Operations Manager: Acid Plant

PURPOSE OF THE JOB: To manage the plant and the production team according to safety standards in an effort to attain production targets.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Grade 12 /Std 10/ University Entrance (NQF 4) is essential.
• BEng or BTech (Chemical Engineering/ Metallurgy) is essential.
• 5+ years Metallurgical, platinum experience / Plant experience is essential.
• 1-5 years in a Managerial position in a Processing plant environment is desirable.
• Valid Medical certificate or medically fit to obtain such a certificate.

COMPETENCIES:

• Must have knowledge of Off gas (Acid & Sulfacid) plant and basic knowledge of an PGM Smelter complex.
• Must have engineering and metallurgical interpretation knowledge.
• Extractive and Pyro knowledge would be desirable.
• Financial, commercial and safety skills are essential.
• Knowledge of human resources and environmental knowledge are essential.
• Computer literacy is essential.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS:

• Ensure that production targets are met according to plan.
• Manage and develop staff responsible for production activities.
• Manage efficiency by ensuring the best possible revenue generation in optimising production and limiting costs.
• Manage plant costs according to or better than business plan.
• Manage plant safety according to or better than business plan.
• Manage environmental standards according to or better than legislation.
• Promote and manage initiatives for transformation in the plant.

The ideal candidate should have proven experience in the operation, management and maintenance of a sulphuric acid plant, preferably technologies involving industrial grade and lower grade sulphuric acid production. Preference would be given for demonstratable knowledge of the following:

• Single or double contact and absorption Sulphuric Acid Plant

• Sulfacid Process

• Wet Lime Forced Oxidation Scrubbing systems, specifically Dynawave reverse jet scrubber technology

An understanding of the unit processes within these off-gas circuits are considered a distinct advantage, namely:

• Gas cooling and cleaning circuits involving variable throat scrubber systems, lead lined shell and tube heat exchangers, Dry and Wet Electrostatic Precipitators

• Contact or conversion circuits involving packed acid towers, catalytic conversion (V2O5, Cs and Carbon-based catalysts), Acid Mist collectors

• Byproduct handling such as acid tanks, lime slaking and gypsum dewatering

This position will be responsible for managing all aspects of the off gas handling section, ensuring plant availabilities and point source emissions in compliance with the complexs Atmospheric Emission License are maintained.