Lead Industrial Process Optimization Specialist

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Annual bonus

Long-term incentives

Pension fund

Professional growth

Relocation assistance

Cutting-edge facilities

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay is seeking a Lead Industrial Process Optimization Specialist to drive efficiency in our client's chemical processing operations. You will lead a team of engineers, manage strategic improvement projects, and partner with multiple departments to implement best practices in process engineering.

This senior role requires hands-on leadership, strong analytics, and a track record of delivering capital projects in large-scale plants.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required in Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years progressive process engineering experience with at least 3 years in a lead/supervisory role.
• Expertise in process optimization (Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, SPC).
• Experience managing large-scale industrial projects with significant capital investment.
• Proficiency in process simulation tools (Aspen Plus, HYSYS) and data analysis (Minitab, Python).
• Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of process optimization strategies across multiple production units.
• Mentor a team of industrial and process engineers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Analyze complex process data to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for enhancement using advanced statistical tools.
• Design, pilot, and implement process improvements, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.
• Develop and maintain process models, simulations, and SOPs for optimal performance.
• Oversee major process upgrade projects from conception to completion, managing budgets and timelines effectively.
• Collaborate with R&D, Operations, and Maintenance teams to integrate new technologies and methodologies.
• Ensure strict adherence to safety, environmental, and quality standards in all process-related activities.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations for senior management on process performance, project status, and improvement initiatives.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in process engineering technologies and industry best practices.

Skills

Process optimization

Lean Six Sigma

Statistical analysis

Python

Leadership

Project management

Education

Master's degree in Chemical/Industrial Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Minitab

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the chemical processing industry, is looking for a seasoned Lead Industrial Process Optimization Specialist to be based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This senior role involves spearheading initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve the overall performance of complex industrial processes. The successful candidate will lead a team of engineers, drive strategic projects, and collaborate with various departments to implement best practices in process engineering. We are seeking a visionary leader with extensive experience in process analysis, optimization, and project management within a large-scale industrial setting. This position requires a hands-on approach combined with strategic thinking to drive significant improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of process optimization strategies across multiple production units.
• Manage and mentor a team of industrial and process engineers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Analyze complex process data to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for enhancement using advanced statistical tools.
• Design, pilot, and implement process improvements, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.
• Develop and maintain process models, simulations, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for optimal performance.
• Oversee major process upgrade projects from conception to completion, managing budgets and timelines effectively.
• Collaborate with R&D, Operations, and Maintenance teams to integrate new technologies and methodologies.
• Ensure strict adherence to safety, environmental, and quality standards in all process-related activities.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations for senior management on process performance, project status, and improvement initiatives.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in process engineering technologies and industry best practices.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in process engineering, with at least 3 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Demonstrated expertise in process optimization techniques, such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma (Black Belt preferred), and statistical process control (SPC).
• Proven experience managing large-scale industrial projects with significant capital investment.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) and data analysis tools (e.g., Minitab, Python).
• Strong leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work model, balancing on-site responsibilities with remote collaboration.
• Experience in the chemical or petrochemical industry is highly advantageous.
• Strong understanding of process safety management (PSM) principles.

Benefits

• Highly attractive salary package reflecting the senior nature of the role.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and life insurance coverage.
• Performance-driven annual bonus and long-term incentive plans.
• Generous pension fund contributions and other retirement benefits.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art facilities.
• Relocation assistance for candidates relocating to Richards Bay.
• A dynamic and challenging work environment with a focus on innovation.