Industrial Engineer - Production Systems Design

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 550,000 - 850,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Professional development

Hybrid work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Industrial Engineer for our Durban operations in KwaZulu-Natal. The role focuses on designing, implementing, and continuously improving production systems to boost efficiency, quality, and safety in a high-volume FMCG environment.

The successful candidate will analyze workflows, identify improvements, and develop data-driven solutions while collaborating with production, maintenance, and quality teams for safe, reliable operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or related field.
• 3–5 years in industrial engineering in manufacturing (prefer FMCG).
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.
• Experience with CAD and layout design is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Analyze production processes to identify inefficiencies and optimize throughput.
• Design and implement new line layouts for safety and ergonomics.
• Develop SOPs for all production activities.
• Use data analysis to monitor performance and root cause issues.
• Collaborate with maintenance, QA and production teams.
• Lead kaizen events and apply 5S and value stream mapping.
• Plan projects and manage budgets for process improvements.
• Evaluate new technologies and equipment for production.
• Conduct time and motion studies and establish standards.
• Ensure safety and quality compliance at Durban facility.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

CAD

Minitab

Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, is seeking a talented Industrial Engineer to join their operations in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. This role focuses on the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of production systems to enhance efficiency, quality, and safety in a high-volume manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for analyzing production workflows, identifying areas for enhancement, and developing data-driven solutions. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to operational excellence and gain broad experience within a dynamic industry in Durban.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze current production processes, identify inefficiencies, and recommend improvements to optimize throughput and reduce waste.
• Design and implement new production line layouts and workflows to improve ergonomics, safety, and efficiency.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all production activities.
• Utilize data analysis and statistical tools to monitor production performance and identify root causes of problems.
• Collaborate with production teams, maintenance, and quality assurance to ensure seamless integration and effective problem-solving.
• Implement lean manufacturing tools and techniques such as 5S, value stream mapping, and kaizen events.
• Develop and manage project plans for process improvement initiatives, ensuring timely and budget-conscious execution.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies and equipment to enhance production capabilities.
• Conduct time and motion studies to establish performance standards and identify opportunities for productivity gains.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety and quality regulations within the Durban facility.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in industrial engineering within a manufacturing environment, preferably FMCG.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proficiency in process simulation software and data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Minitab).
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and communicate technical information clearly.
• Familiarity with production planning and control systems is a plus.
• Experience with CAD software for layout design.
• Knowledge of safety protocols and ergonomic principles in a manufacturing setting.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Benefits

• Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and provident fund, and opportunities for professional development and training.
• Dynamic work environment in Durban with a hybrid working arrangement to promote work-life balance.
• Access to modern facilities and a supportive team are also key advantages of this position.