Lead Production Chemist

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance-based incentives

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Production Chemist in Stellenbosch to oversee production chemistry programs and ensure safe, efficient hydrocarbon production. You will guide a team of chemists and technicians, optimize water treatment, and tackle scale, corrosion, and emulsion challenges with advanced analytical techniques.

The role emphasizes leadership, strategic problem solving, and collaboration with production and engineering teams to improve efficiency while maintaining environmental compliance.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in production chemistry in Oil & Gas or petrochemicals.
• Strong knowledge of scale, corrosion, paraffin and emulsion chemistry.
• Experience leading technical teams and solving process problems.

Responsibilities

• Manage and optimize production chemistry programs, including scale, corrosion, and paraffin inhibition.
• Oversee the analysis of produced water, crude oil, and gas streams to monitor process performance and identify potential issues.
• Develop and implement strategies for water treatment and disposal, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts for production chemistry-related problems, recommending and implementing effective solutions.
• Supervise and mentor a team of production chemists and laboratory technicians.
• Ensure the accurate calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment and analytical instrumentation.
• Collaborate with production and engineering teams to address process upsets and improve overall operational efficiency.
• Conduct research and development on new chemical treatments and technologies to enhance production performance and reduce costs.
• Maintain comprehensive records and prepare technical reports on production chemistry performance.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Analytical chemistry

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering

Tools

Spectroscopy

Chromatography

Titrations

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant contributor to the Oil & Gas industry, is seeking a highly experienced and detail-oriented Lead Production Chemist to oversee critical chemical operations at their facility in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This role is essential for ensuring the efficient and safe production of hydrocarbons by managing production chemistry, water treatment, and process optimization. The successful candidate will lead a team of chemists and technicians, applying advanced chemical principles to solve complex operational challenges. This is an exciting opportunity to apply your expertise in a key industrial setting, contributing to the overall success of the organization. You will be responsible for maintaining the integrity of production systems through effective chemical management and analysis. We are looking for a proactive leader with a strong background in analytical chemistry and process troubleshooting within the energy sector. Your role will be crucial in maximizing production efficiency and minimizing environmental impact through astute chemical management strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and optimize production chemistry programs, including scale, corrosion, and paraffin inhibition.
• Oversee the analysis of produced water, crude oil, and gas streams to monitor process performance and identify potential issues.
• Develop and implement strategies for water treatment and disposal, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts for production chemistry-related problems, recommending and implementing effective solutions.
• Supervise and mentor a team of production chemists and laboratory technicians.
• Ensure the accurate calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment and analytical instrumentation.
• Collaborate with production and engineering teams to address process upsets and improve overall operational efficiency.
• Conduct research and development on new chemical treatments and technologies to enhance production performance and reduce costs.
• Maintain comprehensive records and prepare technical reports on production chemistry performance.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in production chemistry within the Oil & Gas , petrochemical, or related process industries.
• Strong understanding of scale, corrosion, paraffin, and emulsion chemistry in oil and gas production.
• Proficiency in analytical techniques and instrumentation commonly used in the industry (e.g., spectroscopy, chromatography, titrations).
• Proven experience in leading and managing technical teams.
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and communication skills.
• Familiarity with water treatment processes and environmental regulations related to produced water.
• Experience with chemical treatment program design and performance monitoring.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, a provident fund, and performance-based incentives. This role provides excellent opportunities for professional growth and development within the Oil & Gas industry. The position is based in Stellenbosch, Western Cape , offering a stable and rewarding career. We foster a collaborative work environment where innovation and expertise are valued. Employees benefit from access to advanced training and opportunities to attend industry conferences. A strong commitment to health, safety, and environmental stewardship is maintained throughout all operations. Join our dedicated team and contribute to optimizing production chemistry in a vital industrial hub.