Industrial Engineer - Operations Performance Improvement

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 750,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Career growth opportunities

Training and development programs

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Industrial Engineer in Upington, Northern Cape, to drive performance improvements across agricultural processing operations. The role focuses on analysing production processes, identifying inefficiencies, and implementing lean and continuous improvement initiatives to boost productivity, cut costs, and enhance overall effectiveness.

The ideal candidate will have a strong analytical mindset, experience in manufacturing or processing environments, and the

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or related technical field.
• Experience with lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma concepts.
• Proficiency in data collection, process analysis and statistics.
• Strong problem-solving and practical solution delivery.
• Good communication across staff levels.

Responsibilities

• Analyze operational processes to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
• Develop and implement lean techniques (5S, Kaizen, VSM) to reduce waste.
• Conduct time studies and motion analyses to optimise workflow and labour use.
• Improve material flow, equipment utilisation and energy efficiency.
• Monitor KPIs and prepare management reports.
• Collaborate with engineering and maintenance to improve equipment reliability.
• Develop SOPs and train staff on new processes and tools.
• Identify automation opportunities to boost productivity in Upington.
• Support new product introductions and process changes for smooth integration.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Data analysis

Time studies

Statistical analysis

MS Excel

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent agricultural processing company located in Upington, Northern Cape , is seeking an experienced Industrial Engineer to drive performance improvement across their operations. This role is instrumental in analyzing production processes, identifying inefficiencies, and implementing solutions to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve overall operational effectiveness. The ideal candidate will possess a strong analytical aptitude, a deep understanding of manufacturing or processing environments, and a proven ability to implement lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies. You will work closely with operations teams, supervisors, and management to diagnose issues, develop action plans, and oversee the successful execution of improvement initiatives. This is a hands‑on role offering a significant opportunity to impact operational excellence in the agricultural sector in Upington .

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze existing operational processes to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement.
• Develop and implement lean manufacturing/processing techniques (e.g., 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping) to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
• Conduct time studies and motion analysis to optimize workflow and labor utilization.
• Design and implement improvements in material flow, equipment utilization, and energy efficiency.
• Monitor key operational performance indicators (KPIs) and prepare reports for management.
• Collaborate with engineering and maintenance teams to improve equipment reliability and minimize downtime.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for efficient and safe operational practices.
• Train operations personnel on new processes, tools, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Identify opportunities for automation and technology adoption to boost productivity in Northern Cape .
• Support new product introductions and process changes to ensure smooth integration and optimal performance in Upington .

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience as an Industrial Engineer, preferably in a processing or manufacturing environment.
• Solid understanding of lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma concepts, and continuous improvement tools.
• Experience with process analysis, data collection, and statistical analysis.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to develop practical, actionable solutions.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with all levels of staff.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Familiarity with production planning and scheduling is advantageous.
• Detail-oriented with a strong work ethic and a results-driven approach in Upington .
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team in the Northern Cape .

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, medical aid benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
• This role provides an excellent opportunity to contribute directly to operational improvements within a significant agricultural business in Upington, Northern Cape .
• Employees will benefit from a supportive work environment and the chance to work on impactful projects.
• The company is committed to continuous development and offers training programs to enhance engineering and operational skills.
• This is an ideal position for an ambitious engineer looking to make a difference in the operational landscape of the Northern Cape .