Job Overview
We are seeking a qualified Chemical Engineer to join a leading mining and manufacturing operation in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing and optimizing production processes, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards, and managing production personnel within a manufacturing environment.
This role offers a clear succession path into a Production Manager position for a high-performing individual who demonstrates strong technical expertise, leadership capability, and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Monitor, evaluate, andoptimizemanufacturing and production processes to improve efficiency, productivity, and product quality.
- Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, and quality standards.
- Investigate process deviations, production issues, and equipment failures, implementing corrective and preventative actions.
- Develop and maintain process documentation, operating procedures, and technical reports.
- Coordinate daily production activities to ensure operational targets are achieved.
- Collaborate with maintenance, quality, engineering, and operations teams to ensure efficient plant performance.
- Monitor production costs and identify opportunities for process improvements, waste reduction, and operational efficiencies.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations.
- Manage, supervise, train, and develop production personnel.
- Conduct performance management, coaching, and leadership development of production teams.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
- Support strategic operational initiatives and contribute to long-term production planning.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering.
- Minimum 5–8 years' experience within a chemical manufacturing, mineral processing, mining, metallurgical, or heavy industrial processing environment.
- Minimum 2–3 years' experience supervising or managing production personnel.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, process optimization, and production management.
- Knowledge of health, safety, environmental, and quality management systems.
- Experience with production reporting, process analysis, root cause investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Strong analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management abilities.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and manufacturing/process management systems.
Advantageous
- Experience within mining, mineral processing, industrial chemicals, metallurgy, specialty chemicals, coatings, polymers, or related heavy manufacturing sectors.
- Exposure to ISO Quality Management Systems.
- Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement methodologies.
- Professional registration with ECSA or a relevant engineering body will be advantageous.
- Experience managing large production teams within a manufacturing environment.
Competencies
- Leadership and people management
- Production and operations management
- Process optimization and continuous improvement
- Strategic thinking and decision-making
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Production planning and coordination
- Strong communication and stakeholder management
- Quality and safety focused
- Results-driven with strong attention to detail
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
Career Growth Opportunity
This position is ideally suited to a Chemical Engineer seeking long-term career growth into a Production Manager role and offers the opportunity to develop both technical and operational leadership skills within a dynamic mining and manufacturing environment.
