Industrial Engineer - Agricultural Processing & Efficiency Specialist

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Professional growth

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Industrial Engineer for a prominent agricultural processing operation near Paarl, Western Cape. The role focuses on improving processing efficiency and optimizing supply chains from farm to table, ensuring maximum yield, quality, and cost-effectiveness.

You will analyze current workflows, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement data-driven solutions in a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or related field.
• 4+ years of experience in industrial engineering focusing on process optimization.
• Experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and process mapping.
• Strong analytical skills interpreting production data.
• Proficiency with Arena or AnyLogic and CAD tools.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and optimize agricultural processing operations, including material flow.
• Develop and implement lean techniques to reduce costs.
• Design layouts for plants and storage facilities.
• Conduct time studies and set performance standards.
• Implement inventory management and control systems.
• Create and maintain SOPs for processing activities.
• Use process simulation to model improvements.
• Collaborate with quality control for food safety standards.
• Identify tech advancements to enhance processing and automation.
• Support continuous improvement projects across operations.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Process optimization

Data analysis

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

Arena

AnyLogic

CAD tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent agricultural processing company situated near Paarl, Western Cape , is seeking an Industrial Engineer focused on enhancing processing efficiency and optimizing agricultural supply chains. This role is instrumental in streamlining operations from farm-to-table, ensuring maximum yield, quality, and cost-effectiveness. You will analyze current agricultural processing workflows, identify areas for improvement in material handling, production, and packaging, and implement data-driven solutions. The ideal candidate possesses a strong foundation in industrial engineering principles, with experience in lean methodologies and process optimization, preferably within the agricultural or food processing sectors. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute to a vital industry in a region known for its agricultural excellence. The role involves a blend of on-site analysis within the processing facilities and remote data modeling and reporting, offering a hybrid work arrangement.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze and optimize agricultural processing operations, including material flow, equipment utilization, and waste reduction.
• Develop and implement lean manufacturing techniques to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs.
• Design and improve layouts for processing plants and storage facilities to maximize space and workflow.
• Conduct time studies and performance analysis to set operational standards and benchmarks.
• Implement robust inventory management and control systems for agricultural inputs and finished products.
• Develop and maintain detailed standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all processing activities.
• Utilize process simulation and data analysis tools to model potential improvements and predict outcomes.
• Collaborate with quality control teams to ensure adherence to food safety and quality standards.
• Identify and implement technological advancements to enhance processing capabilities and automation.
• Support the development and execution of continuous improvement projects across the operation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in industrial engineering, with a focus on process optimization in manufacturing or agricultural processing environments.
• Demonstrated experience with lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma, and process mapping.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret agricultural production data.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Arena, AnyLogic) and CAD tools.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with diverse teams.
• Knowledge of supply chain and inventory management within an agricultural context.
• Familiarity with food safety and quality standards (e.g., HACCP) is a plus.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Must be comfortable with a hybrid work model, requiring regular on-site presence in Paarl, Western Cape.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, reflective of experience and skills, with potential for performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health benefits and a retirement savings plan are provided.
• Opportunities for professional growth, including further training and development programs, are available.
• The company cultivates a collaborative and innovative work environment, dedicated to excellence in agricultural processing.
• Employees play a key role in enhancing the company's operational capabilities and market position.
• This role offers significant impact within the thriving agricultural sector of the Paarl, Western Cape region.