Lead Chemical Engineer - Refinery Operations

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual performance bonuses

Private medical aid

Life insurance

Company-contributed pension fund

Training and professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Vereeniging, South Africa, seeks a Lead Chemical Engineer to drive operational excellence in the refinery. You will lead a team of engineers, optimize process units, and ensure safety and environmental compliance.

The role demands a decade of Oil & Gas refining experience, strong leadership, and hands-on problem solving. You will mentor staff, manage turnarounds, analyze process data, and implement efficiency improvements to boost yield and profitability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum 10 years in Oil & Gas refining, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or lead role.
• Proven track record in process optimization, troubleshooting, and project management within a refinery environment.
• Strong understanding of refining processes, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics.
• Experience with SHE regulations and safety management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee refinery operations and optimize process units.
• Lead a team of chemical engineers, providing mentorship, technical expertise, and performance management.
• Troubleshoot complex operational issues, identifying root causes and implementing effective solutions.
• Develop and implement process improvement projects to enhance efficiency, yield, and product quality.
• Ensure strict adherence to safety, health, and environmental regulations and company policies.
• Manage unit shutdowns, turnarounds, and maintenance activities, ensuring timely and safe execution.
• Analyze process data, identify trends, and develop strategies for performance enhancement.
• Collaborate with maintenance, operations, and management teams to achieve production targets and operational goals.
• Stay current with advancements in refinery technology and best practices.

Skills

Leadership

Process optimization

Troubleshooting

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading integrated energy company, is seeking an accomplished Lead Chemical Engineer to drive operational excellence within their refining division located in Vereeniging, Gauteng . This critical leadership role focuses on optimizing refinery processes, ensuring efficient production, and maintaining the highest standards of safety and environmental compliance. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in refinery operations, process troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives. You will lead a team of talented engineers, providing technical guidance and strategic direction to enhance plant performance and profitability. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact within a vital industrial complex, contributing to the company's strategic goals in the heart of South Africa's industrial hub. Your expertise will be key to the smooth functioning of operations in Vereeniging .

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize day-to-day operations of various refinery process units.
• Lead a team of chemical engineers, providing mentorship, technical expertise, and performance management.
• Troubleshoot complex operational issues, identifying root causes and implementing effective solutions.
• Develop and implement process improvement projects to enhance efficiency, yield, and product quality.
• Ensure strict adherence to safety, health, and environmental (SHE) regulations and company policies.
• Manage unit shutdowns, turnarounds, and maintenance activities, ensuring timely and safe execution.
• Analyze process data, identify trends, and develop strategies for performance enhancement.
• Collaborate with maintenance, operations, and management teams to achieve production targets and operational goals.
• Stay current with advancements in refinery technology and best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in the Oil & Gas refining industry, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or lead engineering role.
• Proven track record in process optimization, troubleshooting, and project management within a refinery environment.
• Strong understanding of refining processes, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics.
• In-depth knowledge of safety management systems and environmental regulations.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in process simulation software and data analysis tools.
• Ability to make sound technical judgments and decisions under pressure.
• Experience in the industrial landscape of Vereeniging, Gauteng is advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, annual performance bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package, including private medical aid, life insurance, and a substantial company-contributed pension fund. We invest in our employees' growth through ongoing training, professional development opportunities, and support for advanced certifications. Our client fosters a dynamic and collaborative work environment. This role is based in Vereeniging, Gauteng , offering a challenging career path and the opportunity to significantly influence operational performance within the Oil & Gas sector.