Lead Process Safety Engineer

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement contributions

Career progression

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Lead Process Safety Engineer for our client in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will head the Process Safety Management program, conduct PHAs (HAZOP/What-If/FMEA), and lead incident investigations to determine root causes and implement corrective actions.

You will develop safety procedures, manage MOC, train teams, and ensure compliance with OSHA PSM and COMAH standards. A hybrid on-site role with significant site visits is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• At least 10 years in process safety with 3+ years in lead/supervisory role
• Knowledge of PSM elements (PHA, MOC, Mechanical Integrity, Incident Investigation)
• Experience with PHAs (HAZOP/What-If/FMEA) and incident investigations
• Familiarity with OSHA PSM, COMAH and related standards
• Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills
• Willingness to work a hybrid schedule with significant on-site duties in Richards Bay

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee PSM program across operations
• Conduct PHAs and risk assessments (HAZOP/What-If/FMEA)
• Lead incident investigations and implement corrective actions
• Develop and maintain safety procedures and emergency plans
• Ensure compliance with local and international process safety standards
• Perform regular plant safety audits and inspections
• Provide training on process safety to engineers and operators
• Manage change control (MOC) to safeguard modifications
• Develop KPIs for process safety and monitor performance
• Foster a proactive safety culture across the organization

Skills

Process safety leadership

PHA/HAZOP facilitation

Incident investigation

MOC management

Regulatory compliance

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Process safety software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major industrial player in the Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal region, is seeking an experienced Lead Process Safety Engineer to spearhead their process safety management initiatives. This pivotal role involves developing, implementing, and maintaining robust safety systems across all operational units. You will be responsible for ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices, conducting comprehensive risk assessments, and driving a proactive safety culture. The position requires extensive knowledge of process safety principles, hazard analysis techniques, and incident investigation methodologies. This is a hybrid role, demanding significant on-site presence for inspections and team engagement, balanced with remote responsibilities for analysis and reporting. You will lead a team of safety professionals, providing guidance and mentorship to foster a safe working environment for everyone. Your expertise will be crucial in safeguarding personnel, assets, and the environment from potential process-related hazards. We are committed to fostering a culture where safety is paramount and every employee feels empowered to contribute to a secure workplace.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and oversee the company's Process Safety Management (PSM) program.
• Conduct and facilitate Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), including HAZOP, What-If, and FMEA studies.
• Lead and participate in incident investigations, determining root causes and implementing effective corrective and preventative actions.
• Develop and maintain safety procedures, operating manuals, and emergency response plans.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant local and international process safety regulations and standards.
• Conduct regular safety audits and inspections of plant facilities and operations.
• Provide training and technical guidance on process safety principles to engineers, operators, and management.
• Manage MOC (Management of Change) processes to ensure safety is considered in all modifications.
• Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) for process safety and track performance.
• Promote a strong safety culture throughout the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in process safety engineering, with at least 3 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Extensive knowledge of PSM elements (e.g., PHA, MOC, Mechanical Integrity, Incident Investigation).
• Proven experience facilitating PHAs and conducting thorough incident investigations.
• Familiarity with relevant safety standards and regulations (e.g., OSHA PSM, COMAH).
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficiency in process safety software and tools.
• Must be willing to work a hybrid schedule with significant on-site responsibilities in Richards Bay.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and generous retirement contributions. Opportunities for career advancement and specialized training are provided. The company culture emphasizes safety, innovation, and collaboration. This role is based at our key operational site in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. We are committed to employee well-being and offer a challenging yet rewarding work environment.