Industrial Engineer - Continuous Improvement Lead

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Industrial Engineer to serve as Continuous Improvement Lead on-site in Sandton, Gauteng. The role focuses on driving efficiency, reducing waste, and delivering cost savings through Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives.

You will mentor teams, manage improvement projects, and partner with departments to embed a culture of operational excellence across the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial or Mechanical Engineering (Master's preferred).
• Minimum 5 years in industrial engineering with continuous improvement focus.
• Black Belt or Master Black Belt in Six Sigma desirable.
• Proven track record leading Lean/Six Sigma projects with measurable results.
• Strong facilitation, coaching, and change management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive continuous improvement strategy.
• Lead Lean and Six Sigma projects (DMAIC) to drive improvements.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization, waste reduction, and cost savings.
• Mentor and train employees on CI tools and methodologies.
• Establish and track KPIs to monitor initiative effectiveness.
• Conduct process audits and value stream mapping to identify bottlenecks.
• Promote continuous improvement culture across departments.
• Collaborate with managers to align CI with business objectives.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and budgets.
• Report progress to senior leadership.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Change management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Process mapping

Data analysis

Project management tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dynamic and experienced Industrial Engineer to take on the role of Continuous Improvement Lead . This position is based on-site in Sandton, Gauteng , and is critical for driving a culture of ongoing improvement across all operational areas. The lead will be responsible for identifying, developing, and implementing strategies that enhance efficiency, reduce waste, improve quality, and lower costs. You will utilize your expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other process improvement methodologies to mentor teams, facilitate workshops, and manage improvement projects from conception to completion. The ideal candidate possesses strong leadership qualities, excellent analytical skills, and a proven track record of successfully implementing change within a corporate environment. This role requires a hands-on approach, working directly with various departments to achieve operational excellence. This is an outstanding opportunity for a dedicated professional to make a significant impact within a leading organization in South Africa .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive continuous improvement strategy for the organization.
• Lead and facilitate Lean and Six Sigma projects, including DMAIC initiatives, to drive measurable improvements.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization, waste reduction, and cost savings across all operational functions.
• Mentor and train employees at all levels on continuous improvement tools and methodologies.
• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor the effectiveness of improvement initiatives.
• Conduct process audits and value stream mapping to identify bottlenecks and areas for enhancement.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement by engaging employees and promoting best practices.
• Collaborate with department managers to align improvement efforts with strategic business objectives.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and budgets effectively.
• Communicate progress, successes, and challenges to senior leadership through regular reporting.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. A Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in industrial engineering, with a strong focus on continuous improvement, Lean, and Six Sigma.
• Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification in Six Sigma is highly desirable.
• Proven track record of leading successful Lean/Six Sigma projects with quantifiable results.
• Excellent facilitation, coaching, and change management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficiency in process mapping, data analysis, and project management tools.
• Must be comfortable working full-time on-site in Sandton .
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa .

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and a provident fund, and significant opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• This on-site role provides the chance to work on impactful projects and directly influence operational efficiency.
• Employees benefit from ongoing training, leadership development programs, and a supportive work environment that fosters innovation.
• Paid time off and performance-based incentives are part of the remuneration.

This position is ideal for an experienced industrial engineer passionate about driving change and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within a prominent organization.