Lead Process Engineer - Chemical Manufacturing

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary with bonus

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Lead Process Engineer to drive excellence in our chemical manufacturing operations in Vereeniging. You will lead a team of engineers, optimize production processes, and manage capital projects while upholding safety and quality standards.

The role requires a B.Sc./M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering and at least 7 years of progressive process engineering experience, with leadership exposure.

Qualifications

• Bachelor or Master in Chemical Engineering.
• 7+ years of experience in chemical process engineering with leadership exposure.
• Experience with process design, simulation, scale-up and troubleshooting.
• Lean/Six Sigma knowledge is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of optimized chemical manufacturing processes.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement safety improvements.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and optimize yield and downtime.
• Manage process improvement projects from concept to commissioning and validation.
• Supervise and mentor engineers and operations staff at the Vereeniging plant.
• Collaborate with R&D, QA and maintenance to ensure seamless production and product quality.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Education

B.Sc./M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and dynamic Lead Process Engineer to drive excellence in their Chemical Manufacturing operations in Vereeniging. This critical role involves optimizing existing production processes, developing new manufacturing technologies, and ensuring the highest standards of safety, quality, and efficiency. You will lead a team of talented engineers, troubleshoot complex operational challenges, and play a key part in scaling up production for new chemical products. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned engineer to exert significant influence over manufacturing operations, contribute to major capital projects, and advance their career within a leading industrial enterprise.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of optimized chemical manufacturing processes.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement safety improvements to ensure a secure working environment.
• Troubleshoot operational issues, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions to minimize downtime and maximize yield.
• Manage process improvement projects, from conceptualization through to commissioning and validation.
• Supervise and mentor junior process engineers and operations staff in the Vereeniging plant.
• Collaborate with R&D, quality assurance, and maintenance departments to ensure seamless production flow and product quality.

Requirements

• B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in chemical process engineering, with at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Proven expertise in process design, simulation (e.g., Aspen Plus), scale-up, and troubleshooting.
• Strong knowledge of chemical plant operations, safety regulations, and quality management systems.
• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) is highly desirable.
• Excellent project management, leadership, and communication skills.

Benefits

• Highly competitive base salary with substantial annual bonus potential.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous retirement savings plan with employer matching.
• Opportunities for professional development, certifications, and advanced training.
• Significant career advancement prospects within a leading manufacturing company in Vereeniging.