Continuous Improvement Engineer

Network Finance; Akasia; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Finance is seeking an experienced Continuous Improvement Technician to lead factory‑level improvement initiatives, driving productivity, quality, efficiency and cost reduction. The role applies IE principles to reduce delays, optimise workflows and implement SOPs across the plant.

You will develop and monitor KPI dashboards, analyse data, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to achieve operational excellence and sustainable gains.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 is assumed; tertiary qualification in Industrial Engineering.
• Minimum 10 years' experience in Industrial Engineering or Continuous Improvement in manufacturing.
• Experience in trailer manufacturing or heavy production environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across the plant to boost productivity, quality and cost performance.
• Analyse processes to eliminate waste, improve workflow and optimise production.
• Apply IE principles to reduce delays and enhance operating performance.
• Develop and implement improved manufacturing methods, systems and material handling.
• Design plant layouts and workflows using MS Visio; coordinate information systems and data.
• Monitor performance, identify bottlenecks and support production scheduling and maintenance.

Skills

Industrial Engineering

Lean Manufacturing

Process optimization

Operational excellence

MS Visio

KPI reporting

Cost analysis

Data analysis

Project coordination

Education

Tertiary Qualification in Industrial Engineering

Tools

MS Visio

ERP systems

Job description

Are you an experienced Industrial Engineering professional with a passion for Lean Manufacturing, process optimisation, and operational excellence? We are seeking a highly skilled Continuous Improvement Technician to lead improvement initiatives across our manufacturing plant, driving productivity, quality, efficiency, and cost reduction. This is an exciting opportunity to play a strategic role in transforming manufacturing operations through engineering innovation, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across the manufacturing plant to improve productivity, efficiency, quality, and cost performance.
• Analyse manufacturing processes and identify opportunities to eliminate waste, improve workflow, and optimise production.
• Apply Industrial Engineering principles to enhance operating performance and reduce production delays.
• Develop and implement improved manufacturing methods, production systems, and material handling processes.
• Design and improve plant layouts, workstation configurations, and production flow using MS Visio.
• Plan, coordinate, and maintain manufacturing information systems and production data.
• Monitor production performance and identify bottlenecks, backlogs, and process inefficiencies.
• Support production teams by resolving operational challenges using Industrial Engineering techniques.
• Develop management control systems, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and best practice processes.
• Generate KPI reports, production performance dashboards, and cost analysis reports.
• Monitor paint usage, rework costs, and production efficiency metrics.
• Estimate production costs and support financial planning initiatives.
• Evaluate manufacturing equipment and recommend process improvements.
• Coordinate material movement from raw material receipt through to finished product.
• Support production scheduling, quality improvement, and maintenance planning.
• Process internal purchasing requisitions and production-related transactions.
• Promote Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the plant.
• Collaborate with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, and Engineering teams to achieve operational excellence.

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 (Matric).
• Tertiary Qualification in Industrial Engineering.
• Valid Code 8 Driver's Licence.
• Minimum 10 years' experience in Industrial Engineering or Continuous Improvement within a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum 10 years' experience in the trailer manufacturing or heavy production industry.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing systems, production optimisation, and quality management principles.
• Advanced computer literacy in Microsoft Office.
• Proficiency in MS Visio for plant layout and process design.

Advantageous

• Postgraduate Qualification in Industrial Engineering.
• Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, Six Sigma, or World Class Manufacturing (WCM) methodologies.
• Knowledge of ERP systems and manufacturing reporting tools.