Senior Production Chemist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Life insurance

Professional development opportunities

Generous leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Production Chemist for our East London facility in the Eastern Cape. You will oversee and optimize chemical production, drive process improvements, and ensure product quality, yield, and compliance with HSE standards.

Leadership and strong industrial chemistry expertise are essential to succeed. The role involves mentoring junior chemists, coordinating with R&D for process validation, managing materials, and maintaining production records.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering
• 6+ years experience in production/manufacturing within the chemical industry
• Strong understanding of chemical synthesis, reaction mechanisms, and separation techniques
• Proven experience in process troubleshooting and quality control
• Knowledge of industrial safety practices and environmental regulations
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Legally authorized to work in South Africa
• Proficiency with lab equipment and analytical instruments

Responsibilities

• Supervise and guide production teams in safe and efficient operation of chemical manufacturing processes
• Monitor and analyze production data to ensure product quality and optimize yields
• Troubleshoot process deviations and implement corrective actions to maintain production
• Ensure adherence to health, safety and environmental regulations and company policies
• Conduct regular quality control checks and laboratory analyses to verify product specifications
• Assist in development and implementation of new or improved production processes
• Manage raw material inventory and ensure efficient use of resources
• Maintain accurate production records and prepare performance reports
• Train and mentor junior chemists and plant operators on procedures and safety
• Collaborate with R&D for technology transfer and process validation

Skills

Leadership

Process troubleshooting

Quality control

Analytical

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Analytical instruments

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading manufacturer of specialty chemicals and polymers, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Production Chemist for their facility in East London. This role is essential for overseeing and optimizing chemical production processes, ensuring product quality, yield, and adherence to safety and environmental standards. The ideal candidate will possess strong expertise in industrial chemistry, process troubleshooting, and quality control within a manufacturing environment. This is an excellent opportunity to take on a leadership role in a dynamic production setting in the Eastern Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and guide production teams in the safe and efficient operation of chemical manufacturing processes.
• Monitor and analyze production data to ensure product quality and optimize yields.
• Troubleshoot process deviations and implement corrective actions to maintain consistent production.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, and environmental (HSE) regulations and company policies.
• Conduct regular quality control checks and laboratory analyses to verify product specifications.
• Assist in the development and implementation of new or improved production processes.
• Manage raw material inventory and ensure efficient use of resources.
• Maintain accurate production records and prepare reports on operational performance.
• Train and mentor junior chemists and plant operators on production procedures and safety protocols.
• Collaborate with the R&D department for technology transfer and process validation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering.
• A minimum of 6 years of experience in a production or manufacturing environment within the chemical industry.
• Strong understanding of chemical synthesis, reaction mechanisms, and separation techniques.
• Proven experience in process troubleshooting and quality control.
• Knowledge of industrial safety practices and environmental regulations.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in using laboratory equipment and analytical instruments.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, retirement fund, and life insurance. Professional development opportunities, including training and exposure to new technologies, are provided. The role offers a generous leave allowance, supporting a healthy work-life balance.
• This position is based in East London, Eastern Cape.