Senior Process Safety Engineer

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 950,000 - 1,650,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay, South Africa, is seeking a Senior Process Safety Engineer to strengthen the safety engineering team. The role focuses on maintaining high process safety standards across operations, conducting risk assessments, and championing a robust safety culture in a major petrochemical setting.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, 7+ years in process safety within Oil & Gas or Petrochemicals, and professional CSP/CFPS credentials.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major force in the South African petrochemical industry, is seeking a dedicated Senior Process Safety Engineer to bolster their safety engineering team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This crucial role will focus on ensuring the highest standards of process safety are maintained across all operations, mitigating risks associated with hazardous materials and complex industrial processes. You will be responsible for conducting thorough risk assessments, developing and implementing safety procedures, and championing a strong safety culture. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of process safety management systems, hazard analysis techniques, and regulatory compliance within the chemical and oil & gas sectors. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to operational integrity and safety excellence in a key industrial hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), including HAZOP, LOPA, and HAZID studies.
• Develop, implement, and maintain Process Safety Management (PSM) systems.
• Ensure compliance with relevant safety regulations and industry standards (e.g., OSHA PSM, Seveso Directive principles).
• Oversee the management of change (MOC) process for process modifications.
• Investigate incidents and near misses related to process safety, identifying root causes and recommending corrective actions.
• Develop and deliver process safety training programs to relevant personnel.
• Conduct safety audits and inspections of facilities and operations.
• Provide technical expertise on process safety aspects during the design and construction phases of new projects.
• Promote and foster a proactive safety culture throughout the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in process safety engineering within the Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, or Chemical industries.
• In-depth knowledge of Process Safety Management (PSM) principles and standards.
• Proven experience in conducting various types of hazard analyses (HAZOP, LOPA).
• Familiarity with relevant international and South African safety regulations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Professional certifications in process safety (e.g., CSP, CFPS) are a strong asset.
• Experience with Safety Integrity Level (SIL) assessments is beneficial.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with comprehensive benefits including medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and potential for performance bonuses. This role provides excellent opportunities for professional development and career advancement within a leading industrial organization. Employees will work in a dynamic environment in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , contributing to critical safety initiatives and enjoying access to modern facilities.

The hybrid work model allows for a balance between on-site collaboration and remote flexibility.