Senior Chemical Engineer & Project Lead (Hybrid)

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

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Chemical Engineer in Sandton, Gauteng. The role leads complex chemical projects from conception to completion, defining scope, strategies, and resource plans while ensuring safety, quality and budget adherence.

You will guide multidisciplinary teams and liaise with stakeholders to deliver high-impact chemical processing initiatives. The ideal candidate holds a Master’s or PhD in Chemical Engineering with 10+ years of experience, including at least 5 years in

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering.
• 10+ years in chemical engineering with at least 5 years in PM/project engineering.
• Proven success in managing capital projects in chemical industry.
• Strong knowledge of chemical process design, scale-up, and plant operations.
• PM methodologies; PMP certification considered a plus.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Experience with HAZOP and process safety studies.
• Knowledge of contract management and vendor relations.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution, and closeout of diverse chemical engineering projects, including new plant design and debottlenecking.
• Develop detailed project scopes, objectives, deliverables and execution plans.
• Manage project budgets, timelines and resources.
• Coordinate with internal engineering, operations, procurement and external contractors.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies.
• Oversee technical integrity and quality of deliverables.
• Communicate project status and key decisions to stakeholders and senior management.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers and project team members.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Mentoring

Team collaboration

Risk assessment

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Chemical Engineer in Sandton, Gauteng. The role leads complex chemical projects from conception to completion, defining scope, strategies, and resource plans while ensuring safety, quality and budget adherence.

You will guide multidisciplinary teams and liaise with stakeholders to deliver high-impact chemical processing initiatives. The ideal candidate holds a Master’s or PhD in Chemical Engineering with 10+ years of experience, including at least 5 years in