Lead Chemical Engineer - Project Management

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Career advancement opportunities

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Lead Chemical Engineer to base in Rustenburg. You will oversee design, execution and commissioning of new plants and upgrades, leading a team of engineers and managing budgets and timelines.

The role blends technical leadership with project management in an industrial setting. The ideal candidate holds a Master's in Chemical Engineering with 8+ years in the field and at least 3 years in PM or lead roles.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years of chemical engineering experience with 3+ years in project leadership.
• Proven capital project management experience in chemical/process industries.
• Strong knowledge of P&IDs and process simulation.
• Demonstrated leadership and stakeholder communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead chemical engineering projects from initiation to commissioning.
• Develop scopes, specifications and detailed engineering designs.
• Oversee planning, scheduling, budgeting and resources.
• Mentor and supervise engineering teams and contractors.
• Coordinate with internal departments, contractors and suppliers.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies.
• Monitor progress and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Oversee procurement of equipment and services.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Capital projects experience

P&IDs knowledge

Process simulation

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

MS Project

Primavera

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding industrial firm, is seeking a highly experienced Lead Chemical Engineer with strong project management capabilities to be based in Rustenburg . This pivotal role involves overseeing the design, execution, and commissioning of new chemical plants and process upgrades. You will lead a team of engineers, manage project timelines, budgets, and resources, and ensure successful project delivery from conception to completion. The ideal candidate will possess a blend of technical expertise in chemical engineering and proven leadership skills in project management within the industrial sector. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned professional to shape significant projects in the North West province.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage chemical engineering projects from initiation through to final commissioning.
• Develop project scopes, technical specifications, and detailed engineering designs.
• Oversee project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation.
• Manage engineering teams, providing technical guidance and mentorship.
• Coordinate with internal departments, external contractors, and suppliers.
• Ensure projects comply with all safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies for project execution.
• Monitor project progress, identify potential issues, and implement corrective actions.
• Oversee the procurement of equipment and services.
• Facilitate effective communication among all project stakeholders.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in chemical engineering, with at least 3 years in a project management or lead engineering role.
• Proven experience in managing capital projects in the chemical or process industry.
• Strong knowledge of engineering design principles, P&IDs, and process simulation.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent project management skills, including planning, scheduling, and budgeting.
• Familiarity with project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera).
• Strong understanding of process safety management (PSM) and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Willingness to work in a hybrid model, with significant on-site project involvement in Rustenburg .

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, performance bonuses, and significant opportunities for career advancement. This hybrid role in Rustenburg provides a challenging and rewarding career path, contributing to major industrial developments in the North West region.