Principal Chemical Engineer - Process Safety and Risk Management

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental coverage

Retirement plan

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Chemical Engineer to lead our client's Process Safety and Risk Management initiatives in Pretoria, Gauteng. This executive role demands a deep expertise in PSM, hazard identification, and proactive safety leadership across the organization.

You will develop and implement robust safety protocols, drive safety culture, conduct risk assessments, and mentor engineers and operators.

Qualifications

• 12+ years in chemical engineering with 8+ years in process safety and risk management.
• In-depth knowledge of PSM elements (PHA, MOC, PSSR, MI, emergency planning).
• Experience facilitating HAZOP, LOPA, and other risk assessment techniques.
• Strong leadership, communication, and influencing abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive Process Safety Management (PSM) systems.
• Lead and execute Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) studies, Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA), and other risk assessment methodologies.
• Investigate incidents and near misses to determine root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Provide expert guidance on process safety regulations, standards, and best practices.
• Develop and deliver training programs on process safety to engineers, operators, and management.
• Conduct safety audits and inspections to ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to integrate safety considerations into the design and modification of processes and equipment.
• Act as a subject matter expert for process safety during project reviews and operational change management processes.
• Foster a strong safety culture by engaging with employees at all levels and promoting best practices.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Influencing abilities

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

HAZOP

LOPA

PHA

MOC

PSSR

Emergency planning

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in specialty chemicals manufacturing, is seeking a highly experienced Principal Chemical Engineer to lead their Process Safety and Risk Management initiatives in **Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA**. This senior position is crucial for ensuring the highest standards of safety across all operational facets. You will be responsible for developing and implementing robust safety protocols, conducting thorough risk assessments, and driving a proactive safety culture throughout the organization. The ideal candidate will possess an in-depth understanding of process safety management (PSM) principles, extensive experience in hazard identification and risk mitigation, and a strong aptitude for leadership. This role operates on a hybrid model, blending essential on-site collaboration with the flexibility of remote work.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive Process Safety Management (PSM) systems.
• Lead and execute Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) studies, Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA), and other risk assessment methodologies.
• Investigate incidents and near misses to determine root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Provide expert guidance on process safety regulations, standards, and best practices.
• Develop and deliver training programs on process safety to engineers, operators, and management.
• Conduct safety audits and inspections to ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to integrate safety considerations into the design and modification of processes and equipment.
• Act as a subject matter expert for process safety during project reviews and operational change management processes.
• Foster a strong safety culture by engaging with employees at all levels and promoting best practices.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in chemical engineering, with at least 8 years focused specifically on process safety and risk management.
• In-depth knowledge of PSM elements, including PHA, MOC, PSSR, MI, and emergency planning.
• Proven experience facilitating HAZOP, LOPA, and other risk assessment techniques.
• Familiarity with relevant international and South African safety standards and regulations.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and investigative skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and influencing abilities.
• Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a collaborative team, adapting to hybrid work arrangements.
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) registration or equivalent is highly desirable.

Benefits

• This position offers a competitive executive-level salary, comprehensive medical and dental coverage, a generous retirement plan, annual performance bonuses, and significant opportunities for professional development and industry influence.
• Our client is committed to creating a safe and empowering work environment in **Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA**, and offers pathways for career advancement.