Senior Chemical Plant Operations Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Premium medical

Life insurance

Retirement fund

Performance bonuses

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington (Northern Cape) seeks a Senior Chemical Plant Operations Manager to lead a key facility, driving safety, efficiency, productivity, and profitability. You will manage a large team and collaborate with engineering, R&D, and supply chain to optimize performance.

Requires a chemical engineering degree, 10+ years in chemical plant ops with 5+ in management, and strong expertise in EHS, budgeting, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field
• 10+ years in chemical plant operations with at least 5 years in a management/supervisory role
• Experience with process safety management systems and budget management
• Strong leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing plant operations team.
• Ensure safe, reliable, and compliant plant operations.
• Develop strategies to meet production targets, quality standards, and cost objectives.
• Oversee maintenance, turnaround planning, and asset integrity programs.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma and continuous improvement.
• Manage the plant budget and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Report on plant performance to senior management.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Operational planning

Process safety management

EHS knowledge

Communication

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

MBA advantageous

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major industrial chemical producer, is seeking an experienced Senior Chemical Plant Operations Manager to lead their key facility in Upington, Northern Cape. This critical leadership role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of plant operations, ensuring safety, efficiency, productivity, and profitability. The successful candidate will manage a large team, drive operational excellence initiatives, and ensure strict adherence to environmental, health, and safety standards. This is a senior position requiring strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of chemical manufacturing processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and develop a high-performing plant operations team, including supervisors and operators.
• Ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the chemical plant in accordance with all regulatory requirements.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to achieve production targets, quality standards, and cost objectives.
• Oversee the management of plant maintenance, turnaround planning, and asset integrity programs.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma.
• Manage the plant budget, controlling operational expenditures and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
• Ensure strict compliance with all environmental, health, and safety (EHS) regulations and policies.
• Foster a strong safety culture throughout the operations department.
• Collaborate with other departments, including engineering, R&D, and supply chain, to optimize overall business performance.
• Report on plant performance metrics, operational challenges, and strategic initiatives to senior management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related technical field. A Master's degree or MBA is advantageous.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in chemical plant operations, with at least 5 years in a management or supervisory role.
• Proven track record of leading large operational teams and managing complex chemical manufacturing facilities.
• In-depth knowledge of chemical processes, plant equipment, and maintenance strategies.
• Strong understanding of EHS regulations and best practices in the chemical industry.
• Demonstrated experience in budget management, operational planning, and continuous improvement.
• Excellent leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Must be willing to work on-site in Upington, Northern Cape.
• Experience with process safety management (PSM) systems is essential.

Benefits

This senior role offers an exceptional salary package, comprehensive executive-level benefits including premium medical, life insurance, and a top-tier retirement fund, significant performance-based bonuses, and extensive opportunities for career advancement within a leading organization. The position is based at our well-established plant in Upington, Northern Cape.