Lead Process Safety Chemical Engineer

Placements24; Nuwerus; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Performance bonus

Annual leave

Leadership development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Process Safety Chemical Engineer to oversee PSM across a major chemical production facility in Kimberley, Northern Cape. The role demands 8+ years of chemical engineering experience with strong process safety expertise and a track record in PHAs, RMP/OSHA PSM compliance.

You will lead MOC, PSSRs, SIS SIL assessments, and safety training for diverse teams, driving a zero-incident culture with robust audits and regulatory adherence.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of experience in process engineering with a focus on process safety.
• Strong knowledge of PSM elements (OSHA PSM, EPA RMP) and CCPS guidelines.
• Proven experience in PHAs and incident investigations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of comprehensive Process Safety Management (PSM) programs.
• Conduct and facilitate PHAs (HAZOP, What-If, LOPA).
• Investigate process safety incidents and near-misses; determine root causes and corrective actions.
• Develop and maintain safety-critical procedures including MOC and PSSRs.
• Ensure compliance with process safety regulations and industry standards.
• Provide expert guidance and training on process safety to engineering and operations staff.
• Oversee SIL assessments for SIS.
• Champion a strong safety culture and participate in safety audits and inspections.

Skills

Leadership

Hazard identification

PHAs & LOPA

Incident investigation

Regulatory compliance

On-site collaboration

Communication

Process safety software

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Professional Engineer (PrEng) registration desirable

Tools

Process safety software tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major chemical producer, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Process Safety Chemical Engineer to ensure the highest safety standards across their operations in Kimberley, Northern Cape . This critical on-site role is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing robust process safety management (PSM) systems. You will lead hazard identification and risk assessment processes, investigate incidents, and drive initiatives to prevent accidents and ensure regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of chemical process hazards, safety regulations, and best practices in risk management. Your expertise will be vital in safeguarding our employees, the community, and the environment, contributing to a culture of safety excellence throughout the organization. This is a leadership position with significant responsibility for operational integrity.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of comprehensive Process Safety Management (PSM) programs.
• Conduct and facilitate Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), including HAZOP, What-If, and LOPA studies.
• Investigate process safety incidents and near-misses, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Develop and maintain safety-critical procedures, including Management of Change (MOC) and Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSRs).
• Ensure compliance with all applicable process safety regulations and industry standards.
• Provide expert guidance and training on process safety principles and practices to engineering and operations personnel.
• Oversee the development and review of Safety Integrity Level (SIL) assessments for safety instrumented systems (SIS).
• Champion a strong safety culture throughout the organization.
• Participate in safety audits and inspections, ensuring timely closure of findings.
• Stay abreast of evolving process safety technologies, regulations, and best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in process engineering with a strong focus on process safety.
• In-depth knowledge of PSM elements (e.g., OSHA PSM, EPA RMP) and relevant industry standards (e.g., CCPS guidelines).
• Proven experience in conducting PHAs and incident investigations.
• Strong understanding of chemical processes, hazard identification, and risk assessment techniques.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and influencing skills.
• Ability to work effectively on-site and collaborate with diverse teams.
• Proficiency in process safety software tools is an advantage.
• Professional Engineer (PrEng) registration is highly desirable.
• Commitment to a zero-incident workplace philosophy.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, excellent medical and retirement benefits, and performance bonuses. This role is based at our main production facility in Kimberley, Northern Cape . We provide a challenging yet rewarding work environment with significant opportunities for professional growth and leadership development. Benefits include generous annual leave, continuous training, and a strong commitment to employee well-being and safety. You will be instrumental in shaping the safety culture of a key industrial player, contributing directly to the protection of people and assets.