Lead Production Chemist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Performance bonuses

Professional development

Conferences

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Production Chemist for a senior role in Randburg, Gauteng. The successful candidate will oversee production chemistry programs, optimize chemical treatments, and manage the laboratory and staff to ensure efficient fluid flow and asset integrity.

You will diagnose production chemistry challenges, liaise with engineers and vendors, and implement strategies compliant with environmental regulations.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in production chemistry within the Oil & Gas industry, with at least 3 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Proven expertise in oilfield scale, corrosion, emulsion, paraffin, and H2S management.
• Strong understanding of fluid flow in porous media and production system dynamics.
• Experience with laboratory analysis techniques relevant to oilfield production chemistry.
• Proficiency with chemical treatment programs and evaluation methods.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and diagnostic skills.
• Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal abilities.
• Familiarity with environmental regulations pertaining to chemical usage in the energy sector.
• Ability to manage laboratory operations and mentor junior chemists.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and optimize chemical treatment programs for oil and gas production systems, including scale inhibitors, corrosion inhibitors, biocides, and demulsifiers.
• Analyze production fluids and water samples to diagnose production chemistry challenges and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Conduct laboratory testing and performance evaluations of production chemicals.
• Manage and supervise the company's production chemistry laboratory and technical staff.
• Troubleshoot production issues related to emulsions, paraffin, asphaltenes, scale, corrosion, and H2S.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations related to chemical usage and discharge.
• Collaborate with production engineers to design and implement effective chemical injection strategies and monitoring systems.
• Evaluate and qualify new chemical vendors and products.
• Prepare technical reports, recommendations, and presentations on production chemistry performance.
• Stay updated on advancements in production chemistry technologies and best practices within the Oil & Gas industry.

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key player in the upstream Oil & Gas sector, is actively recruiting for a highly experienced Lead Production Chemist . This critical role, based in Randburg, Gauteng , is responsible for overseeing all chemical aspects related to production operations, ensuring optimal fluid flow, asset integrity, and environmental compliance. The Lead Production Chemist will develop and implement chemical treatment programs, troubleshoot production chemistry issues, and manage laboratory operations supporting field production. This position demands a thorough understanding of oilfield chemistry, water treatment, corrosion inhibition, and scale management. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with production engineers, operations teams, and external vendors to achieve operational excellence. We seek a proactive and technically adept professional to lead chemical management strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and optimize chemical treatment programs for oil and gas production systems, including scale inhibitors, corrosion inhibitors, biocides, and demulsifiers.
• Analyze production fluids and water samples to diagnose production chemistry challenges and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Conduct laboratory testing and performance evaluations of production chemicals.
• Manage and supervise the company's production chemistry laboratory and technical staff.
• Troubleshoot production issues related to emulsions, paraffin, asphaltenes, scale, corrosion, and H2S.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations related to chemical usage and discharge.
• Collaborate with production engineers to design and implement effective chemical injection strategies and monitoring systems.
• Evaluate and qualify new chemical vendors and products.
• Prepare technical reports, recommendations, and presentations on production chemistry performance.
• Stay updated on advancements in production chemistry technologies and best practices within the Oil & Gas industry.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in production chemistry within the Oil & Gas industry, with at least 3 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Proven expertise in oilfield scale, corrosion, emulsion, paraffin, and H2S management.
• Strong understanding of fluid flow in porous media and production system dynamics.
• Experience with laboratory analysis techniques relevant to oilfield production chemistry.
• Proficiency with chemical treatment programs and evaluation methods.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and diagnostic skills.
• Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal abilities.
• Familiarity with environmental regulations pertaining to chemical usage in the energy sector.
• Ability to manage laboratory operations and mentor junior chemists.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund, and performance-based bonuses. Opportunities for advanced training, professional development, and attending key industry conferences are provided. The role is based in Randburg, Gauteng , offering a strategic location within a vibrant economic center. You will join a dynamic team focused on innovation and efficiency within the Oil & Gas sector. Additional benefits include generous annual leave and a supportive work environment committed to employee growth.