Senior Chemical Engineer - Plant Operations

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Health & retirement

Leadership training

Hybrid work

Impactful work

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch seeks a senior chemical engineer to oversee plant operations and drive continuous improvement. You will lead troubleshooting, enhance process safety, and mentor junior engineers on site, with remote project management as needed.

The role demands a Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering, 8+ years in chemical plant operations, and strong experience with DCS, process instrumentation, and PSM. You will champion safety and efficiency in a high-impact environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or equivalent.
• 8+ years of experience in chemical plant operations and process engineering.
• Strong knowledge of process safety management (PSM) principles and hazardous material handling.
• Proven track record of successful process optimization and project management.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and process instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage daily plant operations, ensuring safety, environmental compliance, and production targets are met.
• Optimize plant processes to improve efficiency, reduce operating costs, and enhance product quality.
• Conduct root cause analysis of operational issues and implement effective corrective actions.
• Develop and execute process improvement projects, managing scope, budget, and timeline.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers and technicians within the operations team.
• Champion a culture of safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Plant operations

Process optimization

Root cause analysis

Project management

Mentoring

Safety leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

DCS

Process instrumentation

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Senior Chemical Engineer to oversee plant operations and continuous improvement initiatives in Stellenbosch . This critical role involves ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of our chemical manufacturing facilities. You will lead troubleshooting efforts, implement process enhancements, and mentor junior engineering staff. This hybrid position combines essential on-site operational leadership with the flexibility to manage projects and analysis remotely, fostering a balanced approach to demanding responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage daily plant operations, ensuring safety, environmental compliance, and production targets are met.
• Optimize plant processes to improve efficiency, reduce operating costs, and enhance product quality.
• Conduct root cause analysis of operational issues and implement effective corrective actions.
• Develop and execute process improvement projects, managing scope, budget, and timeline.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers and technicians within the operations team.
• Champion a culture of safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or equivalent.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in chemical plant operations and process engineering.
• Strong knowledge of process safety management (PSM) principles and hazardous material handling.
• Proven track record of successful process optimization and project management.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience with Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and process instrumentation.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package with annual performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, retirement, and insurance benefits.
• Opportunities for leadership development and advanced training.
• Hybrid work arrangement promoting work‑life balance.
• A challenging yet rewarding work environment with significant impact.