Principal Chemist at Rand Refinery

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

• Improve and optimise analytical processes for incoming materials and outgoing products, including new strategic business processes. Ensure that there’s efficient, safe, and high-quality analysis, while staying updated on technological advancements in the field.

SUMMARY OF KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDED BUT NOT LIMITED TO

• Evaluate and optimise analytical processes involved in analysis of incoming material and outgoing products inclusive of new strategic process.
• Able to travel locally or internationally on assigned timelines to set-up laboratory processes as part of supporting strategic direction.   
• Implement improvements to enhance efficiency, yield, and cost-effectiveness.
• Work closely with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
• Collaborate with junior miners and sample aggregators to support new strategic business.
• Ensure that all processes comply with environmental regulations, safety standards, and industry best practices.
• Analyse data generated from chemical tests and experiments.
• Prepare comprehensive reports on findings, trends, and process improvements.
• Implement corrective actions to resolve problems and prevent recurrence.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the team.
• Evaluate and implement cost-effective solutions in analytical section.
• Implement the setting up of laboratories, inclusive of commissioning and validating the laboratories.
• Formulating and Management of budgets and equipment procurement.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Must have completed a master's degree in chemistry or Analytical Chemistry.
• A PHD qualification in Chemistry or Analytical Chemistry would be an advantage.
• A Leadership or Executive Development certification would serve as add value.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a similar role would be advantageous.

SKILLS/ COMPETENCIES

• Computer proficiency in the following applications - SAP, MS Office, MINITAB (or any other statical software package) and LIMS.
• Analytical skills - proficient in using various analytical techniques for chemical analysis and quality control.
• Problem solving skills - ability to identify and address issues in analytical chemical processes, troubleshoot problems, and implement effective solutions.
• Leadership skills - strong leadership qualities to self-manage and motivate a team of Laboratory associates during change management.
• Collaboration - ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, including metallurgy, engineering, production, and regulatory bodies.
• Skilled in planning, organising, and managing projects related to process optimisation, research, and development.
• Good exposure in project management and purchasing laboratory equipment.