Senior Chemical Plant Operations Leader (On-Site)

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level compensation

Performance bonuses

Relocation assistance

Leadership training opportunities

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Chemical Operations Manager to lead an Upington facility. The role ensures safe, efficient, and profitable plant operations, directing production, quality, and environmental compliance with a strong leadership focus.

You will mentor supervisors and engineers, oversee budgets, and drive continuous improvements across safety, reliability, and KPI targets in a hands-on, on-site leadership position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• MBA is advantageous.
• Minimum 10 years in chemical plant operations with supervisory experience.
• Strong knowledge of process safety management, environmental regulations, and QA systems.
• Proven leadership and budgeting capabilities.
• Experience with ERP and MES implementations.
• Willingness to reside or commute to Upington, on-site.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all day-to-day chemical plant operations for safety and productivity.
• Develop and execute strategic plans to hit production targets and costs.
• Ensure adherence to HSE regulations and company policies.
• Lead and develop plant supervisors, engineers, and operators.
• Manage the operating budget to maximize profitability.
• Implement KPIs for safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Oversee maintenance and reliability programs to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with supply chain, logistics and commercial teams.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Manage capital expenditure for plant upgrades and expansions.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

HSE compliance

ERP systems

MES

Strategic planning

Communication

Education

Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering

MBA (preferred)

Tools

ERP systems

MES

PSM systems

Job description

Placements24 seeks an experienced Chemical Operations Manager to lead an Upington facility. The role ensures safe, efficient, and profitable plant operations, directing production, quality, and environmental compliance with a strong leadership focus.

You will mentor supervisors and engineers, oversee budgets, and drive continuous improvements across safety, reliability, and KPI targets in a hands-on, on-site leadership position.