Industrial Engineer - Logistics & Distribution Optimization

Placements24; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance-based bonuses

Annual leave

Sick leave

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Queenstown, South Africa, is seeking a proactive Industrial Engineer to optimize logistics and distribution operations at our hub. You will analyze warehouses, inventory, and transport, design layouts, and drive cost reductions through Lean and Six Sigma.

This on-site role collaborates with warehouse staff and transport managers, requiring a hands-on approach, data-driven decision making, and strong communication to implement changes and achieve operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or related field.
• 3-5 years experience in industrial engineering focusing on logistics, supply chain, or distribution operations.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar process improvement methodologies.
• Strong understanding of warehousing operations, inventory management, and transportation logistics.
• Proficiency in process mapping, data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Minitab), and simulation software.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse teams.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of warehouse management systems (WMS) is a plus.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to the Queenstown, Eastern Cape area.

Responsibilities

• Analyze current logistics and distribution operations, including warehousing, inventory management, and transportation.
• Identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement in workflow, layout, and resource utilization.
• Develop and implement process improvements using Lean principles, Six Sigma, and other optimization techniques.
• Design and optimize warehouse layouts, material flow, and storage strategies.
• Create and maintain SOPs for all logistics and distribution activities.
• Collaborate with warehouse teams, drivers, and management to implement process changes and ensure successful adoption.
• Conduct time and motion studies and data analysis to improve productivity and reduce costs.
• Utilize simulation tools and statistical analysis to model process performance and evaluate solutions.
• Develop and track KPIs for logistics and distribution operations.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and industry best practices in warehouse and transportation operations.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Data analysis

Process improvement

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

Excel

Minitab

Simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing distribution company, is seeking a proactive Industrial Engineer to join their team in Queenstown, Eastern Cape . This on-site role is focused on optimizing logistics and distribution processes, enhancing warehouse efficiency, and implementing strategies to reduce operational costs. You will be responsible for analyzing current distribution networks, identifying bottlenecks, and developing data-driven solutions to improve throughput, accuracy, and delivery times. This position requires a hands-on approach, working closely with warehouse staff, transport managers, and supply chain personnel to implement changes and drive operational excellence. The role is based at our key distribution hub in Queenstown , offering the chance to make a tangible impact on regional logistics. Our client is committed to fostering a dynamic work environment that values innovation and efficiency, providing opportunities for professional growth and development. This on-site role is integral to ensuring the smooth and cost-effective flow of goods through the supply chain. You will be a key player in shaping the efficiency of our distribution network.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze current logistics and distribution operations, including warehousing, inventory management, and transportation.
• Identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement in workflow, layout, and resource utilization.
• Develop and implement process improvements using Lean principles, Six Sigma, and other optimization techniques.
• Design and optimize warehouse layouts, material flow, and storage strategies.
• Create and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all logistics and distribution activities.
• Collaborate with warehouse teams, drivers, and management to implement process changes and ensure successful adoption.
• Conduct time and motion studies, and data analysis to improve productivity and reduce costs.
• Utilize simulation tools and statistical analysis to model process performance and evaluate solutions.
• Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for logistics and distribution operations.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and industry best practices in warehouse and transportation operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in industrial engineering, with a focus on logistics, supply chain, or distribution operations.
• Proven experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar process improvement methodologies.
• Strong understanding of warehousing operations, inventory management, and transportation logistics.
• Proficiency in process mapping, data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Minitab), and simulation software.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse teams.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of warehouse management systems (WMS) is a plus.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to the Queenstown, Eastern Cape area.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, including medical aid and a provident fund.
• Opportunities for professional development and training are provided, focusing on logistics and supply chain advancements.
• The role offers significant exposure to the complexities of regional distribution networks.
• Performance-based bonuses are available.
• Paid annual leave and sick leave are standard.
• Our client is committed to creating a safe, efficient, and rewarding work environment.

This position provides a strong foundation for a career in supply chain and operations management within a growing company.