Industrial Engineer - Plant Operations and Efficiency

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Provident fund

On-the-job training

Career progression

Job summary

Placements24 in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, is seeking an experienced Industrial Engineer to optimize plant operations and drive continuous improvement. This on-site role collaborates with production, maintenance, and quality teams to boost productivity and reduce waste.

You will analyze processes, implement lean methods (5S, Kaizen, VSM), design layouts, monitor KPIs, and support automation projects while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 4 years hands-on industrial engineering experience.
• Strong data analysis, SPC and simulation skills.
• Experience with lean manufacturing and production planning.
• Excellent problem solving and communication abilities.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with staff at all levels.
• Proficient in AutoCAD, Visio and Excel; on-site Mossel Bay.

Responsibilities

• Analyze plant operations and workflows to identify efficiency gains.
• Develop and implement process optimization, waste reduction and cost controls.
• Design and layout facilities and equipment for optimal flow.
• Collect and analyze production data to guide decisions.
• Apply lean techniques (5S, Kaizen, value stream mapping).
• Collaborate with production, maintenance and QA to resolve issues.
• Set and monitor KPIs for plant operations; maintain SOPs.
• Support new technologies and automation initiatives on site.
• Ensure health, safety and environmental compliance in operations.

Skills

Data analysis

SPC

Simulation

Lean manufacturing

Production planning

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Visio

Excel

Job description

About the Role

About the Role Our client, a leading industrial manufacturing company located in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, is actively searching for a skilled Industrial Engineer to optimize plant operations and enhance overall efficiency. This on-site role is pivotal in driving productivity improvements, reducing operational costs, and ensuring the smooth functioning of the manufacturing facility. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in industrial engineering principles, data analysis, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. You will be embedded within the plant operations team in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, working closely with production staff and management to implement best practices and drive continuous improvement initiatives. This is a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to make a tangible impact on a key industrial operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze existing plant operations, production lines, and workflows to identify areas for efficiency improvements.
• Develop and implement strategies for process optimization, waste reduction, and cost control.
• Design and layout production facilities and equipment to maximize space utilization and workflow efficiency.
• Collect and analyze production data to identify trends, measure performance, and support decision-making.
• Develop and implement lean manufacturing techniques, such as 5S, Kaizen, and value stream mapping.
• Collaborate with production supervisors, maintenance teams, and quality control to resolve operational issues.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for plant operations.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for various production processes.
• Support the implementation of new technologies and automation solutions within the plant.
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations within the operational areas.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 4 years of hands‑on experience in industrial engineering, preferably within a manufacturing or production environment.
• Proficiency in data analysis, statistical process control (SPC), and simulation techniques.
• Experience with lean manufacturing principles and tools is essential.
• Strong understanding of production planning, scheduling, and capacity analysis.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to think critically.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with all levels of staff.
• Proficiency in relevant software such as AutoCAD, Visio, Excel, and statistical analysis tools.
• Must be able to work full‑time on‑site in Mossel Bay, Western Cape.
• A proactive mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience.
• Performance bonuses and annual salary reviews.
• Medical aid and provident fund contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development and on‑the‑job training.
• Exposure to diverse manufacturing processes.
• A stable and supportive work environment in Mossel Bay, Western Cape.
• Paid annual leave.
• Potential for career progression within the company.