Production Manager - Chemical (Permanent)

Job Title: Production Manager - Chemical Start Date: 2026-07-22 - 2026-08-21 Vacancy Type: Permanent PTA001834 Sectors: Engineering & Technical Manufacturing Location: KwaZulu-Natal , Durban Salary: Market Related Brief: 8|chemical|concentration|continuous|corporate|engineering|farm|grade|hazop|instructions|manager|manuals|ohsa|operating|petrochemical|plant|process|production|project|quantity|regulations|requirements|sales|section|sheq|standards|tank|work A well-established international chemical manufacturer is seeking a dedicated Production Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of the Production Plants and the Tank Farm. Detail: Minimum requirements for the role: Must have a B. Eng. or B. Sc. in Chemical Engineering Minimum 5–10 years' experience in a chemical (Ideally continuous chemical process plant)/petrochemical plant environment, with at least 3–5 years in a supervisory or management capacity Practical understanding of SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality) protocols is mandatory Must be a section 8(2)(i) appointee in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) Strong technical knowledge with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve operational challenges effectively Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively within a team Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions under pressure Strong attention to detail with a high level of accuracy and quality focus Self-motivated, proactive, and capable of working independently with minimal supervision The successful candidate will be responsible for: Ensuring that Production Plants and Tank Farm operations comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), local regulations, corporate standards, and ISO requirements. Ensuring that Production Plants and the Tank Farm are operated safely in accordance with Plant Operating Manuals and Work Instructions. Monitoring the performance of Production Plants and the Tank Farm and achieving safety, health, environmental, and production objectives by managing the activities of Supervisors and staff. Managing Production Plants and Tank Farm personnel effectively. Planning production runs (grade, concentration, and quantity) in conjunction with the Sales and Laboratory Departments. Ensuring product quality meets customer and sales requirements and that products are consistently available for dispatch in the required quantities. Identifying and gathering information from Supervisors and staff regarding plant maintenance issues, liaising with the Plant Engineer on repair schedules, and directing Supervisors to prepare the plant for maintenance activities. Serving as the Production contact person for the planning and preparation of plant maintenance shutdowns. Verifying all permits to work for hot work and confined space entry. Producing weekly and monthly production reports. Ensuring Plant Operating Manuals are reviewed annually and updated whenever changes are made to plant operating practices. Serving as the Production contact person for capital project activities on site, including providing design input, reviewing operational plans, participating in HAZOP reviews, and scheduling project work. Providing induction training for new staff. Monitoring the performance of contractors working in production areas and reporting performance concerns to the Head of Production and Engineering. Monitoring the performance of subordinates and reporting performance concerns to the Head of Production and Engineering. Motivating, training, and developing staff to promote continuous improvement and maintain high morale. Carrying out production support standby duties in accordance with the standby roster. Troubleshooting problems within the Production Plants, Tank Farm, and Packing Shed to maintain agreed production outputs. Holding the authority, as delegated by the Head of Production and Engineering, to shut down the plant if it is unsafe to operate. Please note that subsequent to the screening and shortlisting process, all further communication will be entered into only with the shortlisted candidates. If you do not receive any feedback from us within 2 weeks of applying, please consider your application unsuccessful. show more... For more information please contact: Elaine Apply