Lead Chemical Process Engineer

Placements24; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,600,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private health insurance

Pension / retirement annuity

Annual performance bonuses

Generous paid time off

International travel opportunities

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a distinguished Lead Chemical Process Engineer to spearhead critical projects from Randburg, Gauteng. This senior role requires visionary leadership to design, optimize, and scale complex chemical processes while ensuring safety and environmental compliance.

You will guide a team of engineers, manage scope and budgets, collaborate with R&D, and translate laboratory discoveries into viable commercial processes, shaping operational excellence and product development

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from a recognized university.
• Minimum 10 years of comprehensive process engineering experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Experience in process design, simulation, and troubleshooting for complex chemical systems.
• Proven ability to lead HAZOP studies and implement safety recommendations.
• Strong knowledge of process control, APC, and industrial automation.

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptualization, design, and implementation of new chemical processes and major plant modifications.
• Oversee process hazard analyses (PHA) and ensure adherence to safety and regulatory standards.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a team of process engineers.
• Develop and manage project scope, timelines, and budgets for process initiatives.
• Optimize plant operations to improve yield, reduce energy use, and minimize waste.
• Collaborate with R&D to translate laboratory discoveries into commercial processes.
• Prepare technical documentation including P&IDs and equipment specs.
• Engage with vendors, contractors, and regulatory bodies.
• Stay updated on emerging technologies and best practices in chemical engineering.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Process design

Process simulation

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

ChemCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in petrochemicals and advanced materials, is seeking a distinguished Lead Chemical Process Engineer to spearhead critical projects from their hub in Randburg, Gauteng . This senior position demands a visionary leader with extensive experience in designing, optimizing, and scaling complex chemical processes. You will be responsible for guiding a team of talented engineers, driving innovation, and ensuring the highest standards of safety and environmental compliance. This role is integral to our client's strategic growth and technological advancement within the competitive chemical industry. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our client's operational excellence and product development initiatives. The position offers a unique opportunity to leverage your expertise in a challenging and rewarding environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and implementation of new chemical processes and major plant modifications.
• Oversee process hazard analyses (PHA) and ensure adherence to all safety and regulatory standards.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a team of process engineers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
• Develop and manage project scope, timelines, and budgets for process engineering initiatives.
• Optimize existing plant operations to improve yield, reduce energy consumption, and minimize waste.
• Collaborate closely with research and development teams to translate laboratory discoveries into viable commercial processes.
• Prepare comprehensive technical documentation, including P&IDs, equipment specifications, and operating manuals.
• Engage with external stakeholders, including vendors, contractors, and regulatory bodies.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry best practices in chemical engineering.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from a recognized university.
• Minimum of 10 years of comprehensive experience in process engineering, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role within the chemical or petrochemical industry.
• Expertise in process design, simulation (Aspen Plus, ChemCAD), and troubleshooting for complex chemical systems.
• Proven experience in leading HAZOP studies and implementing safety recommendations.
• Strong understanding of process control strategies, advanced process control (APC), and industrial automation.
• Demonstrated ability to manage large-scale capital projects from conception to completion.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and presentation skills.
• Solid understanding of environmental regulations and sustainable chemical practices.
• Experience with continuous and batch process operations.
• Membership in professional engineering bodies is highly regarded.

Benefits

Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top talent. This role comes with a highly competitive salary package and an extensive benefits program, including private health insurance, a substantial retirement annuity, annual performance bonuses, and generous paid time off. Opportunities for international travel and professional development through advanced training and conferences are readily available. Employees benefit from a dynamic and intellectually stimulating work environment in Randburg, Gauteng , with access to leading-edge research and development facilities. This is a career-defining opportunity for an ambitious chemical engineer.