Senior Chemical Engineer - Plant Operations

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Life insurance

Bonus opportunities

Leadership development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Chemical Engineer for our client in Sandton, Gauteng, to oversee plant operations, drive process optimization, and ensure safe, reliable production.

You will lead engineers and operators, conduct HAZOPs, develop SOPs, and collaborate with maintenance and QA to improve yield, efficiency, and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering is required.
• Minimum of 7 years' progressive experience in chemical plant operations and process engineering.
• Professional registration (e.g., Pr.Eng) is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of plant operations, ensuring safety, environmental, and production targets.
• Lead and mentor a team of process engineers and operators.
• Develop strategies for process optimization to improve efficiency, yield, and cost-effectiveness.
• Troubleshoot complex process and equipment issues, identifying root causes and implementing sustainable solutions.
• Manage process safety, including conducting HAZOP studies and ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Collaborate with maintenance, engineering, and quality control departments to ensure seamless operations.
• Oversee the commissioning and start-up of new equipment and process modifications.
• Develop and maintain SOPs and operational documentation.
• Analyze plant performance data and generate reports for management.
• Contribute to capital project evaluations and implementations.

Skills

Leadership capabilities

Process optimization

PSM principles

Risk assessment

Analytical skills

Communication

Team mentoring

Education

B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering

Tools

DCS

SCADA

Process control systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a well-established specialty chemicals manufacturer, is seeking an experienced Senior Chemical Engineer to oversee plant operations and process optimization at their facility in Sandton, Gauteng. This is a critical role responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable day-to-day operation of the chemical production plant. You will lead initiatives to enhance process performance, troubleshoot complex operational issues, and implement improvements that boost productivity and maintain stringent quality standards. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in managing plant operations, a deep understanding of chemical engineering principles, and strong leadership capabilities. This position offers a significant opportunity to shape operational strategies and drive continuous improvement within a leading chemical company.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of plant operations, ensuring adherence to safety, environmental, and production targets.
• Lead and mentor a team of process engineers and operators.
• Develop and implement strategies for process optimization to improve efficiency, yield, and cost-effectiveness.
• Troubleshoot complex process and equipment issues, identifying root causes and implementing sustainable solutions.
• Manage process safety, including conducting HAZOP studies and ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Collaborate with maintenance, engineering, and quality control departments to ensure seamless operations.
• Oversee the commissioning and start-up of new equipment and process modifications.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and operational documentation.
• Analyze plant performance data and generate reports for management.
• Contribute to capital project evaluations and implementations.

Requirements

• B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in chemical plant operations and process engineering.
• Proven leadership experience in managing engineering teams and operational activities.
• Strong knowledge of process safety management (PSM) principles and risk assessment techniques.
• Experience with process control systems, DCS, and instrumentation.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Professional registration (e.g., Pr.Eng) is highly desirable.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa and based in or willing to relocate to Sandton, Gauteng.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund, and life insurance benefits.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement and leadership development.
• Annual performance bonuses and profit-sharing schemes.
• Opportunity to lead operations at a key manufacturing site.
• Supportive management and a professional work environment in Sandton, Gauteng.