Principal Chemist

VACANCY: FOREMAN - PRINCIPAL CHEMIST

TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT: PERMANENT

GRADE: D-LOWER

DIVISION: LABORATORY

CLOSING DATE: 24 AUGUST 2024

As a proudly South African company with a global footprint, Rand Refinery is one of the world’s leading Gold and Silver Refiner and operates one of the largest low-grade gold recovery Smelters on the African continent. With over a 100-year history, we have transformed and reshaped value not only in metals but people’s lives too. We’ve spent the last century using innovation to create real competitive advantage for our partners, our communities and our business.

Build your career with us

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
- 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.