Senior Chemical Engineer - Plant Operations

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Hybrid work environment

Professional growth

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Senior Chemical Engineer for our Richards Bay facility to provide operational support and strategic guidance.

You will lead complex projects, mentor engineers, drive process safety, PSM adherence, and continuous improvement to enhance reliability, efficiency and safety.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive chemical plant operations and process engineering experience.
• Extensive knowledge of process safety management (PSM) standards and best practices.
• Proven track record of leading projects and driving operational improvements.
• Strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical management of plant operations ensuring safe, efficient production.
• Develop and implement strategies for process optimization, debottlenecking and capacity improvement.
• Oversee PHAs and ensure implementation of safety recommendations.
• Mentor junior engineers and technical staff to foster technical excellence.
• Tackle complex operational problems and drive root-cause analysis.
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance and operations to manage capital projects and turnarounds.

Skills

Process safety

Project leadership

Process optimization

Root cause analysis

Mentoring

Communication

Education

Masters in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation

Advanced process control

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Senior Chemical Engineer to provide critical operational support and strategic guidance for their facility in Richards Bay . This senior role demands a deep understanding of chemical plant operations, process safety, and environmental compliance. You will be responsible for leading complex technical projects, mentoring junior engineers, and driving continuous improvement initiatives to enhance plant reliability, efficiency, and safety performance. This is a key position within our operations division, offering significant influence and the chance to make a substantial impact on our production capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the technical management of plant operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant production.
• Develop and implement strategies for process optimization, debottlenecking, and capacity enhancement.
• Oversee process hazard analyses (PHAs) and ensure implementation of recommended safety measures.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers and technical staff, fostering a culture of technical excellence.
• Act as a technical expert for troubleshooting complex operational problems and driving root cause analysis.
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, and operations teams to manage capital projects and turnarounds effectively.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in chemical plant operations and process engineering.
• Extensive knowledge of process safety management (PSM) standards and best practices.
• Proven track record of successfully leading projects and driving operational improvements.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with process simulation and advanced process control strategies.

Benefits

• Attractive salary with performance-based incentives and relocation assistance.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunities for professional growth and international assignments.
• A hybrid work environment that supports work-life balance.
• Access to state-of-the‑art facilities and a collaborative work culture.