Lead Chemical Engineer — Plant Operations Leader

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

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.