About the Role
Our client, a key player in the petrochemical industry, is looking for an experienced Project Manager to oversee significant operational projects at their facility in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This role operates on a hybrid model, requiring a balance of on-site supervision and remote project coordination. You will be responsible for the planning, execution, and successful completion of projects aimed at improving plant efficiency, safety, and throughput. This position demands a robust understanding of industrial operations, strong leadership, and excellent stakeholder management skills. You will collaborate closely with plant engineers, maintenance teams, external contractors, and regulatory bodies to ensure projects are delivered to the highest standards of safety, quality, and cost-effectiveness. This is a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to contribute to the operational excellence of a major industrial site.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the full lifecycle of industrial plant projects, from initiation to close-out, ensuring alignment with strategic operational goals.
- Develop detailed project plans, including scope definition, work breakdown structures, scheduling, resource allocation, and budget management.
- Oversee project execution, ensuring that all activities comply with stringent safety regulations, environmental standards, and operational procedures.
- Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary project teams, including engineers, technicians, contractors, and site personnel.
- Monitor project progress against baselines, identify deviations, and implement corrective actions to keep projects on track.
- Manage project risks, develop mitigation plans, and ensure prompt resolution of issues that may impact project delivery.
- Facilitate regular project meetings, providing clear and concise updates to stakeholders, including senior management and plant operations teams.
- Ensure effective communication and collaboration between all project participants, including internal departments and external suppliers/contractors.
- Manage procurement of materials, equipment, and services, ensuring timely delivery and cost control.
- Conduct site inspections and progress audits to verify quality and compliance.
Requirements
- A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
- A minimum of 6 years of project management experience, with a strong emphasis on industrial plant operations, process improvement, or capital projects.
- Experience managing projects in a hybrid work environment, demonstrating adaptability and strong remote collaboration skills.
- Proven track record of successfully managing complex industrial projects within budget and schedule.
- In-depth knowledge of project management methodologies (e.g., PMBOK) and proficiency with project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6).
- Thorough understanding of industrial safety standards (e.g., OSHA, OHS Act) and environmental regulations.
- Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage effectively with technical and non-technical audiences.
- Ability to work effectively both on-site and remotely, managing diverse teams.
- Experience in the petrochemical or chemical processing industry is highly desirable.
Benefits
- Our client offers a competitive salary package, including an attractive annual salary and potential performance-related bonuses.
- Comprehensive medical and retirement plan contributions.
- Generous paid time off.
- Ongoing opportunities for professional development, including relevant certifications and training.
- Employees will experience a dynamic work environment in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, with a hybrid work arrangement that provides flexibility.
- Our client is committed to the safety and well-being of its employees and fosters a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.