Production Manager - Specialty Chemicals

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonuses

Hybrid work

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Professional growth

PTO

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Production Manager for its Vereeniging, Gauteng facility. This hybrid role combines on-site leadership with strategic remote planning to oversee all aspects of chemical production, drive process optimization, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate has a chemical engineering or related background with 6+ years in chemical manufacturing, including 3 years in supervision or management, and a track record in Lean/Six Sigma and team

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related field is required.
• Minimum 6 years in chemical manufacturing with at least 3 years in a supervision/management role.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies is essential.
• Strong knowledge of chemical processes, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to manage responsibilities in a hybrid work setting.

Responsibilities

• Direct daily production activities to meet output, quality, and safety goals.
• Ensure compliance with chemical industry regulations and safety standards.
• Oversee efficient use of raw materials, energy, and equipment.
• Lead and develop production supervisors, operators, and technicians.
• Implement Lean and Six Sigma initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
• Collaborate with R&D on new product introductions and scale-up.
• Maintain production schedules and ensure timely delivery of finished products.
• Coordinate with maintenance for equipment reliability and preventive maintenance.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets and control costs.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and coaching for the production team.

Skills

Problem solving

Analytical skills

Decision making

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Process control

Automation familiarity

Hybrid work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key player in the specialty chemicals manufacturing sector, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Production Manager for their facility in Vereeniging, Gauteng. This hybrid role requires a blend of on-site leadership and strategic remote planning. You will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the chemical production process, ensuring efficiency, safety, quality, and compliance with stringent industry regulations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in chemical engineering or a related field, coupled with proven experience in production management, process optimization, and team leadership. Your role will be critical in meeting production targets, managing resources effectively, and driving continuous improvement initiatives within the plant. You will work closely with R&D, quality control, and maintenance departments to ensure seamless operations and the successful launch of new products. A proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards are paramount for success in this position. This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on operations within a crucial industrial hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and direct daily production activities to meet output, quality, and safety goals.
• Ensure all manufacturing processes adhere to chemical industry regulations and safety standards (e.g., OSHA, EPA).
• Oversee the efficient use of raw materials, energy, and equipment.
• Lead and develop a team of production supervisors, operators, and technicians.
• Implement and manage Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
• Collaborate with the R&D department on new product introductions and process scale-up.
• Maintain production schedules and ensure timely delivery of finished products.
• Work with the maintenance team to ensure equipment reliability and implement preventive maintenance programs.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets, controlling costs effectively.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide ongoing coaching and feedback to the production team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related scientific/engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in chemical manufacturing, with at least 3 years in a production supervisory or management role.
• Strong knowledge of chemical processes, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance.
• Proven experience with production planning, scheduling, and inventory control.
• Demonstrated leadership and team-building skills.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies is essential.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with process control systems and automation.
• Ability to effectively manage responsibilities in a hybrid work setting.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance bonuses.
• Hybrid work arrangement providing flexibility.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advanced training.
• A leading role in a significant chemical manufacturing operation.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• Exposure to innovative chemical processes and technologies.