Plant Operations Manager - Chemical Manufacturing

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 partners with a major chemical manufacturer in Durban to recruit a seasoned Plant Operations Manager who will lead safe, efficient production. You will oversee production, maintenance and engineering teams, drive productivity, manage budgets and capex, and ensure strict health, safety and environmental compliance.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years of plant management in chemicals, a chemical or mechanical engineering degree (MBA preferred), and a track record of operational

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, with 10+ years in plant management.
• Proven track record in large-scale chemical production operations.
• Experience with process safety management (PSM) and hazard analysis.
• Strong leadership, budgeting and decision-making capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day plant operations, ensuring production schedules and quality standards.
• Develop strategies to improve productivity, reduce costs, and enhance safety performance.
• Lead production, maintenance, and engineering teams to foster high performance.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental regulations.
• Manage plant budget, including capex planning and cost controls.
• Implement robust maintenance programs to ensure equipment reliability.
• Monitor KPIs and drive corrective actions to meet targets.
• Coordinate with supply chain, sales and technical teams.

Skills

Leadership

Decision making

Staff management

Process safety knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering

Master’s degree or MBA (desirable)

Tools

ERP systems

Operational excellence methodologies

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the chemical manufacturing sector, is looking for a seasoned Plant Operations Manager to lead and optimize their operations in Durban. This senior leadership position is responsible for the overall management of plant production, ensuring the safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant manufacturing of chemical products. The ideal candidate will bring a robust understanding of chemical processes, strong operational leadership, and a commitment to excellence. You will oversee all aspects of plant performance, including production output, cost control, safety, and staff management. This is a critical role for maintaining the company's strong market presence in KwaZulu-Natal and driving future growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day plant operations, ensuring efficient production schedules and adherence to quality standards.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to improve productivity, reduce costs, and enhance safety performance.
• Manage and lead the production, maintenance, and engineering teams, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Ensure strict compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations within the plant.
• Manage the plant budget, including capital expenditure planning and cost control measures.
• Implement and maintain robust maintenance programs to ensure equipment reliability and uptime.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement corrective actions to achieve operational targets.
• Liaise with supply chain, sales, and technical departments to ensure seamless operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• A Master’s degree or MBA is a plus.
• At least 10 years of progressive experience in plant management within the chemical manufacturing industry.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale chemical production operations.
• In-depth knowledge of chemical processes, safety protocols, and environmental regulations.
• Strong leadership, team management, and decision-making skills.
• Experience with process safety management (PSM) and hazard analysis.
• Excellent financial acumen and experience managing operational budgets.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and operational excellence methodologies.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive executive compensation package, including a highly competitive base salary and significant performance-based incentives. Comprehensive benefits include top-tier medical aid, a substantial retirement fund, and life insurance coverage. Opportunities for advanced training and professional development, including potential international assignments, are provided. This role offers the chance to make a substantial impact on the operations of a leading chemical manufacturer in Durban.