Plant Manager - Petrochemical Operations

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 2,200,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus plan

Medical coverage

Retirement plan

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Plant Manager to lead a large petrochemical site in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The role requires strategic thinking, operational excellence, and a focus on safety and profitability.

You will oversee production, maintenance, engineering, and EHS, manage the P&L, mentor a diverse team, and drive continuous improvement through lean practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• MBA or relevant postgraduate degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in plant management or senior operational leadership roles within the petrochemical or chemical industry.
• Demonstrated success in managing large, complex industrial facilities and diverse teams.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, P&L, and capital expenditures effectively.
• Strong understanding of petrochemical processes, safety protocols, and environmental regulations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day plant operations with focus on production, safety, and environmental compliance.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to achieve plant objectives, including production targets, cost control, and asset reliability.
• Manage P&L for the plant, ensuring financial targets are met and profitability is maximized.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse team of managers and employees, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, and environmental regulations and company policies.
• Oversee maintenance and engineering functions to ensure the integrity and reliability of plant assets.
• Manage capital projects and improvements, ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget.
• Foster strong relationships with local communities, regulatory bodies, and key stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, implementing lean manufacturing and operational excellence programs.
• Manage operational risks and implement robust contingency plans.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field

MBA or relevant postgraduate degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the petrochemical industry, is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Plant Manager to lead their extensive operations in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This senior leadership role requires a strategic thinker with a proven track record in managing large-scale industrial facilities, ensuring operational excellence, safety, and profitability. You will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of plant operations, including production, maintenance, engineering, and EHS compliance. This is a critical position that offers significant responsibility and the opportunity to shape the future of a key industrial site. The successful candidate will drive efficiency, implement best practices, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. The Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal location is central to our client's strategic operational network.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day plant operations, ensuring optimal performance in production, safety, and environmental compliance.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to achieve plant objectives, including production targets, cost control, and asset reliability.
• Manage P&L for the plant, ensuring financial targets are met and profitability is maximized.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse team of managers and employees, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, and environmental regulations and company policies.
• Oversee maintenance and engineering functions to ensure the integrity and reliability of plant assets.
• Manage capital projects and improvements, ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget.
• Foster strong relationships with local communities, regulatory bodies, and key stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, implementing lean manufacturing and operational excellence programs.
• Manage operational risks and implement robust contingency plans.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• An MBA or relevant postgraduate degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in plant management or senior operational leadership roles within the petrochemical or chemical industry.
• Demonstrated success in managing large, complex industrial facilities and diverse teams.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, P&L, and capital expenditures effectively.
• Strong understanding of petrochemical processes, safety protocols, and environmental regulations.
• Excellent leadership, strategic planning, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with project management and implementation of major capital projects.
• Commitment to safety, health, and environmental excellence.
• Ability to adapt to changing market conditions and operational challenges.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive executive compensation package, including a substantial bonus structure, comprehensive medical coverage, a generous retirement plan, and relocation assistance if required. We provide unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and leadership development within a globally recognized organization. The role is based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , offering a strategic operational base with access to key resources and infrastructure. Join us to lead significant operations and contribute to the vital petrochemical sector.