Senior Petrochemical Production Shift Lead (Durban)

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Highly competitive salary and bonus

Medical aid and retirement benefits

International training and development

Relocation assistance

Generous leave entitlement

Wellness programs

Exposure to cutting-edge technology

Career progression opportunities

Shift allowance and overtime

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban is seeking an experienced Production Shift Manager for a major petrochemical facility. You will lead a team of operators and technicians, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient plant operations during assigned shifts.

The role requires a strong background in chemical/process engineering, hands-on process control, and SCADA proficiency, with a proven track record in safety management, incident investigation, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in production operations within petrochemical or chemical manufacturing.
• At least 3 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Strong knowledge of petrochemical processes, process safety management (PSM), and emergency response procedures.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making capabilities.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a hazardous environment.
• Proficiency in process control systems and SCADA.
• Strong understanding of environmental compliance.
• Excellent communication and report-writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage and direct all plant operations during assigned shifts to ensure optimal production output and efficiency.
• Ensure strict adherence to all safety, health, and environmental regulations and company policies.
• Lead, train, and motivate a team of plant operators and technicians.
• Monitor process parameters, identify deviations, and implement immediate corrective actions.
• Oversee routine maintenance activities and coordinate with maintenance teams for planned and unplanned shutdowns.
• Manage shift handover procedures to ensure continuity of operations.
• Investigate incidents, near misses, and production upsets, documenting findings and implementing preventive measures.
• Optimize resource utilization, including energy, raw materials, and personnel.
• Collaborate with process engineers and other departments to troubleshoot operational issues and implement process improvements.
• Maintain accurate production logs and shift reports.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Decision making

Communication

Report writing

Work under pressure

PSM knowledge

SCADA

Process control

Environmental compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Placements24 in Durban is seeking an experienced Production Shift Manager for a major petrochemical facility. You will lead a team of operators and technicians, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient plant operations during assigned shifts.

The role requires a strong background in chemical/process engineering, hands-on process control, and SCADA proficiency, with a proven track record in safety management, incident investigation, and continuous improvement.