Senior Process Safety Engineer - Industrial Chemicals

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Hybrid work arrangement

On-site collaboration in Richards Bay

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Process Safety Engineer for Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will lead PHAs (HAZOP/LOPA), develop PSM programs, and ensure regulatory compliance across plant operations.

You will investigate incidents, mentor teams, and drive hazard analysis and emergency planning while staying current with industry best practices and CSP certification advantages.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or related field.
• Minimum 8 years in process safety engineering within chemical/process industries.
• Proven PHAs (HAZOP, LOPA) and risk assessment experience.
• Strong knowledge of PSM elements and safety standards (OSHA PSM, CCPS).
• Experience with incident investigation and root cause analysis.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Effective communication and stakeholder influence.
• Professional CSP certification is a significant advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct PHAs including HAZOP, LOPA, and What-If studies.
• Develop and maintain Process Safety Management programs.
• Ensure compliance with national and international process safety regulations.
• Perform incident investigations and root cause analyses.
• Develop and deliver process safety training to engineers and operators.
• Review designs and MOC processes for safety implications.
• Conduct safety audits and site inspections to mitigate risks.
• Develop emergency response plans and procedures.
• Stay updated with best practices and industry trends.
• Advise management on process safety risks and mitigations.

Skills

PHAs (HAZOP/LOPA)

PSM programs

Regulatory compliance

Incident investigations

Hazard analysis

Safety training delivery

Communication & influence

Multi-project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Job description

About the Role Our client, a major producer of industrial chemicals with operations in **Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal**, is seeking an experienced Senior Process Safety Engineer. This critical role is responsible for ensuring the highest standards of process safety across all plant operations. You will lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of safety management systems, conducting thorough risk assessments, and promoting a strong safety culture. The successful candidate will have a deep understanding of process safety principles, regulatory compliance, and hazard analysis techniques. This position offers a challenging and rewarding career opportunity within a vital South African industrial hub. You will play a key role in safeguarding our client's people, assets, and the environment in **Richards Bay**.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs) including HAZOP, LOPA, and What-If studies
• Develop, implement, and maintain Process Safety Management (PSM) programs
• Ensure compliance with national and international process safety regulations and standards
• Perform incident investigations and root cause analyses for safety-related events
• Develop and deliver process safety training to engineers and operators
• Review engineering designs and Management of Change (MOC) processes for safety implications
• Conduct safety audits and site inspections to identify and mitigate risks
• Develop emergency response plans and procedures
• Stay current with best practices and emerging trends in process safety engineering
• Advise management on process safety risks and mitigation strategies

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related engineering discipline
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in process safety engineering within the chemical or process industries
• Proven expertise in conducting various PHAs (HAZOP, LOPA) and applying risk assessment methodologies
• In-depth knowledge of PSM elements, relevant standards (e.g., OSHA PSM, CCPS guidelines), and South African safety legislation
• Experience with incident investigation and root cause analysis techniques
• Strong understanding of chemical processes, equipment, and operational risks
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Effective communication, influencing, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects effectively
• Professional safety certification (e.g., CSP) is a significant advantage

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and provident fund, and opportunities for professional development and certifications. This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, allowing for a blend of on-site collaboration in **Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal**, and remote work flexibility. We are committed to fostering a safe and healthy work environment.