Industrial Engineer - Project Management (Automation)

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Bonuses

Medical insurance

Pension plan

Dev budget

Flexible hours

Cutting-edge projects

Senior leadership access

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Industrial Engineer with strong project management to oversee automation upgrades for our Richards Bay operations. This fully remote role involves end-to-end project leadership, collaborating with internal teams and external vendors to deliver on time, within budget, and to spec.

Ideal candidates have 7+ years in industrial engineering with 3+ years in PM, PMP preferred, and readiness to travel to Richards Bay for key milestones.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering.
• 7+ years in industrial engineering with at least 3 years in project management.
• Experience in large-scale projects with automation or advanced manufacturing is preferred.
• PMP certification is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution, and closing of industrial engineering projects focusing on automation and technology implementation.
• Develop detailed project plans with scope, timelines, resources, and budgets.
• Manage risks, issues, and changes to ensure successful delivery.
• Coordinate with internal engineering, operations, and maintenance teams for seamless integration.
• Oversee selection and procurement of automation equipment and systems from vendors.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and industry standards.
• Monitor progress and report status to senior management.
• Conduct post-implementation reviews to capture lessons learned.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for smooth transition to operations.
• Stay informed on the latest in industrial automation and manufacturing technologies.

Skills

Industrial engineering

Project management

PMP

MS Project

Asana

Jira

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

MS Project

Asana

Jira

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the petrochemical industry, is seeking an experienced Industrial Engineer with strong project management skills to oversee the implementation of automation and technology upgrades. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to contribute your expertise from anywhere. You will be responsible for managing projects from conception to completion, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and meet technical specifications. This role involves collaborating with internal engineering teams, external vendors, and operational stakeholders to integrate advanced automation solutions into our Richards Bay facilities. The focus will be on improving safety, efficiency, and reliability of our production processes through smart technology deployment. This is a challenging and rewarding role for a results-oriented engineer passionate about driving innovation in a critical industrial sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and closing of industrial engineering projects, with a focus on automation and technology implementation.
• Develop detailed project plans, including scope, timelines, resource allocation, and budgets.
• Manage project risks, issues, and changes effectively to ensure successful project delivery.
• Coordinate with internal engineering teams, operations, and maintenance departments to ensure alignment and integration of automation solutions.
• Oversee the selection and procurement of automation equipment and systems from vendors.
• Ensure all implemented solutions comply with safety, environmental, and industry standards.
• Monitor project progress, providing regular status updates and reports to senior management.
• Conduct post-implementation reviews to assess project success and identify lessons learned.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth transition from project phase to operational support.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in industrial automation and manufacturing technologies relevant to the petrochemical industry.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in industrial engineering, with at least 3 years in project management.
• Proven experience in managing large-scale industrial projects, preferably involving automation, robotics, or advanced manufacturing systems.
• Strong understanding of project management methodologies (e.g., PMP, Agile).
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is highly desirable.
• Experience in the petrochemical or a similar heavy industry environment is a significant advantage.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Asana, Jira).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage tasks effectively in a remote setting.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to Richards Bay sites for critical project phases or final acceptance, though the role is primarily remote.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary commensurate with experience for a remote role.
• Significant project-based performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive private medical and dental insurance.
• Robust retirement fund with company matching.
• Generous budget for professional development and certifications.
• Flexible working hours and remote work setup.
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge automation projects.
• Direct engagement with senior leadership on strategic initiatives.
• Exposure to diverse projects within the chemical and petrochemical sectors.
• A culture that values innovation and technical expertise.