Senior Chemical Plant Operations Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonuses

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Chemical Plant Operations Manager to oversee our Bloemfontein, Free State facility. The role demands strong leadership to drive production, safety, cost control, and continuous improvement.

You will lead a large team of supervisors, engineers, and operators, ensuring adherence to regulations and achieving performance targets while maintaining high safety standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field; master's degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years in chemical plant operations with 5+ years in leadership.
• Strong knowledge of safety, environmental regulations, and process engineering.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day plant operations including production, maintenance, and quality control.
• Develop and implement production plans to meet demand and objectives.
• Ensure adherence to safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Manage operational budgets, control costs, and optimize resources.
• Lead and develop a team of supervisors, engineers, and operators.
• Drive continuous improvement to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve quality.
• Monitor KPIs and foster a strong safety culture.
• Collaborate with supply chain, sales, and technical teams.

Skills

Leadership

Team leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Master's degree or MBA preferred

Tools

Lean

Six Sigma

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major producer of industrial chemicals, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Chemical Plant Operations Manager to oversee operations at their facility in Bloemfontein, Free State. This leadership role is responsible for managing all aspects of plant production, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations while meeting quality and output targets. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in chemical engineering, extensive experience in plant management, and a proven ability to lead and motivate large teams. You will be instrumental in driving continuous improvement initiatives, optimizing production processes, and maintaining the highest standards of safety and environmental compliance. This is a demanding, on-site role requiring strong leadership and operational acumen.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day plant operations, including production, maintenance, and quality control.
• Develop and implement production plans to meet market demand and achieve business objectives.
• Ensure strict adherence to all safety, health, and environmental regulations and company policies.
• Manage operational budgets, controlling costs and optimizing resource allocation.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of plant supervisors, engineers, and operators.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance process efficiency, reduce waste, and improve product quality.
• Oversee maintenance planning and execution to minimize downtime and ensure asset integrity.
• Collaborate with supply chain, sales, and technical departments to ensure seamless operations.
• Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for plant performance.
• Foster a positive and productive work environment, promoting a strong safety culture.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field (Master's degree or MBA preferred).
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in chemical plant operations, with at least 5 years in a management or supervisory role.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale chemical production facilities.
• Strong understanding of chemical processes, safety protocols, and environmental regulations.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience in budget management and cost control.
• Proficiency in operational excellence methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience with maintenance planning and asset management.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and make sound decisions.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package including health, retirement, and life insurance. This Bloemfontein position provides opportunities for significant career advancement within a growing organization. We foster a culture of learning and development, supporting continuous professional growth. Join a leading chemical manufacturer and take charge of operations in a key facility.