Industrial Engineering Lead

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plan

Generous annual leave

Performance-based bonuses

Hybrid work environment

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Vereeniging, Gauteng seeks an experienced Industrial Engineering Lead to drive process optimization and lean six sigma initiatives. You will mentor engineers, develop strategic improvement plans, and ensure on-site engagement aligns with business goals.

This hybrid role combines high-level planning with hands-on implementation, emphasizes safety and quality, and offers opportunities to advance operations while shaping the future of manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering or related field.
• 8–10 years in industrial engineering with 2–3 years in a leadership role.
• Black Belt in Six Sigma is strongly preferred.
• Proven track record leading complex projects and improvements.
• Experience with capacity planning and OEE improvement is desirable.
• Proficient in process simulation and data analysis tools.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to work a hybrid schedule.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of industrial engineers and guide professional development.
• Develop and execute strategies for process optimization, waste reduction, and productivity.
• Oversee the implementation of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other CI methodologies.
• Conduct analyses of production processes to identify improvements.
• Manage complex projects from conception through implementation, on time and within budget.
• Collaborate with senior management to align engineering with business objectives.
• Establish and monitor KPIs to track performance and trends.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Drive adoption of new technologies and best practices in engineering.
• Develop and maintain robust process documentation and SOPs.

Education

Master's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

Minitab

SPSS

Project management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for an experienced and dynamic Industrial Engineering Lead to spearhead process optimization and efficiency initiatives within their Vereeniging, Gauteng operations. This senior role demands strong leadership qualities, a deep understanding of industrial engineering principles, and a proven ability to drive significant operational improvements. You will be responsible for guiding a team of engineers, developing strategic improvement plans, and ensuring the successful implementation of lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies. This is a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to shape the future of our manufacturing processes. The hybrid work arrangement offers the flexibility to balance strategic planning with essential on-site operational engagement, ensuring maximum impact. You will play a critical role in mentoring junior staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and ensuring that all operations meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency. Your leadership will be key to achieving ambitious production targets.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of industrial engineers, providing technical guidance and professional development.
• Develop and execute comprehensive strategies for process optimization, waste reduction, and productivity enhancement.
• Oversee the implementation of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Conduct in-depth analyses of production processes, identifying areas for innovation and efficiency gains.
• Manage complex projects from conception through to successful implementation, ensuring on-time and within-budget delivery.
• Collaborate with senior management and cross-functional teams to align engineering strategies with business objectives.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track operational performance and identify trends.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Drive the adoption of new technologies and best practices within the engineering department.
• Develop and maintain robust process documentation and standard operating procedures.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in industrial engineering, with at least 2-3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Expertise in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma (Black Belt certification strongly preferred), and other continuous improvement frameworks.
• Proven track record of successfully leading complex projects and driving significant operational improvements.
• Proficiency in process simulation, data analysis tools (e.g., Minitab, SPSS), and project management software.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to effectively manage and motivate a team.
• Experience in capacity planning and OEE improvement is highly desirable.
• Willingness to work a hybrid schedule as required.

Benefits

• An executive-level annual salary of R .
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement savings plan and life insurance.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement and leadership development.
• Generous annual leave and performance-based bonuses.
• A hybrid work environment that promotes work-life integration.
• Exposure to industry-leading practices and technologies.