rewarding work environment with significant growth potential.