Lead Chemical Engineer - Speciality Chemicals

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town invites a Lead Chemical Engineer to drive innovation and commercialization of speciality chemicals. You will lead R&D, optimize processes, and scale up from lab to production, shaping strategic growth in the Western Cape.

The role requires a PhD or MSc in Chemical Engineering with a decade of experience, strong leadership, and a track record in polymer chemistry, organic synthesis, or formulation science. Expect a high-impact, collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering or closely related field.
• At least 10 years of progressive experience in chemical product development, focusing on speciality chemicals.
• Experience leading R&D teams and managing complex chemical projects.
• Expertise in polymer chemistry, organic synthesis, or formulation science.
• Proven ability to scale up chemical processes from lab to commercial production.
• Strong knowledge of quality control and regulatory affairs (e.g., REACH, GHS).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D and optimization of speciality chemical formulations and manufacturing processes.
• Oversee pilot plant operations and scale-up activities for new products.
• Provide technical leadership to a team of chemical engineers and chemists.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales to translate market needs into product development.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, safety standards and environmental policies.
• Manage intellectual property and patent applications for new technologies.
• Analyze process data, identify KPIs, and drive continuous improvement.
• Present technical findings and project updates to senior management.

Skills

Leadership

Polymer chemistry

Organic synthesis

Formulation science

Project management

Quality assurance

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

A prominent multinational chemical manufacturing company is seeking an accomplished Lead Chemical Engineer to spearhead their speciality chemicals division based in Cape Town, Western Cape . This senior position demands a visionary leader with extensive experience in the development and commercialization of novel chemical products. The ideal candidate will be responsible for driving innovation, optimizing production processes, and ensuring the highest quality standards for our client\'s diverse range of speciality chemicals. This role is integral to the company\'s growth strategy and offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of chemical innovation in Cape Town . We are looking for a strategic thinker with a passion for chemical science and engineering excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research, development, and optimization of speciality chemical formulations and manufacturing processes.
• Oversee pilot plant operations and scale-up activities for new product introductions.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a team of chemical engineers and chemists.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to understand market needs and translate them into product development initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry regulations, safety standards, and environmental policies.
• Manage intellectual property and patent applications for new chemical technologies.
• Analyze process data, identify key performance indicators, and implement continuous improvement strategies.
• Present technical findings and project updates to senior management and stakeholders.

Requirements

• Master\'s or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field.
• At least 10 years of progressive experience in chemical product development, with a strong focus on speciality chemicals.
• Demonstrated experience in leading R&D teams and managing complex chemical projects.
• Expertise in areas such as polymer chemistry, organic synthesis, or formulation science.
• Proven ability to scale up chemical processes from laboratory to commercial production.
• Strong understanding of quality control methodologies and regulatory affairs (e.g., REACH, GHS).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• Familiarity with the Cape Town industrial landscape is a plus.

Benefits

This position comes with a highly competitive remuneration package, including an attractive base salary, substantial annual bonus, and comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits. Our client invests heavily in employee development, offering opportunities for advanced training, conference participation, and leadership programs. You will work in a modern, well-equipped laboratory and production facility in a vibrant city. The role offers significant autonomy and the chance to make a tangible impact on the company\'s product portfolio and market position within Cape Town .