Lead Chemical Engineer - Specialty Chemicals Production

Placements24; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 in Gauteng seeks a Lead Chemical Engineer to oversee and advance production of specialty chemicals in Tembisa. This senior on-site role demands strong leadership and deep technical expertise in chemical manufacturing.

You will mentor engineers, ensure safety, quality, and efficiency, and drive process scale-up from lab to full-scale production while managing budgets and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or equivalent.
• 10+ years in chemical manufacturing with leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of process safety regulations and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, implementation, and optimization of chemical production processes for specialty chemicals.
• Supervise and mentor a team of chemical engineers and technicians.
• Ensure adherence to safety, environmental, and quality standards across production activities.
• Develop and manage production schedules and resource allocation to meet demand.
• Conduct root cause analyses for deviations and implement corrective actions.
• Oversee commissioning and validation of new equipment and process changes.
• Collaborate with R&D to scale up new formulations from lab to production.
• Manage operational budgets and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Maintain process documentation including SOPs and P&IDs.
• Represent engineering in cross-functional management meetings.

Skills

Leadership

Process safety

Budget management

Stakeholder management

Quality systems

Strategic thinking

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the specialty chemicals market, is seeking an experienced and visionary Lead Chemical Engineer to oversee and advance their production operations in **Tembisa, Gauteng**. This senior position demands exceptional leadership capabilities and a deep technical understanding of chemical manufacturing processes. The Lead Chemical Engineer will be responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and sustainable production of high-quality specialty chemicals. This role is crucial for driving innovation in production methodologies and mentoring a team of talented engineers. The position is based in **Tembisa, Gauteng**, requiring a full-time, on-site commitment to effectively manage plant operations and lead strategic initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, and optimization of chemical production processes for specialty chemicals.
• Supervise and guide a team of chemical engineers and technicians, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Ensure adherence to stringent safety, environmental, and quality standards throughout all production activities.
• Develop and manage production schedules and resource allocation to meet market demands.
• Conduct thorough root cause analysis for production deviations and implement corrective actions.
• Oversee the commissioning and validation of new equipment and process modifications.
• Collaborate with R&D to scale up new product formulations from lab to commercial production.
• Manage operational budgets and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Maintain and enhance process documentation, including SOPs and P&IDs.
• Represent the engineering department in cross-functional management meetings.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or equivalent professional qualification.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in chemical manufacturing, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated expertise in specialty chemical production and process scale-up.
• In-depth knowledge of process safety regulations and best practices (e.g., ATEX, REACH).
• Proven ability to lead and motivate technical teams.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing operational budgets.
• Excellent strategic thinking and decision‑making capabilities.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Familiarity with Quality Management Systems (e.g., ISO 9001).

This is a non-remote position, requiring full dedication to operations in **Tembisa, Gauteng**.

Benefits

• This role comes with a highly competitive salary package, including an attractive annual bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health insurance, a generous retirement fund contribution, and paid time off are standard.
• Opportunities for professional growth through specialized training, industry certifications, and potential international assignments are available.
• Our client values work-life balance and provides a supportive work environment within the thriving industrial landscape of **Gauteng**.