Principal Chemical Engineer - New Product Development

Placements24; Paarl; Vor Ort; ZAR 2.000.000 - 4.000.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Executive-level compensation package

Premium healthcare coverage

Relocation assistance

International travel opportunities

Generous retirement plan

Executive coaching

Zusammenfassung

Placements24 seeks a highly experienced Principal Chemical Engineer to lead new product development in their Paarl-based advanced materials division. You will translate market needs and R&D breakthroughs into viable chemical products and processes, guiding teams through concept, pilot-scale validation, and technology transfer to manufacturing.

The role demands deep technical expertise, exceptional leadership, and a passion for driving innovation in a dynamic industrial setting.

Qualifikationen

• PhD or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering or closely related field.
• Minimum 12+ years of progressive experience in chemical product development and process engineering.
• Proven track record of bringing new chemical products from concept to market.
• Expertise in process design, scale-up, and pilot plant operations.
• Strong understanding of organic chemistry, reaction kinetics, and catalysis.
• Proven leadership and project management skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence stakeholders.
• Experience with statistical analysis and design of experiments (DOE).
• Must have legal authorization to work in South Africa.

Aufgaben

• Lead conceptualization, development, and scale-up of new chemical products and processes.
• Oversee feasibility studies, pilot plant trials, and process validation activities.
• Collaborate with R&D, marketing, and manufacturing for successful product launches.
• Develop and optimize synthesis routes and manufacturing processes for new products.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineers and scientists.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies for new product introductions.
• Manage intellectual property related to new product development.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Prepare technical documentation and presentations for senior management.

Kenntnisse

Process design

Scale-up

Pilot plant

Reaction kinetics

Catalysis

DOE

Leadership

Project mgmt

Organic chemistry

Stakeholder mgmt

Ausbildung

PhD in Chemical Engineering

MS in Chemical Engineering

Jobbeschreibung

About the Role Our client is seeking a highly experienced and innovative Principal Chemical Engineer to lead new product development initiatives within their advanced materials division, located in Paarl, Western Cape . This senior role demands a strategic thinker with a proven ability to translate market needs and R&D breakthroughs into commercially viable chemical products and processes. You will guide project teams through the entire development lifecycle, from concept and feasibility studies to pilot-scale validation and technology transfer to manufacturing. The ideal candidate will possess deep technical expertise, exceptional leadership skills, and a passion for driving innovation in a dynamic industrial setting. This is a key leadership position with significant impact on the future product portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, development, and scale-up of new chemical products and processes.
• Oversee feasibility studies, pilot plant trials, and process validation activities.
• Collaborate closely with R&D, marketing, and manufacturing teams to ensure successful product launch.
• Develop and optimize chemical synthesis routes and manufacturing processes for new products.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a team of chemical engineers and scientists.
• Conduct thorough risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies for new product introductions.
• Manage intellectual property related to new product development.
• Ensure new processes comply with safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Prepare detailed technical documentation, reports, and presentations for senior management.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in chemical product development and process engineering.
• Demonstrated success in bringing new chemical products from concept to market.
• Expertise in process design, scale-up, and pilot plant operations.
• Strong understanding of organic chemistry, reaction kinetics, and catalysis.
• Proven leadership and project management skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders.
• Experience with statistical analysis and design of experiments (DOE).
• Must have legal authorization to work in South Africa .

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation package including base salary and significant bonuses.
• Premium healthcare coverage for employee and family.
• Generous retirement contribution plan.
• Opportunities for international travel and professional engagement.
• Substantial paid time off and executive leave benefits.
• Access to cutting-edge research facilities and advanced technologies.
• Leadership development programs and executive coaching.
• Strategic influence on company innovation and direction.
• Relocation assistance for highly qualified candidates.