Industrial Engineer - Plant Optimization

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid plan

Provident fund

Training and development programs

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Industrial Engineer for a Richards Bay-based role focused on optimizing plant throughput and layout. You will analyze material flow, schedules, and equipment utilization to drive efficiency and safety.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's in Industrial Engineering, at least five years in heavy manufacturing, and proficiency with CAD and simulation tools. Join a team that values continuous improvement and cost-effective operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in industrial engineering.
• Experience with process analysis and lean manufacturing principles.
• Proficiency with CAD software for layout design and simulation tools.
• Strong analytical, data-driven problem-solving skills.
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP) is beneficial.
• Legal working rights in South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Analyze plant operations to identify improvement areas.
• Develop and implement process improvements to increase throughput and reduce cycle times.
• Design and optimize plant layouts and workflows for efficiency and safety.
• Use simulation tools (Arena, FlexSim) to test changes.
• Develop and maintain SOPs for new and existing processes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for implementation.
• Monitor KPIs and generate regular reports.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Participate in capital expenditure projects with engineering input.

Skills

Industrial Engineering

Lean manufacturing

Data analysis

Process optimization

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

Arena

FlexSim

CAD software

SAP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the chemical manufacturing sector, is looking for a skilled Industrial Engineer to join their team in **Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA**. This role is crucial for driving plant efficiency, optimizing production workflows, and implementing cost‑saving measures within a large‑scale industrial facility. The ideal candidate will possess a strong analytical mindset and a comprehensive understanding of industrial engineering principles, with a specific focus on process optimization and facility layout. You will be instrumental in identifying operational bottlenecks, redesigning processes, and ensuring the efficient flow of materials and resources throughout the plant. This position offers a dynamic work environment where you can apply your expertise to solve complex challenges and contribute significantly to the company's operational success. You will work closely with production supervisors, maintenance teams, and quality control specialists to achieve desired outcomes. We are seeking an individual who is proactive, detail‑oriented, and committed to continuous improvement. This role is essential for maintaining and enhancing the competitiveness of our operations in **Richards Bay**. It’s a fantastic opportunity for an engineer to make a visible impact on plant performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze existing plant operations, including material flow, production scheduling, and equipment utilization, to identify areas for improvement.
• Develop and implement process improvements to increase throughput, reduce cycle times, and minimize waste.
• Design and optimize plant layouts and workflows to enhance efficiency and safety.
• Utilize simulation and modeling tools to test proposed changes and evaluate their potential impact.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for new and existing processes.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure successful implementation of process changes and new technologies.
• Conduct time and motion studies to establish labor standards and optimize workforce allocation.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to plant efficiency and productivity, and generate regular reports.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Participate in capital expenditure projects by providing engineering input and justification.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in industrial engineering, preferably within a chemical or heavy manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience with process analysis, optimization techniques, and lean manufacturing principles.
• Proficiency in CAD software for layout design and simulation tools (e.g., Arena, FlexSim).
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with a data‑driven approach.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities, with experience presenting technical information.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies.
• Must have legal working rights in South Africa.
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP) is beneficial.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience, a comprehensive medical aid plan, and a provident fund.
• Employees will have access to ongoing training and development programs, fostering career growth within the company.
• The position is based in the coastal city of Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA, offering a unique lifestyle opportunity.
• The company culture emphasizes safety, innovation, and teamwork.
• Additional benefits include performance bonuses and generous annual leave.
• This is a permanent, full‑time position with significant potential for advancement within a growing organization.