Industrial Engineer - Logistics and Warehousing Optimization

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 550,000 - 850,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Life insurance

Retirement fund

Annual bonus

Internal training programs

Certification support

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Industrial Engineer to optimize logistics and warehousing at our Richards Bay facility in KwaZulu-Natal. The role focuses on inbound/outbound logistics, inventory management, and warehouse flow to reduce costs and increase throughput.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in logistics engineering, supply chain optimization, and WMS. This hands-on role offers significant impact within Richards Bay's industrial hub.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Strong five-year track record in industrial engineering with focus on logistics and warehousing.
• Proven experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and integration with other systems.
• Solid knowledge of Lean principles and their application in logistics.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Analyze current logistics and warehousing operations to identify inefficiencies and areas for cost reduction.
• Develop and implement optimized warehouse layouts, material flow, and storage strategies.
• Design and improve inventory management processes to balance stock levels and operational needs.
• Utilize Lean principles and other methodologies to streamline operations and eliminate waste.
• Evaluate and recommend improvements to material handling equipment and technologies.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for warehouse and logistics operations.
• Collaborate with operations teams, IT, and external partners to implement process improvements.
• Conduct time studies and workflow analyses to improve labor productivity and resource utilization.
• Establish and track KPIs for logistics and warehousing performance.
• Prepare reports and present findings to management.

Skills

Lean Principles

Data Analysis

Time Studies

Process Improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or Supply Chain Management

Tools

Warehouse Management System (WMS)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major port and logistics operator, is seeking an experienced Industrial Engineer to focus on logistics and warehousing optimization at their Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal facility. This role is central to improving the efficiency of their extensive supply chain operations, including inbound/outbound logistics, inventory management, and warehouse flow. You will analyze existing processes, identify areas for improvement, and implement solutions to reduce costs, increase throughput, and enhance service levels. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in logistics engineering, supply chain optimization, and warehouse management systems. This is a hands‑on role offering significant impact within a critical industrial hub in Richards Bay .

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze current logistics and warehousing operations to identify inefficiencies and areas for cost reduction.
• Develop and implement optimized warehouse layouts, material flow, and storage strategies.
• Design and improve inventory management processes to balance stock levels and operational needs.
• Utilize Lean principles and other methodologies to streamline operations and eliminate waste.
• Evaluate and recommend improvements to material handling equipment and technologies.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for warehouse and logistics operations.
• Collaborate with operations teams, IT, and external partners to implement process improvements.
• Conduct time studies and workflow analyses to improve labor productivity and resource utilization.
• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for logistics and warehousing performance.
• Prepare reports and present findings and recommendations to management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in industrial engineering, with a strong focus on logistics, warehousing, and supply chain operations.
• Proven experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and an understanding of their integration with other systems.
• Solid knowledge of Lean principles and their application in a logistics environment.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Access).
• Experience with simulation or modeling software is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Familiarity with the port and logistics industry in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal is highly advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, an annual bonus structure, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, life insurance, and a retirement fund. Opportunities for professional development are provided through internal training programs and support for relevant certifications. Employees will work in a dynamic, challenging environment with access to advanced logistics infrastructure. This role offers excellent career progression potential within a leading organization in the South African logistics sector.