Industrial Engineer - Lean Implementation Specialist

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 450,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual performance-based bonus

Medical and retirement benefits

Generous paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24, based in Sandton, South Africa, seeks an Industrial Engineer with a strong Lean focus. The role drives continuous improvement across operations, identifies waste, coaches teams, and leads Kaizen events to elevate efficiency and quality. A deep knowledge of the Toyota Production System and facilitation skills are essential.

The candidate will develop SOPs, track KPIs, and mentor staff while staying abreast of lean methodologies and tools in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial/ Manufacturing Engineering.
• 4+ years in industrial engineering with lean manufacturing focus.
• Experience leading Kaizen events and 5S programs.
• Strong knowledge of Value Stream Mapping (VSM) and lean tools.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt preferred.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and facilitation skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork across diverse groups.
• Project management experience is a plus.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Visio.

Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate lean implementation projects across departments.
• Conduct value stream mapping to identify waste and improvement opportunities.
• Develop and implement 5S programs to optimize workplace organization.
• Facilitate Kaizen events and rapid improvement workshops.
• Coach and mentor employees on lean principles and problem-solving.
• Develop and track KPIs to measure lean initiatives.
• Analyze production data to identify bottlenecks and trends.
• Support SOP development and standardization.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement.
• Stay updated on latest lean practices and tools.

Skills

Lean principles

Facilitation

Problem solving

Value stream mapping

Kaizen events

5S programs

Project management

Communication

Team engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Visio

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading manufacturer located in the vibrant business hub of Sandton , is seeking a dedicated Industrial Engineer with a strong focus on Lean implementation. This role is critical for driving continuous improvement initiatives across their operations, aiming to eliminate waste, enhance efficiency, and elevate quality standards. You will be hands‑on in identifying opportunities for lean application, facilitating Kaizen events, and coaching teams on lean principles and tools. The successful candidate will possess a deep understanding of the Toyota Production System and its various elements, coupled with excellent facilitation and problem‑solving skills. This is an excellent opportunity to make a significant impact on operational performance and contribute to a culture of excellence within a respected organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate lean implementation projects across various departments.
• Conduct value stream mapping (VSM) to identify waste and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop and implement 5S programs to optimize workplace organization and efficiency.
• Facilitate Kaizen events and rapid improvement workshops.
• Coach and mentor employees at all levels on lean principles and problem‑solving techniques.
• Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of lean initiatives.
• Analyze production data to identify trends, bottlenecks, and areas for waste reduction.
• Support the development and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization.
• Stay updated on the latest lean manufacturing best practices and tools.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in industrial engineering with a strong emphasis on lean manufacturing implementation.
• Proven experience leading Kaizen events and implementing 5S programs.
• Solid understanding of Value Stream Mapping (VSM) and other lean tools.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification is highly preferred.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and facilitation skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse teams.
• Project management experience is a plus.
• Proficiency in relevant software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Visio).

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Annual performance-based bonus.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Generous paid time off.
• Opportunities for advanced training and professional development.
• Exposure to cutting‑edge lean methodologies.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment.
• Potential for career growth within a leading company.