Principal Chemical Engineer - Project Management

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid and retirement fund

Generous annual leave

International travel opportunities

Access to advanced PM tools

Strategic impact role

Job summary

Placements24 in Rustenburg, North West, is seeking a Principal Chemical Engineer with extensive project management experience to lead large-scale chemical engineering initiatives. You will manage scopes, budgets and schedules, oversee process design and equipment, and ensure safety, quality, and environmental compliance while collaborating with engineering teams and senior management.

This senior role offers strategic impact in the North West region and opportunities for international travel and

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive chemical engineering experience with 5+ years in project management.
• Experience with PMI/PRINCE2 and budgeting.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and closure of major chemical engineering projects.
• Develop project scopes, objectives, budgets, and schedules in alignment with company strategy.
• Manage project risks, resources, and stakeholder expectations effectively.
• Oversee the design and implementation of chemical processes and plant equipment.
• Ensure project adherence to all safety, health, and environmental (SHE) regulations and best practices.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including engineering disciplines, procurement, and construction.
• Monitor project progress, identify potential issues, and implement corrective actions.
• Conduct technical reviews and provide expert chemical engineering guidance throughout project lifecycles.
• Prepare and present project status reports to senior management.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Education

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

MS Project

Primavera

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the mining and metallurgy sector, is seeking a highly experienced Principal Chemical Engineer with strong project management skills to join their operations in Rustenburg, North West . This senior position will be responsible for leading and managing complex chemical engineering projects from conception through to successful completion. The role requires a strategic thinker with a proven ability to deliver large-scale projects on time and within budget, while ensuring the highest standards of safety, quality, and environmental compliance. You will interface with various stakeholders, including engineering teams, contractors, and senior management, to drive project success. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on key industrial initiatives in the Rustenburg area.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and closure of major chemical engineering projects.
• Develop project scopes, objectives, budgets, and schedules in alignment with company strategy.
• Manage project risks, resources, and stakeholder expectations effectively.
• Oversee the design and implementation of chemical processes and plant equipment.
• Ensure project adherence to all safety, health, and environmental (SHE) regulations and best practices.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including engineering disciplines, procurement, and construction.
• Monitor project progress, identify potential issues, and implement corrective actions.
• Conduct technical reviews and provide expert chemical engineering guidance throughout project lifecycles.
• Prepare and present project status reports to senior management.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in chemical engineering, with at least 5 years in project management.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex industrial projects from initiation to completion.
• Extensive knowledge of project management methodologies (e.g., PMI, PRINCE2).
• Strong understanding of chemical process design, scale-up, and operational considerations in industrial settings.
• Experience with project budgeting, cost control, and contract management.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera).
• Ability to work effectively in a challenging and dynamic project environment in Rustenburg .

Benefits

• Highly competitive remuneration package.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Opportunities for international travel and professional development.
• Access to advanced project management tools and methodologies.
• A role with significant responsibility and strategic impact in the North West region.
• Be part of a leading organization renowned for its project execution excellence.