Industrial Engineer - Production Efficiency

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 360,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Industrial Engineer in Bloemfontein, Free State, to drive production efficiency on-site. The role centers on analyzing and optimizing the entire production process to maximize output, minimize waste, and ensure high-quality products.

You will work closely with floor teams, supervisors, and management to implement data-driven improvements and foster a culture of continuous improvement across operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or related field.
• 1–3 years of industrial/production engineering experience.
• Solid Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement knowledge.
• Excel proficiency; CAD layout knowledge is a plus.
• Hands-on and able to work on the production floor with teams.

Responsibilities

• Analyze production processes to identify inefficiencies and improvements.
• Develop strategies to increase output and reduce cycle times.
• Design and optimize factory layouts and workflows.
• Apply Lean tools such as Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Kaizen.
• Collect and analyze data to monitor performance trends.
• Create and maintain SOPs for production processes.
• Collaborate with maintenance and engineering for reliability.
• Train staff on new processes and efficiency methods.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Hands-on approach

Education

Bachelors in Industrial Engineering

Tools

Excel

CAD (basic)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a growing manufacturing firm in Bloemfontein, Free State , is actively seeking an Industrial Engineer to focus on Production Efficiency. This role is crucial in analyzing and improving all aspects of the production process to maximize output, minimize waste, and ensure high-quality products. You will work closely with the production floor teams, supervisors, and management to implement data-driven solutions and foster a culture of continuous improvement. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, possesses strong analytical skills, and has practical experience in optimizing manufacturing operations. This is an on-site position, requiring your presence to directly observe and implement changes within the production environment. Your expertise will directly contribute to the company's operational success and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze production processes to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement.
• Develop and implement strategies to increase production output and reduce cycle times.
• Design and optimize factory layouts and workflows for improved material and personnel movement.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing tools and techniques (e.g., Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Kaizen).
• Collect, analyze, and interpret production data to monitor performance and identify trends.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for production processes.
• Collaborate with maintenance and engineering teams to ensure equipment reliability.
• Train production staff on new processes and efficiency improvement techniques.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or a related discipline.
• 1-3 years of experience in an industrial engineering or production engineering role.
• Good understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for data analysis.
• Basic knowledge of CAD software for layout design is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work hands-on within a production environment.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive starting salary, a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, and opportunities for on-the-job training and professional development. You will gain valuable experience in a supportive manufacturing environment in Bloemfontein, Free State . The company provides a clear path for career advancement within the operations department. Employees also benefit from a safe and collaborative work atmosphere, along with performance incentives. This role is ideal for an emerging engineer looking to make a significant impact.