Lead Production Chemist

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Medical aid

Life cover

Retirement fund

Professional development

Conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Production Chemist for Centurion, Gauteng. The role oversees production chemistry, corrosion, scaling, emulsion control, and leads a team of chemists and technicians.

You will develop chemical treatment programs and analyze produced fluids to ensure asset integrity. A strong background in oilfield chemistry, analytical techniques, and water treatment is essential to drive operational efficiency and collaboration with operations and engineering across hybrid

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• At least 10 years of experience in production chemistry within Oil & Gas.
• Expertise in corrosion inhibition, scale control, and emulsion breaking.
• Proficiency in analytical techniques relevant to oilfield water and hydrocarbon analysis (e.g., ICP, AAS, GC, FTIR).
• Proven leadership experience with the ability to manage and mentor a technical team.
• Strong understanding of water treatment, reservoir souring, and produced water management.
• Experience with chemical injection systems and monitoring equipment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the production chemistry team, providing technical guidance and supervision.
• Develop, implement, and monitor chemical treatment programs for corrosion, scale, and paraffin control.
• Analyze produced fluids (water, oil, gas) to identify issues.
• Oversee laboratory operations and ensure reliable analytical results.
• Investigate production chemistry problems and recommend cost-effective solutions.
• Collaborate with operations and engineering to ensure optimal production performance and asset integrity.
• Manage selection, procurement, and evaluation of production chemicals.
• Develop and maintain SOPs for production chemistry activities.
• Stay updated on advancements in production chemistry technologies and apply where beneficial.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical instruments

Problem solving

Analytical methods

Communication

Water treatment

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant operator in the Oil & Gas sector, is looking for a highly motivated and experienced Lead Production Chemist to join their team in Centurion, Gauteng . This senior role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of production chemistry, including the characterization and mitigation of production-related challenges such as corrosion, scaling, and emulsion formation. You will lead a team of chemists and technicians, develop and implement chemical treatment programs, and provide expert technical advice to production operations. The ideal candidate possesses extensive knowledge of oilfield chemistry, analytical techniques, and water treatment processes, along with strong leadership and problem-solving abilities. This is a key position contributing to the operational efficiency and integrity of production facilities in Gauteng .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the production chemistry team, providing technical guidance and supervision.
• Develop, implement, and monitor effective chemical treatment programs for corrosion, scale, and paraffin control.
• Conduct in-depth analysis of produced fluids, including water, oil, and gas samples, to identify potential issues.
• Oversee laboratory operations, ensuring accuracy and reliability of analytical results.
• Investigate production chemistry problems and recommend cost-effective solutions.
• Collaborate with operations and engineering teams to ensure optimal production performance and asset integrity.
• Manage the selection, procurement, and performance evaluation of production chemicals.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for production chemistry activities.
• Stay abreast of advancements in production chemistry technologies and apply them where beneficial.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• At least 10 years of experience in production chemistry within the Oil & Gas industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in corrosion inhibition, scale control, and emulsion breaking.
• Proficiency in analytical techniques relevant to oilfield water and hydrocarbon analysis (e.g., ICP, AAS, GC, FTIR).
• Proven leadership experience with the ability to manage and mentor a technical team.
• Strong understanding of water treatment, reservoir souring, and produced water management.
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and communication skills.
• Familiarity with chemical injection systems and monitoring equipment.
• Experience working in a hybrid office and field-based role.

Benefits

• This role comes with a highly competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, life cover, and a generous retirement fund. Opportunities for professional development, including attending international conferences and specialized training, are actively supported. The position is based in Centurion, Gauteng , offering a strategic location within a hub of industrial activity.