Industrial Engineer - Plant Operations

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 760,000 - 1,150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and bonus potential

Medical and retirement benefits

Professional development opportunities

Exposure to large-scale industrial ops

Safety-focused culture

Relocation assistance

Tools and equipment provided

Paid annual and sick leave

Job summary

Placements24 invites applications for an Industrial Engineer role in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The position focuses on optimizing plant processes, boosting productivity, and ensuring safe, compliant operations within a dynamic hybrid work setup.

The role involves analyzing production, designing layouts, and leading cross-functional projects to improve throughput and reduce downtime while maintaining safety standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or related field.
• ≥5 years experience in industrial engineering in plant/manufacturing.
• Strong Lean and Six Sigma knowledge.
• Experience with process simulation and statistical tools.
• CAD proficiency for layout design.
• Able to lead projects and collaborate cross-functionally.
• Hybrid work model with on-site and remote flexibility.

Responsibilities

• Analyze production processes to identify efficiency gains and cost reductions.
• Develop and implement engineering solutions to improve throughput and reduce downtime.
• Design and improve plant layouts, material flow, and workstation ergonomics.
• Conduct feasibility studies for new equipment or process changes.
• Develop and maintain SOPs and operational guidelines.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, and quality teams to apply best practices.
• Use statistical analysis and simulation to model process performance.
• Manage small to medium-sized engineering projects end-to-end.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Train and mentor junior engineers and plant staff.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Analytical thinking

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Process simulation software

Statistical analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major force in the petrochemical industry, is seeking a dedicated Industrial Engineer to join their operations team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This role is crucial for optimizing plant processes, enhancing productivity, and ensuring the efficient operation of manufacturing facilities. You will be involved in a wide range of projects aimed at improving efficiency, reducing costs, and maintaining high standards of safety and quality. This position offers a dynamic work environment where your contributions will directly impact the company's operational success. The role involves a hybrid work arrangement, balancing on-site presence with remote flexibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze production processes and plant operations to identify areas for efficiency improvement and cost reduction.
• Develop and implement engineering solutions to enhance throughput, minimize downtime, and optimize resource utilization.
• Design and improve plant layouts, material flow, and workstation ergonomics.
• Conduct feasibility studies for new equipment or process modifications.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and operational guidelines.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, and quality control teams to implement best practices.
• Utilize statistical analysis and simulation tools to model and predict process performance.
• Manage small to medium-sized engineering projects from conception to completion.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Train and mentor junior engineers and plant personnel on engineering principles and operational best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in an industrial engineering role, preferably within a plant or manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles.
• Experience with process simulation software and statistical analysis tools.
• Proficiency in CAD software for layout design and analysis.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Effective communication and leadership abilities, with the capacity to work collaboratively.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies.
• Ability to adapt to a hybrid work model, requiring both on-site presence and remote work capabilities.
• Knowledge of safety and environmental regulations in the chemical or petrochemical industry is an advantage.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and annual bonus potential.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and certifications.
• Exposure to large-scale industrial operations.
• A collaborative and safety-focused work culture.
• Relocation assistance may be provided.
• Access to company recreational facilities.
• Potential for career advancement within a leading industry player.
• Paid annual leave and sick leave.
• Company-provided tools and equipment for the role.