Industrial Engineer - (Wackys)

Pedros Chicken; Durban; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

Pedros Chicken is seeking an Industrial Engineer to drive operational efficiency and cost optimisation across the store network. Located at the Durban Head Office with regular store travel, the role focuses on redesigning processes, labour deployment, and SOPs to scale performance.

You will apply time‑and‑motion studies and lean methodologies to reduce waste and improve speed of service, while working hands-on in stores to validate changes.

Qualifications

• Industrial Engineering degree required, non negotiable.
• Advanced Excel skills within MS Office suite.
• Proficiency with process mapping / workflow tools (e.g. Visio).
• Experience with data analysis and reporting tools.
• Experience in multi-site QSR or restaurant operations.
• Lean / Six Sigma certification required.
• Experience with labour scheduling or workforce optimisation tools.
• Own vehicle and valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Drive operational efficiency, productivity and cost optimisation across Wacky's while scaling the business.
• Analyse and redesign store processes, workflows and layouts to improve efficiency.
• Conduct time-and-motion studies to optimise labour deployment and productivity across stores.
• Determine optimal labour requirements and staffing models for QSR stores.
• Identify capacity constraints and bottlenecks in high-volume restaurant operations.
• Develop and implement scalable SOPs and operating standards across the store network.
• Apply lean / continuous improvement methodologies to drive improvements in speed of service, cost and consistency.
• Assess and improve kitchen workflow and equipment positioning to optimise throughput.
• Work hands-on in stores to test, validate and roll out process improvements.
• Be hands-on in store/operational environments and comfortable testing changes.
• Demonstrate strong analytical mindset and ability to challenge the status quo.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Lean Six Sigma

Time-motion studies

Labour scheduling

Education

Industrial Engineering degree

Tools

Excel

Visio

MS Office

Data analysis tools

Job description

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. The Industrial Engineer is responsible for driving operational efficiency, productivity and cost optimisation across Wacky's as the business scales. The role analyses and improves store processes, workflows, labour deployment, equipment utilisation and store layouts, using data and time-and-motion studies to reduce waste, improve speed of service (SOS) and develop scalable operating standards across the business
2. Role based at the Durban Head Office, with regular store travel
3. Analyse and redesign store processes, workflows and layouts to improve efficiency and reduce waste
4. Conduct time-and-motion studies to optimise labour deployment and productivity across stores
5. Determine optimal labour requirements and staffing models for QSR stores
6. Identify capacity constraints and bottlenecks in high-volume restaurant operations using operational data
7. Develop and implement scalable SOPs and operating standards across the store network
8. Apply lean / continuous improvement methodologies to drive measurable improvements in speed of service, cost and consistency
9. Assess and improve kitchen workflow and equipment positioning to optimise throughput
10. Work hands-on in stores to test, validate and roll out process improvements
11. Hands-on and comfortable working in a store / operational environment
12. Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset
13. Able to challenge the status quo and drive change across the business

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Industrial Engineering degree – Non negotiable
2. MS Office (Advanced Excel essential)
3. Process mapping / workflow simulation tools (e.g. Visio)
4. Data analysis and reporting tools
5. Well experienced in a multi-site QSR or restaurant environment
6. Lean / Six Sigma certification
7. Experience with labour scheduling or workforce optimisation tools
8. Own vehicle and a valid drivers license