Plant Operations Manager

Reference: NES028835-Siphe-1

Lead Operations in a Complex Chemical Processing Environment

An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced Plant Operations Manager to oversee the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of a specialised chemical processing facility. This role is suited to a strong operations leader with extensive production experience, a passion for operational excellence, and the ability to challenge conventional thinking and drive continuous improvement.
Duties & Responsibilities Minimum Qualifications

• BEng or BTech in Chemical Engineering
• GCC Factories advantageous
• Additional qualifications in HSE, Risk Management, or Production Management advantageous

Key Requirements

• 10+ years' experience within a chemical process plant or continuous-process manufacturing environment
• Extensive production and operations management experience
• Proven ability to improve processes and challenge the status quo
• Experience as a Section 16.2 Appointee
• Strong understanding of process operations, plant optimisation, and operational risk management
• Extensive experience developing and maintaining operational policies, procedures, and HSE documentation
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing production and operations teams
• Strong knowledge of production planning, process performance monitoring, and operational excellence initiatives
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage daily plant operations to ensure safe and efficient production
• Drive continuous improvement, productivity, quality, and cost optimisation initiatives
• Fulfil responsibilities associated with the Section 16.2 legal appointment
• Ensure compliance with all safety, health, environmental, and regulatory requirements
• Develop, review, and maintain operational procedures, policies, and work instructions
• Monitor plant performance and implement strategies to improve throughput, reliability, and efficiency
• Lead incident investigations, root-cause analyses, and corrective action programmes
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and Technical teams
• Support plant expansion projects, commissioning activities, and operational readiness programmes
• Build and develop a high-performance operations culture

Ideal Industry Background Candidates from the following industries will be highly regarded:

• Chemical Manufacturing
• Petrochemical Processing
• Industrial Gas Production
• Speciality Chemicals
• Energy & Utilities
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
• Mining & Mineral Processing
• Continuous-Process Manufacturing

What We're Looking For We're looking for a leader who combines strong production management capability with a hands-on approach to plant operations. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of improving operational performance, strengthening HSE culture, and implementing meaningful changes that challenge the status quo and deliver measurable results.

For more information, contact:
Siphelele Mzongwana
Recruitment Consultant
[email protected]
Connect with me on LinkedIn
If you have not received a response within two weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful. Your profile will remain on our database for consideration for future opportunities.