Senior Chemical Plant Engineer

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Medical & retirement benefits

Relocation assistance

Career development

On-site work environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Senior Chemical Plant Engineer to oversee operations and maintenance at their Pretoria facility. The role requires hands-on leadership on-site, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient plant performance while driving continuous improvement.

You will manage a team of engineers and technicians, champion process safety and regulatory compliance, and coordinate with cross-functional teams to optimize equipment performance and production schedules.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering.
• 10+ years in chemical plant operations and maintenance.
• Experience managing large-scale processing equipment.
• Strong knowledge of process safety management (PSM).

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day chemical plant operations ensuring schedule adherence.
• Lead maintenance, repair, and upgrades of reactors, distillation columns, and pumps.
• Develop preventative maintenance programs to reduce downtime.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Mentor engineers and technical staff, promoting safety and excellence.
• Analyze performance data to identify improvements and drive efficiency projects.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Process safety management

Team management

Operational excellence

Automation & control

Problem solving

Education

Bachelors in Chemical or Mechanical Eng

Tools

SCADA/PLC systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a seasoned Senior Chemical Plant Engineer to oversee operations and maintenance within their state‑of‑the‑art chemical facility in Pretoria . This critical role involves ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of all plant equipment and processes. You will be responsible for managing a team of engineers and technicians, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and ensuring compliance with stringent safety and environmental standards. This position is hands‑on and requires a strong presence on-site to effectively manage complex industrial operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the chemical plant, ensuring optimal performance and adherence to production schedules.
• Oversee the maintenance, repair, and upgrade of all plant equipment, including reactors, distillation columns, and pumps.
• Develop and implement preventative maintenance programs to minimize downtime and operational costs.
• Ensure strict compliance with all safety, health, and environmental regulations and company policies.
• Lead and mentor a team of engineers and technical staff, fostering a culture of safety and operational excellence.
• Analyze plant performance data to identify areas for improvement and implement efficiency‑enhancing projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
• 10+ years of experience in chemical plant operations and maintenance.
• Proven experience in managing large-scale chemical processing equipment and systems.
• Strong knowledge of process safety management (PSM) and risk assessment techniques.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience with plant automation and control systems is essential for this Pretoria role.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary with annual performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and retirement benefits.
• Company‑provided housing or relocation assistance.
• Extensive opportunities for career growth and professional development.
• A dynamic and challenging work environment at a leading chemical facility.
• Regular performance reviews and clear career progression pathways.