Sasol Chemical Plant Operator (CPO) Vacancy 2026 | Secunda | Apply by 28 August 2026
Sasol is inviting suitably qualified and experienced candidates to apply for the position of Chemical Plant Operator (CPO) at its Secunda Operations in Mpumalanga.
The successful candidate will support safe and reliable plant operations, coordinate maintenance and repair activities for specific production processes, operate control panels and assist with more complex plant troubleshooting.
Job Details
Position: Chemical Plant Operator (CPO)
Company: Sasol
Job Requisition ID: 12945
Location: Secunda, Mpumalanga
OME: OPP: Secunda Operations
Posting Date: 14 August 2026
Closing Date: 28 August 2026
Purpose of the Job
The Chemical Plant Operator will be responsible for coordinating and directing maintenance and repair services for a specific process within a production line.
The position involves control panel management, plant operations, safety management and complex troubleshooting to help ensure efficient and reliable production.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Matric/N3
- Mathematics
- English
- Physical Science
- NQF Level 4
- At least 2 years of relevant working experience
Applicants should ensure their qualifications and experience are clearly reflected on their CV when applying.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be expected to:
- Provide feedback to supervisors regarding work progress.
- Participate in workplace risk assessments.
- Apply and maintain safety requirements within the working environment.
- Maintain good housekeeping and follow waste-disposal procedures.
- Work independently when required.
- Understand the business, its drivers and relevant KPIs.
- Participate in shift handover meetings.
- Identify personal training and development requirements.
- Participate in the development of a Personal Development Plan (PDP).
- Conduct on-the-job coaching of learners where required.
- Give presentations relating to specific plant equipment.
- Conduct IMS inspections to support plant sustainability.
- Work effectively as part of a team.
- Take an appropriate role during emergency situations to assist in bringing the plant back online.
- Communicate and exchange feedback with other disciplines regarding daily operational issues.
- Provide input during toolbox talks to improve plant safety.
Skills and Competencies
Sasol identifies the following competencies for the position:
- Optimising work processes
- Effective communication
- Production resource management
- Production risk management
- Project quality management
- Managing complexity
- Equipment utilisation
- Driving results
- Production and procedure management
- Accountability
Candidates should also be comfortable working in a safety-conscious industrial and production environment.
How to Apply
When searching for the vacancy, use:
Job Requisition ID: 12945
Application Instructions
- Visit the official Sasol careers website.
- Search for โChemical Plant Operator (CPO)โ.
- Alternatively, search using Job Requisition ID 12945.
- Open the vacancy and confirm that the location is Secunda, Mpumalanga.
- Create a candidate profile or sign in to your existing account.
- Complete the online application.
- Upload your updated CV and any documents requested by the recruitment portal.
- Review your information carefully before submitting.
- Submit your application before 28 August 2026.
Sasol states that if you have not received feedback within 60 days after the advert closes, you should consider your application unsuccessful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What qualification do I need for the Sasol Chemical Plant Operator vacancy?
The advertised formal education requirement is Matric/N3 with Mathematics, English and Physical Science, together with NQF Level 4.
2. Do I need previous work experience?
Yes. Sasol requires at least 2 years of relevant experience for this position.
3. Can I apply with Grade 12?
Yes, provided your qualification meets the advertised requirements, including Mathematics, English and Physical Science.
4. Can I apply with Mathematical Literacy?
The vacancy specifically states Maths and does not list Mathematical Literacy as an alternative. Applicants should therefore assess their qualifications against the requirements stated in the advert.
5. Where is the position based?
The position is based at Sasol’s Secunda Operations in Secunda, Mpumalanga.
6. What does a Chemical Plant Operator do?
For this particular vacancy, duties include supporting production processes, control panel management, troubleshooting, participating in risk assessments, monitoring plant operations, assisting during emergencies and ensuring safety procedures are followed.
7. Is this an entry-level/no-experience position?
No. The vacancy requires 2+ years of relevant working experience.
8. What is the Sasol reference number?
The Job Requisition ID is 12945.
9. When do applications close?
Applications close on 28 August 2026.
10. How will I know whether my application was successful?
Sasol advises applicants that if they have not heard from the company within 60 days after the closing date, they should consider their application unsuccessful.
Possible Interview Questions
The following are preparation questions based on the responsibilities and competencies in the vacancy; they are not confirmed Sasol interview questions.
1. Tell us about your experience working as a plant or process operator.
Describe your relevant experience, the equipment or processes you have worked with and your responsibilities.
2. What steps would you take if you identified an unsafe condition in the plant?
Focus on following procedures, assessing the risk, reporting/escalating appropriately and protecting employees and equipment.
3. What experience do you have with control panels?
Explain the systems you have operated, what you monitored and how you responded to abnormal operating conditions.
4. How do you approach troubleshooting plant equipment?
Explain how you identify symptoms, review operating conditions, follow procedures, communicate with relevant teams and avoid unsafe interventions.
5. What is the importance of a shift handover?
A strong answer should mention communicating plant status, outstanding work, abnormalities, safety concerns and other information required by the incoming shift.
6. How would you respond to a plant emergency?
Emphasise remaining calm, following approved emergency procedures, communicating clearly and prioritising safety.
7. Why are risk assessments important in a chemical plant?
Discuss identifying hazards, assessing risks and putting controls in place before work begins.
8. Tell us about a time you identified a problem before it caused a major production interruption.
Use a real example and explain the problem, what you noticed, what action you took and the result.
9. How do you maintain good housekeeping in an industrial environment?
Discuss cleanliness, correct waste disposal, keeping access routes clear and reporting hazards.
10. Why do you want to work as a Chemical Plant Operator at Sasol?
Connect your qualifications and operational experience with the opportunity to work in a large industrial environment while continuing to develop your technical skills.
11. How do you ensure procedures are followed even when production is under pressure?
Emphasise that safety and approved operating procedures should not be compromised to meet production targets.
12. How would you assist or coach a learner working on the plant?
Discuss explaining procedures clearly, demonstrating safe practices, supervising where appropriate and giving constructive feedback.