Industrial Engineer - Lean Manufacturing Specialist

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Performance-based bonuses

Flexible remote work policy

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a highly skilled Lean Manufacturing Specialist to lead waste elimination and Lean implementation across manufacturing and business processes. This remote role in South Africa requires deep Lean knowledge and a track record of process optimization.

The candidate will facilitate Kaizen events, develop training, and collaborate with virtual teams to improve workflows, KPIs, and visual management systems. Strong communication and problem-solving are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering or Operations Management or related field.
• 6+ years in industrial engineering or dedicated Lean role in manufacturing.
• Lean principles and tools applied to measurable results.
• Facilitate Kaizen events and cross-functional improvement projects.
• Strong analytical, virtual communication, and independent-working skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead identification and elimination of waste across processes.
• Implement and sustain Lean tools (5S, Kaizen, VSM, Kanban, JIT).
• Facilitate Kaizen events and workshops to drive improvements.
• Develop and deliver Lean training for all levels of staff.
• Collaborate virtually with operations and engineering teams to optimize workflows.
• Establish and monitor KPIs to track Lean initiatives.

Skills

Lean mindset

Analytical thinking

Virtual communication

Independent / remote work

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering or Operations Management

Tools

5S

Kaizen

Value Stream Mapping

Kanban

Just-In-Time (JIT)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and innovative manufacturing group, is actively seeking a highly skilled Lean Manufacturing Specialist to join their team. This role offers a fully remote working arrangement, allowing you to contribute your expertise from anywhere within South Africa. You will be instrumental in driving the implementation and continuous improvement of Lean principles across all operational facets of the business. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of Lean methodologies, a proven track record in process optimization, and the ability to foster a culture of continuous improvement. You will work closely with virtual cross-functional teams, including production, engineering, and supply chain, to identify waste, streamline workflows, and enhance overall productivity. This position demands strong analytical skills, excellent virtual communication abilities, and a passion for driving operational excellence. This is a significant opportunity to shape and refine manufacturing processes for a forward-thinking company committed to efficiency and sustainability. Your focus will be on creating a more agile and cost-effective operational framework through robust Lean implementation. This role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to achieving measurable results in a remote setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the identification, analysis, and elimination of waste (Muda) across all manufacturing and business processes.
• Implement and sustain Lean manufacturing tools and techniques, including 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Kanban, and Just-In-Time (JIT).
• Facilitate Kaizen events and workshops to drive rapid improvement and problem-solving.
• Develop and deliver training programs on Lean principles and methodologies to employees at all levels.
• Collaborate virtually with operations and engineering teams to design and implement optimized workflows.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the effectiveness of Lean initiatives.
• Support the development of visual management systems to enhance communication and transparency.
• Conduct regular Gemba walks (virtual equivalents) to observe processes and identify improvement opportunities.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement and empower employees to identify and implement enhancements.
• Stay current with advancements in Lean Manufacturing and operational excellence best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in industrial engineering or a dedicated Lean role, with a strong focus on manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated expertise in applying Lean Manufacturing principles and tools to achieve measurable results.
• Proven experience facilitating Kaizen events and leading cross-functional improvement projects.
• Excellent understanding of VSM, JIT, Kanban, and other Lean systems.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Exceptional virtual communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and effectively manage multiple priorities in a remote setting.
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt) is highly desirable.
• Experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment is essential.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement contributions, and performance-based bonuses. As a fully remote position, it provides unparalleled flexibility and work-life balance, allowing you to work from anywhere in South Africa. Opportunities for professional development are extensive, including access to advanced Lean training, certifications, and industry conferences. The company fosters a highly collaborative and innovative virtual work culture, encouraging knowledge sharing and continuous learning. Employees are empowered to take ownership of their work and contribute to significant operational advancements. This is a chance to make a substantial impact on efficiency and cost-effectiveness within a growing organization that values your expertise.