Senior Chemical Safety Engineer

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & wellness benefits

Hybrid work model

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Chemical Safety Engineer for a hybrid role in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. You will design and oversee process safety programs, conduct PHAs like HAZOP/LOPA, lead incident investigations, and champion CAPA across projects.

Ideal candidates hold a Chemical Engineering degree with 6–8 years in process safety, CSP/CIH desirable, and strong analytical/communication skills to influence across teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related technical discipline.
• 6-8 years of progressive experience in chemical process safety engineering.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement robust process safety management (PSM) programs.
• Conduct Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs) including HAZOP, LOPA, and What-If studies.
• Oversee incident investigations, RCA, and CAPA implementations.
• Develop and deliver safety training programs for employees at all levels.
• Ensure compliance with local and international safety standards and regulations.
• Perform safety audits and inspections of facilities, equipment, and procedures.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and maintenance to integrate safety throughout projects.
• Develop and manage emergency response plans and procedures.
• Stay updated on safety technologies and regulatory changes.

Skills

Process safety

PHA methods (HAZOP/LOPA)

Root cause analysis (RCA)

Safety training

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Problem solving

Safety software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Certifications (e.g., CSP, CIH)

Tools

Safety management software

Job description

About the Role Our client, a prominent player in the petrochemical industry, is seeking an experienced Senior Chemical Safety Engineer to reinforce their safety division in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. This critical role involves ensuring the highest standards of safety are maintained across all operational and project activities. You will be responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing comprehensive safety management systems, conducting rigorous risk assessments, and promoting a proactive safety culture. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of process safety regulations, hazard analysis techniques, and best practices in industrial safety. This position offers the opportunity to make a substantial impact on operational integrity and employee well-being within a challenging and rewarding sector. This is a hybrid role, necessitating regular on-site presence for critical assessments and team engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement robust process safety management (PSM) programs in accordance with relevant regulations.
• Conduct thorough Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), including HAZOP, LOPA, and What-If studies.
• Oversee and participate in incident investigations, root cause analysis (RCA), and the implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Develop and deliver safety training programs for employees at all levels.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable local and international safety standards and regulations.
• Perform safety audits and inspections of facilities, equipment, and operational procedures.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and maintenance teams to integrate safety into all project phases and operational activities.
• Develop and manage emergency response plans and procedures.
• Stay abreast of emerging safety technologies and regulatory changes in the chemical industry.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 6-8 years of progressive experience in chemical process safety engineering.
• In-depth knowledge of PSM elements, PHA methodologies (HAZOP, LOPA), and RCA techniques.
• Experience with safety integrity level (SIL) assessments and functional safety is a plus.
• Strong understanding of chemical plant operations and associated hazards.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to effectively influence and engage with personnel at all organizational levels.
• Relevant professional certifications (e.g., CSP, CIH) are highly desirable.
• Proficiency in safety management software and tools.
• Commitment to fostering a strong safety culture.

Benefits

Our client provides a competitive salary, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and opportunities for professional development. This **Port Elizabeth**-based position offers a hybrid work model, combining the benefits of remote flexibility with essential on-site collaboration. Employees benefit from a supportive work environment, continuous learning opportunities, and the chance to contribute to critical safety initiatives within a leading industrial organization.