Senior Chemical Plant Engineer

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical coverage

Retirement fund

Relocation assistance

Extensive training programs

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Senior Chemical Plant Engineer to oversee the operational integrity and performance of a major chemical plant in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The role requires hands-on leadership to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation of all processes and equipment.

You will manage maintenance, drive improvements, supervise engineers and technicians, and ensure compliance with SHE regulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering.
• 8+ years in chemical plant operations and maintenance; 3+ years in a supervisory role.
• Strong knowledge of process safety management and maintenance strategies.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all aspects of chemical plant operations, maintenance, and reliability.
• Develop strategies to optimize plant performance, throughput, and costs.
• Ensure SHE regulations and company policies are followed.
• Oversee preventive and predictive maintenance programs and inspections.
• Lead troubleshooting for equipment failures and process upsets with corrective actions.
• Manage capital expenditure projects for plant upgrades/modifications.
• Develop and manage the plant budget.
• Mentor engineers, technicians, and operators.
• Collaborate with R&D and engineering on new processes.
• Maintain comprehensive records of operations, maintenance, and incidents.

Skills

Leadership

Safety

Project management

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Industrial control systems

Instrumentation

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major industrial chemical producer, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Chemical Plant Engineer to oversee the operational integrity and performance of their plant located in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is critical for ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of all chemical processes and equipment within the facility. You will be responsible for managing maintenance activities, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and ensuring compliance with all safety and environmental regulations. This is a hands-on position requiring strong leadership and a deep understanding of chemical plant operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all aspects of chemical plant operations, maintenance, and reliability.
• Develop and implement strategies to optimize plant performance, increase throughput, and reduce operating costs.
• Ensure strict adherence to all safety, health, and environmental (SHE) regulations and company policies.
• Oversee routine inspections, preventive maintenance programs, and predictive maintenance technologies.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts for equipment failures and process upsets, implementing corrective actions.
• Manage capital expenditure projects related to plant upgrades and modifications.
• Develop and manage the plant's operational budget.
• Mentor and develop a team of engineers, technicians, and operators.
• Collaborate with R&D and engineering departments on new process implementations and modifications.
• Maintain comprehensive records of plant operations, maintenance activities, and incident reports.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in chemical plant operations and maintenance, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or senior engineering role.
• Proven experience in managing large-scale chemical processes and complex equipment.
• Strong knowledge of process safety management (PSM) principles and practices.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing effective maintenance strategies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on practical solutions.
• Experience with project management and budget control.
• Familiarity with industrial control systems and instrumentation.
• Must be able to work full-time in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , and be available for emergency call-outs.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, performance incentives, comprehensive medical coverage, and a substantial retirement fund. You will be part of a stable and reputable company with a strong commitment to employee development and safety. The role provides significant responsibility and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on a large-scale industrial operation in Richards Bay . Relocation assistance may be provided for qualified candidates. We also offer extensive training programs and a supportive work environment.