Lead Process Engineer - Hydrocracker Division

Job Req ID

13196

Closing Date

1 October 2026

OME

Sasolburg and Natref Operations

Location

Sasolburg

Purpose of Job

Responsible for process engineering delivery on plant support, monitoring, optimisation, studies, investigations and project execution by managing the Process Support team (of up to four members) and providing technical leadership in the Hydrocracker area. The role is responsible for leading studies and projects while establishing techno-economic direction with both short- and long-term strategic impact within NATREF operations. Furthermore, the role provides technical leadership to ensure safe, reliable, environmentally compliant and economically optimal operation of the Hydrocracker, Residual Crude desulphurisation, Steam methane reforming and Sulphur recovery value chain; while driving product quality excellence, supporting the refinery's Clean Fuels compliance strategy, and identifying future fuels and technology opportunities that enhance refinery competitiveness and sustainability.

Key Accountabilities

• Responsible for groups process engineering plant support deliverables to define and maintain the critical operating envelope parameters for each plant plus monitor and correct deviations from optimal plant performance in collaboration with production management. Within the group each plant operating within its operating envelope assures safe, reliable and sustainable operations and optimal performance within the value chain.
• Drive the groups high-performance culture with emphasis on delivery and results, by building self-directed, motivated and engaged team, supported by world class systems aimed at improving the group’s effectiveness and efficiency.
• Responsible for identifying, prioritizing and planning (including scheduling and resource loading) of all the groups plant support process engineering activities.
• Responsible for compiling and sign-off of the group prioritization list for all the studies and projects as defined on the agreed upon signed off shareholder studies priorities list.
• Provide expertise and guidance to deliver short term as well as medium term solutions to the existing and new technical issues.
• Responsible for development and implementation of plant monitoring systems capable to proactively identify potential deviations and risks to production volumes, product quality and equipment integrity.
• Accountable for development, implementation and successful outcome of plans to eliminate identified risks and preserve the combined shareholder production plan.
• Responsible for the groups ensuring technically robust process engineering deliverables during the front-end engineering design phase of projects as well as ensuring seamless back integration into existing refinery assets.
• Define the group’s current plant performance baseline and targets for improvements in terms of volumes, quality and units costs. Responsible for compliance to the targets and meeting the improvement targets.
• Responsible for providing quality process engineering input to projects and ensuring process engineering governance is followed.
• Responsible for implementation and management of the group’s performance contracts, personal development plans, training requirements and succession planning for personnel under supervision.
• Responsible for implementation and quality of the group reporting as required. E.g. Month end reports, techno-economic memos, study/ test run/ RCA/ investigation reports.
• Sign-off on the groups operating envelopes and any other technical documentation including critical parameters, operating windows, technical drivers, mass and energy balances, P&IDs, operating/training manuals, process simulations, unit operating and design manuals, etc.
• Maintaining effective collaboration with NATREF internal teams and external service providers and vendors.
• Drive the group’s shutdown and T&I process inspections and repair scoping, catalyst systems change out/regeneration and start up/stabilization support.
• Responsible for ensuring the accuracy and precision of all units LP models via test run verification, unit model updates and evaluations resulting in continuous improvement and fine tuning of the Business LP model used in the planning, optimisation and determination of Business Unit profitability via the Shareholders.
• Manage the group in providing input into, drive and support Process Safety Management studies, initiatives and defined compliance plans.
• Responsible for defining and managing all unit Process Safety Information.
• Development of Catalyst and Chemical strategies and implementation thereof.

Formal Education

B.Sc/B.Eng Degree (Must)

Master's Degree in Chemical Engineering, Petrochemical Refining, Project Management, Engineering Management, Business Administration or any other formal qualifications (Wish)

Work Experience

• Minimum 8 years overall process engineering experience.
• Managerial experience: Managing a team minimum 0-3 years (Wish)
• Experience in Petrochemical Refining (Wish)

Certification & Professional membership

PR Eng (wish)

Required Personal and Professional Skills