Lead Chemical Plant Engineer

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Pension scheme

Substantial annual leave

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Chemical Plant Engineer for its Cape Town facility. You will oversee operations, drive improvements, and lead a team of engineers and technicians to meet ambitious targets while upholding safety and environmental standards.

The role requires a Master’s in Chemical Engineering with 10+ years in chemical plant management, plus strong leadership and technical acumen. ERP exposure and Six Sigma are advantageous; relocation support may be offered.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Progressive management experience in chemical plant operations.
• Strong knowledge of process design, safety, and enviromental systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day plant operations and meet production targets.
• Oversee design, installation, and commissioning of equipment.
• Implement process improvements to quality, yield and energy efficiency.
• Ensure health, safety, and environmental compliance.
• Mentor the engineering team and manage budgets and CAPEX.
• Coordinate with R&D, QA and supply chain for scale-up.
• Perform safety audits and risk assessments as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Decision-making

Strategic thinking

Risk assessment

Six Sigma

HAZOP/LOPA

Process design

Safety compliance

Team leadership

Education

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Professional Engineer (PrEng) registration preferred

Tools

Process simulation software

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the specialty chemicals sector, is seeking an accomplished Lead Chemical Plant Engineer to oversee operations and development in their state-of-the-art facility located in Cape Town, Western Cape . This leadership role requires a strategic thinker with extensive experience in managing chemical manufacturing processes, ensuring optimal performance, and driving innovation. You will be responsible for a team of engineers and technicians, guiding them to achieve ambitious production targets while upholding the highest standards of safety and environmental compliance. This is a critical position for our client's growth strategy in the region. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong technical acumen, exceptional leadership capabilities, and a proven track record of successfully managing complex chemical plant operations. You will interface with various departments, including R&D, quality control, and supply chain, to ensure seamless integration and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the chemical plant, ensuring production targets are met efficiently.
• Oversee the design, installation, and commissioning of new plant equipment and process modifications.
• Develop and implement process improvement initiatives to enhance product quality, yield, and energy efficiency.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, and environmental regulations and company policies.
• Manage the plant engineering team, providing mentorship, performance feedback, and development opportunities.
• Conduct regular safety audits, risk assessments, and implement necessary corrective actions.
• Collaborate with R&D to translate laboratory processes into viable large-scale production.
• Manage the plant's operational budget and capital expenditure planning.
• Troubleshoot complex technical issues and provide timely and effective solutions.
• Maintain and improve the plant's overall asset integrity and reliability programs.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field from a recognized university.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in chemical plant operations and management.
• Demonstrated experience in leading engineering teams and managing complex projects.
• Expert knowledge of chemical process design, safety protocols (e.g., HAZOP, LOPA), and environmental management systems.
• Proficiency in process simulation software and data analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of plant maintenance, reliability engineering, and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems is advantageous.
• Professional Engineer (PrEng) registration is strongly preferred.

Benefits

This role offers a highly competitive salary package, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Comprehensive benefits include private medical insurance, a pension scheme, and substantial annual leave. Our client is committed to employee growth and provides extensive training and professional development programs. You will have the opportunity to work in a leading-edge facility in the scenic city of Cape Town, Western Cape , and contribute to groundbreaking projects. Relocation assistance may be provided for exceptional candidates relocating to Cape Town . Join a company that values innovation and employee well-being.