Lead Production Chemist - Offshore Facilities

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental coverage

Retirement fund contributions

Performance bonus

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Production Chemist to oversee chemical operations and integrity management for offshore facilities near George, Western Cape. You will lead a team of chemists and technicians, manage chemical treatment programs, and ensure environmental compliance.

The role requires an MSc or PhD in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering, 10+ years in production chemistry with offshore exposure, and strong leadership, analytical, and problem-solving abilities, with travel to offshore

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 10+ years in production chemistry with offshore experience.
• Experience in corrosion, scale, hydrate, and paraffin management.
• Proven leadership of technical teams and complex programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and optimize chemical treatment programs for offshore production systems.
• Oversee monitoring and analysis of produced fluids and process streams.
• Manage chemical inventory, logistics, and safe handling across platforms.
• Lead and mentor chemists and technicians, ensuring safety and technical excellence.
• Conduct root cause analysis and drive corrective actions.
• Collaborate with asset integrity teams on risk mitigation related to chemistry.
• Ensure regulatory environmental compliance and documentation accuracy.
• Stay current with advancements in production chemistry and monitoring tech.
• Provide expert troubleshooting support to field operations near George.

Skills

Leadership

Production chemistry

Offshore experience

Data analysis

Education

MSc or PhD in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading exploration and production company, is seeking an experienced Lead Production Chemist to oversee all chemical operations and integrity management for their offshore facilities, based near George, Western Cape. This pivotal role demands expertise in managing chemical treatment programs, corrosion inhibition, scale prevention, and water treatment to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of production assets. The successful candidate will lead a team of chemists and technicians, ensuring adherence to stringent industry standards and environmental regulations. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence operational efficiency and asset integrity in a challenging offshore environment. We are seeking a forward-thinking leader to join our team in the Western Cape region, based out of our George operational support center. The role requires extensive knowledge of subsea and topside production chemistry, with a focus on proactive problem-solving and risk mitigation in demanding operational conditions.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and optimize chemical treatment programs for production systems, including corrosion and scale inhibitors, biocides, and demulsifiers.
• Oversee the monitoring and analysis of produced fluids, injection water, and process streams to ensure chemical program effectiveness and identify potential issues.
• Manage the chemical inventory, logistics, and safe handling procedures across offshore platforms.
• Lead and mentor a team of production chemists and laboratory technicians, fostering a culture of safety and technical excellence.
• Conduct root cause analysis for chemical-related operational failures and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with asset integrity teams to assess and mitigate risks associated with chemical impacts on equipment.
• Ensure compliance with all environmental regulations and company policies regarding chemical usage and discharge.
• Develop and maintain accurate technical documentation, reports, and performance metrics.
• Stay current with advancements in production chemistry, monitoring technologies, and industry best practices.
• Support field operations near George with expert technical advice and troubleshooting for complex chemical challenges.

Requirements

• MSc or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in production chemistry within the upstream oil and gas sector, with significant offshore experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in corrosion, scale, hydrate, and paraffin management in production facilities.
• Proven experience in leading technical teams and managing complex chemical programs.
• In-depth knowledge of fluid analysis techniques, laboratory operations, and chemical injection systems.
• Strong understanding of asset integrity principles and their interface with production chemistry.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation for chemical performance evaluation.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with relevant regulatory frameworks and environmental compliance in the Western Cape is desirable.
• Ability to travel to offshore facilities as required.

Benefits

This role offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive medical and dental coverage, and substantial retirement fund contributions. Our client provides extensive opportunities for professional development, including specialized training courses and international conferences. A robust performance bonus structure is in place. The working environment is collaborative and safety-focused, with clear pathways for career progression. You will be based in the supportive hub of George , contributing to the operational success of vital offshore assets in the Western Cape .