Industrial Engineer - Operations Optimization

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 640,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Annual bonus

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay seeks an experienced Industrial Engineer focused on operations optimization. You will analyze production lines, design improved processes, and drive efficiency gains across manufacturing teams.

The role requires a strong background in Lean, process mapping, simulation, and data-driven decision making to reduce costs and downtime while supporting continuous improvement across the plant.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 4 years in industrial engineering or operations analysis.
• Experience with process mapping, simulation and statistical analysis.
• Knowledge of Lean concepts and tools (5S, Kaizen, VSM).

Responsibilities

• Analyze production lines, workflows, and resource use to find inefficiencies.
• Design and implement improved processes, layouts, and systems to boost throughput and reduce downtime.
• Develop and maintain performance metrics and dashboards to track progress.
• Collaborate with plant management to sustain process improvements.
• Apply Lean principles to eliminate waste and improve productivity.
• Investigate issues, perform root cause analysis, and recommend actions.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Process Mapping

Statistical Analysis

Simulation

Kaizen

Teamwork

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

MS Office

Process optimization tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Industrial Engineer to focus on Operations Optimization within their facility in Richards Bay . This role is integral to enhancing production efficiency, reducing operational costs, and ensuring the smooth functioning of manufacturing processes. You will be responsible for analyzing complex operational data, identifying areas of improvement, and implementing data-driven solutions. The ideal candidate will bring a proactive mindset, strong analytical skills, and a deep understanding of manufacturing principles. This is a chance to make a significant impact on operational performance in a key industrial hub, contributing to a team dedicated to excellence and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed analyses of production lines, workflows, and resource allocation to identify inefficiencies.
• Design and implement improved operational processes, layouts, and systems to maximize throughput and minimize downtime.
• Develop and maintain performance metrics and reporting dashboards to track operational progress.
• Collaborate with plant management and operational teams to implement and sustain process improvements.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing principles and tools to eliminate waste and enhance productivity.
• Investigate production issues, perform root cause analysis, and recommend corrective actions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 4 years of professional experience in an industrial engineering or operations analysis role.
• Proven experience with process mapping, simulation, and statistical analysis techniques.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing concepts and tools (e.g., 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping).
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
• Proficiency in relevant software, including MS Office Suite and process optimisation tools.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary based on qualifications and experience.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and advancement within the company.
• A dynamic work environment at a strategic location in Richards Bay .
• Annual bonus structure tied to company and individual performance.