Senior Production Chemist

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid and retirement fund

Professional development opportunities

Exposure to large‑scale manufacturing

Career progression

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Production Chemist for our client’s agrochemical manufacturing facility in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. The role is hands‑on, overseeing production schedules, quality control, and process optimization on site.

The ideal candidate holds a BSc/BEng in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering with 5+ years in chemical production, understands analytical methods (HPLC, GC, titration), and can lead SOPs, safety adherence, and cross‑functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• BSc or BEng in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in chemical production, process management, or a related industrial chemistry role.
• Strong understanding of chemical synthesis, reaction mechanisms, and industrial processes.
• Experience with analytical techniques relevant to quality control (e.g., HPLC, GC, Titration).
• Knowledge of safety regulations and best practices in a chemical manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot production problems and implement effective solutions.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective team collaboration.
• Candidates must be based in or willing to relocate to Nelspruit, Mpumalanga.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage day‑to‑day chemical production operations to meet production targets.
• Monitor and control key process parameters to ensure consistent product quality and optimize yields.
• Troubleshoot production issues, identify root causes, and implement effective corrective actions.
• Develop and refine standard operating procedures (SOPs) for production processes.
• Conduct in‑process quality control testing and analyze results.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Manage inventory of raw materials and finished products, coordinating with supply chain.
• Collaborate with R&D and engineering teams on process improvements and new product introductions.
• Train and mentor junior chemists and production staff.
• Prepare production reports, including yield calculations, quality metrics, and operational summaries.

Skills

Process management

Quality control

Troubleshooting

SOP development

Team collaboration

Education

BSc / BEng in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering

Tools

HPLC

GC

Titration

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant manufacturer in the agrochemical sector, is seeking a dedicated Senior Production Chemist to join their established facility in **Nelspruit, Mpumalanga**. This role requires a hands‑on approach to overseeing and optimizing chemical production processes, ensuring consistent quality and high yields. The position is primarily on‑site, offering the opportunity to directly engage with plant operations and laboratory analysis. You will be responsible for managing production schedules, troubleshooting manufacturing issues, and ensuring compliance with stringent quality and safety standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in industrial chemistry or chemical engineering, with proven experience in managing chemical production environments. This is a crucial role in maintaining operational efficiency and product integrity for our client's key product lines.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage day‑to‑day chemical production operations to meet production targets.
• Monitor and control key process parameters to ensure consistent product quality and optimize yields.
• Troubleshoot production issues, identify root causes, and implement effective corrective actions.
• Develop and refine standard operating procedures (SOPs) for production processes.
• Conduct in‑process quality control testing and analyze results.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Manage inventory of raw materials and finished products, coordinating with supply chain.
• Collaborate with R&D and engineering teams on process improvements and new product introductions.
• Train and mentor junior chemists and production staff.
• Prepare production reports, including yield calculations, quality metrics, and operational summaries.

Requirements

• BSc or BEng in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in chemical production, process management, or a related industrial chemistry role.
• Strong understanding of chemical synthesis, reaction mechanisms, and industrial processes.
• Experience with analytical techniques relevant to quality control (e.g., HPLC, GC, Titration).
• Knowledge of safety regulations and best practices in a chemical manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot production problems and implement effective solutions.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective team collaboration.
• Candidates must be based in or willing to relocate to **Nelspruit, Mpumalanga**.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for annual bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development and further qualifications.
• Exposure to large-scale chemical manufacturing operations.
• A stable and secure working environment.
• Career progression within the company.