Technical Officer (Emulsion) at Omnia (Pty) LTD

ROLE IMPACT

• To provide advanced technical support to the emulsion production operations across the Losberg region, ensuring optimal plant performance, product consistency, and technical compliance.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical Problem Solving & Support

• Provide expert-level technical support to Innopak, Innovex, and Emulsifier plants.
• Lead root cause analysis for critical process deviations and equipment-related issues.
• Support shift teams and plant managers in resolving complex operational problems.

Process Optimisation & Standardisation

• Identify and implement opportunities for efficiency improvement, waste reduction, and throughput optimisation.
• Standardise process parameters and operating procedures across all emulsion sites.
• Monitor, analyse, and report on process performance indicators.

Formulation Integrity & Governance

• Ensure formulation control processes are adhered to and documented.
• Coordinate implementation of new formulations and modifications across sites.
• Collaborate with R&D and product management on product performance feedback and improvements.

Project Execution Support

• Provide technical input during project scoping, design, commissioning, and handover phases.
• Ensure technical alignment with safety and environmental standards (e.g., PSCE, MOC).
• Validate and oversee trials related to process modifications and new equipment. 

Compliance & Process Safety

• Contribute to the identification, validation, and maintenance of Process Safety Critical Equipment (PSCE).
• Support the execution of HAZOPs, baseline risk assessments, and safety audits.
• Ensure compliance with internal standards, industry codes, and regulatory requirements.

Training & Capability Development

• Mentor junior engineers, process controllers, and team leaders in technical competencies.
• Facilitate technical workshops, onboarding sessions, and process troubleshooting clinics.
• Support succession planning by documenting and transferring critical technical knowledge.

International Technical Support

• Support international emulsion plants through remote assistance and site visits.
• Free up Plant Managers for international assistance.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of technical interventions, formulation changes, and audits.
• Prepare detailed technical reports and presentations for senior management and cross-functional teams.
• Support the upkeep of site dossiers in alignment with BME's production framework and governance requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications

• B.Eng. in Chemical engineering or equivalent
• Project Management
• Six-sigma certification.
• Process Safety qualification.

Experience

• 3 years demonstrated experience in emulsion manufacturing, explosives or chemical production environment
• Proven experience with project implementation, formulation governance, and plant support 
• 3 year's working experience in a chemical plant environment (Advantageous)

Key Competencies

• Deep understanding of emulsion manufacturing processes
• Process safety, PSCE, and formulation integrity
• Statistical process control and root cause analysis
• Ability to influence without authority
• Stakeholder engagement and cross-functional collaboration
• Coaching and capability development
• High analytical ability
• Practical, structured approach to operational challenges
• Fast response to plant failures and technical issues
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Able to communicate complex technical matters to non-technical stakeholders
• Excellent reporting and presentation skills