Senior Chemical Engineer - Bulk Chemical Production

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual bonus

Medical and dental coverage

Pension fund

Generous leave

Professional development

On-site amenities

Parking

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Chemical Engineer for an on-site role in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will optimize large-scale bulk chemical production, troubleshoot issues, and drive safety and environmental compliance.

The role requires hands-on leadership and strategic project involvement to maintain productivity. The successful candidate will oversee unit operations, mentor junior staff, and contribute to capital projects with a focus on efficiency, cost reduction, and safety in a demanding

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 7+ years of experience in bulk chemical manufacturing.
• Experience troubleshooting and optimizing processes.
• Knowledge of unit operations and process safety.
• Ability to work in a team and independently.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of chemical production units.
• Troubleshoot process deviations and implement corrective actions.
• Develop and implement process improvement initiatives.
• Conduct mass and energy balances and P&ID reviews.
• Lead Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs) such as HAZOP studies.
• Provide technical support to operations and maintenance.
• Assist in design and commissioning of new equipment.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental and regulatory rules.
• Train and mentor junior engineers and operators.
• Monitor KPIs and develop improvement strategies.
• Manage small-scale process upgrade projects.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major producer of bulk chemicals, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Chemical Engineer to join their established manufacturing facility in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This vital role will focus on optimizing and ensuring the safe, efficient, and environmentally sound operation of large-scale chemical production units. The successful candidate will be responsible for troubleshooting process issues, implementing improvements, and contributing to capital project execution. This is an on-site position requiring deep technical expertise and a hands‑on approach to problem-solving within a demanding industrial setting. You will play a key part in maintaining and enhancing the productivity of essential chemical manufacturing processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of assigned chemical production units.
• Troubleshoot process deviations and implement corrective actions to maintain product quality and yield.
• Develop and implement process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve safety.
• Conduct detailed process analyses, including mass and energy balances, and P&ID reviews.
• Lead and participate in Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), such as HAZOP studies.
• Provide technical support to operations and maintenance teams.
• Assist in the design and commissioning of new equipment and process modifications.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Train and mentor junior engineers and operators on process operations and safety procedures.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and develop strategies for improvement.
• Manage small-scale projects related to process upgrades and modifications.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings to management and stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in a chemical manufacturing or production environment, specifically with bulk chemicals.
• Proven experience in process troubleshooting and optimization.
• Strong understanding of unit operations relevant to bulk chemical production.
• Knowledge of process safety principles and regulatory compliance.
• Experience with process simulation software is advantageous.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and independently.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal for this full-time, on-site role.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary with regular performance reviews.
• Annual bonus based on company and individual performance.
• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage.
• Significant contribution to a company pension fund.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Opportunities for professional development, including external training and conferences.
• On-site amenities and parking.
• Career growth opportunities within a stable industry leader.
• Employee assistance program for personal well-being.