Industrial Engineer - Continuous Improvement

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 640,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Generous leave

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch seeks an experienced Industrial Engineer to lead continuous improvement efforts in a modern food and beverage facility. You will apply Lean methods to optimize production flows, reduce waste, and boost efficiency while collaborating with production, QA, and supply chain teams.

The role emphasizes standardized work, data-driven decisions, and scalable process improvements in a hybrid Stellenbosch setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or related field.
• Min. 4 years in industrial engineering or process improvement.
• Lean Manufacturing mastery (5S, Kanban, SMED).
• Experience with time studies and OEE analysis.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with GMP is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Analyze manufacturing processes to identify bottlenecks and improvement opportunities using Value Stream Mapping.
• Lead and facilitate Kaizen events and continuous improvement projects.
• Develop and implement standardized work procedures and best practices.
• Optimize plant layouts, material flow, and equipment utilization to reduce costs.
• Train and coach staff on continuous improvement tools and techniques.
• Monitor KPIs and report progress, recommending corrective actions.
• Support new product introductions by ensuring scalable, efficient processes.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Kaizen

5S

Kanban

SMED

OEE analysis

Time studies

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent food and beverage producer, is seeking an experienced Industrial Engineer to drive continuous improvement initiatives within their state-of-the-art facility located in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. This role is central to enhancing operational efficiency, optimizing production flows, and reducing waste across all manufacturing processes. The successful candidate will be adept at implementing Lean Manufacturing principles, conducting process analyses, and fostering a culture of ongoing improvement. You will work closely with production teams, quality assurance, and supply chain management to identify and implement effective solutions that boost productivity and profitability. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the sustained success of a well-respected brand in a picturesque setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze existing manufacturing processes to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement using methodologies like Value Stream Mapping.
• Lead and facilitate Kaizen events and other continuous improvement projects.
• Develop and implement standardized work procedures and best practices to ensure consistency and quality.
• Optimize plant layouts, material flow, and equipment utilization to enhance productivity and reduce operational costs.
• Train and coach operational staff on continuous improvement tools and techniques.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and report on progress, recommending corrective actions as needed.
• Support new product introductions by ensuring manufacturing processes are optimized for efficiency and scalability.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in industrial engineering or process improvement roles, preferably within the food and beverage industry.
• Proven expertise in Lean Manufacturing principles (e.g., 5S, Kanban, SMED).
• Experience with time studies, work measurement, and OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) analysis.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) is a plus.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid setting in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, comprehensive health benefits, a retirement annuity fund, and generous leave provisions. We are committed to the professional development of our employees, offering opportunities for further training, certifications, and career advancement. Join a company that values innovation, teamwork, and employee well-being, providing a stable and growth‑oriented career path in the vibrant Stellenbosch, Western Cape region. Enjoy a dynamic work environment with a focus on sustainable operational excellence.