Plant Manager

SUMMARY:

Job Title: Plant Manager  (Soap Manufacturing)
Location: Gauteng, Southern suburbs
Industry: Chemical Manufacturing 
Type: Permanent  / Environment: Plant Operations 


About the Role
Our client, a well-established manufacturer in the chemical manufacturing sector, is seeking an experienced Plant Manager to take overall responsibility for the operation and optimisation of their soap manufacturing facility.

The plant produces neutralised fatty acid soap by reacting palm oil-derived distilled fatty acids with caustic soda, followed by spray drying and pelletising to produce the final product. The facility has a production capacity of approximately 4–5 tons per hour and is designed for continuous operation.

This position offers an excellent opportunity for a technically strong individual who enjoys combining plant management with process optimisation and continuous improvement.

POSITION INFO:
What you'll be doing Assume full responsibility for the safe and efficient operation of the manufacturing plant. Manage all aspects of plant performance, including production, quality, maintenance, safety and process optimisation. Work closely with an experienced operations and maintenance team to ensure reliable plant performance. Identify, troubleshoot and resolve process and mechanical challenges impacting production efficiency and product quality. Optimise neutralisation, drying and pelletising processes to consistently achieve product specifications. Monitor production parameters and implement process improvements to maximise throughput and minimise downtime. Coordinate preventative maintenance activities and support equipment reliability initiatives. Ensure compliance with quality, health, safety and environmental standards. Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve plant efficiency, product consistency and operating costs. Prepare production reports and monitor key plant performance indicators. What you'll need Degree or Diploma in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering or a related engineering discipline. Proven experience managing a continuous manufacturing or chemical processing plant. Strong understanding of chemical manufacturing processes and process control. Experience troubleshooting and optimising production processes. Sound mechanical aptitude with the ability to work alongside maintenance personnel. Strong leadership, planning and problem-solving skills. Excellent communication and people management abilities. What is in it for you? A competitive remuneration package will be negotiated based on qualifications, relevant experience and the value the successful candidate can bring to the operation. Benefits, including, medical, provident, cell allowance and quarterly incentive structures If you are an experienced plant manager with a passion for chemical manufacturing, process optimisation and operational excellence, we invite you to apply. A Few Things to Know Candidates with experience in any of the following will be highly advantageous: Soap manufacturing Fatty acid neutralisation Surfactant or detergent manufacturing Oleochemical processing Spray drying operations Chemical process optimisation Continuous production environments Ready to Apply? Click Apply and please complete your application in full. If you don't hear from us within 3 months, your application was not successful. However, we may contact you for other roles in the future (with your permission). Data Privacy Notice By applying, you consent to Elchemie processing your personal data for the purpose of job matching. Your data will be securely stored and shared only with trusted service providers and clients.