Senior Project Engineer - Chemical Plant Construction

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical coverage

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 in Vereeniging, Gauteng, seeks a Senior Project Engineer to manage the construction phase of a major chemical plant project. You will lead site activities, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and liaise with clients and stakeholders to ensure on-time delivery, safety, and quality.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in project engineering, with senior experience on Oil & Gas or chemical plant builds, and a PMP or equivalent certification is highly desirable.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in project engineering/management
• Senior role on large-scale Oil & Gas or chemical plant projects
• Experience managing construction sites and multidisciplinary teams
• Strong knowledge of construction methods and industry standards
• Proven ability to manage schedules, costs and risks
• Commitment to HSE and quality management
• Leadership, negotiation and communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in Vereeniging
• Proficiency with project management software (Primavera P6, MS Project)
• Experience with commissioning and handover phases is a plus

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all construction phase aspects for a chemical plant project.
• Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, and resource allocation.
• Oversee site operations across civil, mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation.
• Coordinate subcontractors, ensure performance and compliance.
• Enforce HSE protocols on site and drive safety culture.
• Maintain quality control and assurance throughout construction.
• Liaise with clients, vendors, consultants, and regulators.
• Identify and mitigate risks and manage change orders.
• Monitor progress and report to senior management.
• Foster a collaborative, safety-conscious site team.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

HSE compliance

Communication

Negotiation

Team coordination

Reporting

Primavera P6

MS Project

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, or Chemical)

Tools

Primavera P6

MS Project

Excel

Job description

About the Role

A leading engineering firm specializing in the Oil & Gas and chemical industries requires a Senior Project Engineer to manage the construction phase of a major chemical plant project in Vereeniging, Gauteng. This role demands exceptional leadership, planning, and execution skills to ensure the project is delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality and safety standards. You will be responsible for overseeing all site activities, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, managing subcontractors, and liaising with clients and stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in large-scale industrial construction projects, particularly within chemical or petrochemical facilities. The Vereeniging location presents a significant industrial landscape and opportunity for impactful work. Our client is known for its commitment to technical excellence and delivering complex projects successfully.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of the construction phase for a chemical plant project.
• Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, and resource allocation.
• Oversee site operations, including civil, mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation work.
• Manage and coordinate subcontractors, ensuring performance and compliance.
• Implement and enforce strict health, safety, and environmental (HSE) protocols on site.
• Ensure quality control and assurance throughout the construction process.
• Liaise with clients, vendors, consultants, and regulatory bodies.
• Identify and mitigate project risks and manage change orders effectively.
• Monitor project progress and provide regular reports to senior management.
• Foster a collaborative and safety-conscious work environment for the site team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, or Chemical preferred).
• PMP or equivalent project management certification is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in project engineering and management, with at least 5 years in a senior role on large-scale Oil & Gas or chemical plant construction projects.
• Proven experience in managing construction sites and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, and relevant industry standards.
• Excellent understanding of project management principles, including scheduling, cost control, and risk management.
• Demonstrated commitment to HSE and quality management.
• Strong leadership, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet demanding project deadlines in Vereeniging.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., Primavera P6, MS Project).
• Experience with commissioning and handover phases is a plus.

Benefits

• This position offers a highly competitive salary, including project completion bonuses, extensive medical coverage, a generous retirement fund, and opportunities for professional development and advanced certifications. The role provides significant career growth potential within a renowned engineering organization. Based in Vereeniging, Gauteng, you will be at the forefront of major industrial development. Our client values expertise, safety, and project success.