Lead Chemical Engineer - Speciality Chemicals

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical and dental coverage

Performance bonus

Training and conferences

Pension scheme

Life insurance

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in George, Western Cape, seeks a Lead Chemical Engineer to drive development and scale-up of speciality chemicals. You will lead design, process development, and technology integration, ensuring safety, quality, and regulatory compliance across production sites.

The role requires a visionary leader with robust technical depth, 10+ years in chemical engineering, and a track record in scale-up, process optimization, and team mentorship.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Chemical Engineering.
• 10+ years of relevant experience in the chemical industry, with focus on speciality chemicals.
• Experience in process design, scale-up, and troubleshooting.
• Strong knowledge of reaction engineering, separation processes, and materials science.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.
• Proficiency in process simulation software and statistical analysis.
• Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent communication, presentation and report-writing skills.
• Experience with quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001).
• Commitment to health, safety, and environmental stewardship.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of novel chemical processes for speciality chemical production.
• Oversee the scale-up of laboratory processes to full commercial production, ensuring safety and efficiency.
• Manage and mentor a team of chemical engineers and technicians, fostering a culture of innovation and high performance.
• Conduct rigorous process analysis, identify areas for improvement, and implement solutions.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive process documentation, including P&IDs, PFDs, and SOPs.
• Ensure strict adherence to safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with R&D to translate discoveries into viable manufacturing processes.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively.
• Evaluate and implement new process technologies and equipment.
• Provide expert technical support to manufacturing and operations teams.

Skills

Reaction engineering

Separation processes

Materials science

Leadership

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Statistical analysis

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering force in the speciality chemicals sector located in the scenic city of George, Western Cape , is actively seeking a Lead Chemical Engineer. This senior position is responsible for spearheading the development and scaling of innovative chemical products and processes. You will be at the forefront of driving technological advancements, ensuring product quality, and maintaining operational excellence. The role demands a visionary leader with robust technical expertise and a strategic mindset. Joining our client means becoming part of a forward-thinking organization that is committed to sustainable growth and cutting-edge research in the beautiful Western Cape region. This is an unparalleled opportunity for a seasoned professional to make a significant impact.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the design, development, and implementation of novel chemical processes for speciality chemical production. Oversee the scale-up of laboratory processes to full commercial production, ensuring safety and efficiency. Manage and mentor a team of chemical engineers and technicians, fostering a culture of innovation and high performance. Conduct rigorous process analysis, identify areas for improvement, and implement solutions. Develop and maintain comprehensive process documentation, including P&IDs, PFDs, and SOPs. Ensure strict adherence to all safety, environmental, and regulatory standards. Collaborate closely with the research and development department to translate new discoveries into viable manufacturing processes. Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively. Evaluate and implement new process technologies and equipment. Provide expert technical support to manufacturing and operational teams.

Requirements

A Master's degree or PhD in Chemical Engineering. At least 10 years of relevant experience in the chemical industry, with a significant focus on speciality chemicals. Demonstrated experience in process design, scale-up, and troubleshooting. Strong knowledge of reaction engineering, separation processes, and materials science. Proven leadership and team management skills. Proficiency in process simulation software and statistical analysis. Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision‑making abilities. Exceptional communication, presentation, and report‑writing skills. Experience with quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001). A strong commitment to health, safety, and environmental stewardship. Must have valid work authorization for South Africa .

Benefits

This role comes with a highly competitive salary, comprehensive medical and dental coverage, and an attractive performance bonus structure. Our client invests in its employees' growth through extensive training programs, opportunities to attend international conferences, and support for further academic pursuits. A generous pension scheme and life insurance are also provided. Employees benefit from working in a modern, well‑equipped facility and a collaborative culture that encourages professional development. Relocation assistance to the stunning George area in the Western Cape will be provided. This is a key role for a distinguished professional in the chemical industry.