Industrial Engineer - Lean Implementation Specialist

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 480,000 - 680,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa seeks an Industrial Engineer specializing in Lean to drive adoption across departments from a remote location.

You will facilitate workshops, map value streams, and implement 5S and standard work while advancing continuous improvement with KPI tracking.

Eligibility includes a relevant degree and 3+ years of Lean experience; remote work eligibility within SA and MS Office proficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial/Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 3 years in industrial engineering with Lean implementation.
• Lean/Six Sigma certification (Green/Black belt) desirable.
• Strong facilitation and remote collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead Lean workshops and Kaizen events across the organization.
• Analyze value streams to identify waste and bottlenecks.
• Develop and implement waste-reduction and process-improvement strategies.
• Design 5S programs and standard work procedures.
• Coach staff and monitor KPIs to measure impact.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to embed Lean thinking.

Skills

Lean concepts

Facilitation

Change management

Remote collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

MS Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a reputable manufacturing firm, is seeking a dedicated Industrial Engineer with a specialization in Lean Implementation to join their team. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to contribute to operational excellence from anywhere in South Africa. The core responsibility of this role is to champion and drive the adoption of Lean principles across various departments, focusing on waste reduction, process optimization, and continuous improvement. You will analyze current processes, identify opportunities for Lean transformation, and develop/implement strategies to achieve greater efficiency and productivity. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of Lean methodologies (e.g., Kaizen, 5S, Value Stream Mapping) and have a proven track record of successful implementation. We are looking for a proactive, results-oriented individual with excellent communication and facilitation skills, capable of engaging diverse teams. As a remote employee, you will utilize virtual collaboration tools to conduct workshops, train staff, and guide continuous improvement efforts. The Soweto region serves as the administrative reference for this role. This is an excellent opportunity to make a significant impact on operational performance and foster a culture of continuous improvement within a supportive organizational framework. Join a company that values innovation and invests in employee development to drive business success.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate Lean workshops and Kaizen events across the organization.
• Analyze value streams to identify waste, bottlenecks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop and implement strategies for waste reduction (e.g., overproduction, waiting, transport, inventory, motion, over-processing, defects).
• Design and implement 5S programs to improve workplace organization and efficiency.
• Develop standard work procedures and training materials for Lean initiatives.
• Train and coach employees at all levels on Lean principles and tools.
• Monitor and report on the progress and impact of Lean implementation initiatives using key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate Lean thinking into daily operations.
• Support the development and implementation of visual management systems.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and empower employees to identify and solve problems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in industrial engineering or operations, with a strong focus on Lean implementation.
• Proven experience in applying Lean manufacturing/Lean enterprise principles and tools.
• Certification in Lean or Six Sigma (Green Belt or Black Belt) is highly desirable.
• Excellent facilitation, training, and change management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for remote collaboration.
• Ability to work independently and manage projects effectively in a remote setting.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite.
• Must be eligible to work remotely within South Africa.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, and retirement savings plans. We provide opportunities for professional development, including advanced Lean/Six Sigma training and certifications. This fully remote role offers excellent flexibility and work-life balance. Join a company that is committed to operational excellence and employee growth. You will work with a dedicated team using modern digital collaboration tools. Our client invests in its people and fosters a culture of continuous learning. This is a great opportunity to make a significant impact on organizational efficiency and drive positive change from anywhere in South Africa, with the Soweto administrative base.