Industrial Engineering Manager - Operations Efficiency

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance bonuses

Career growth opportunities

Flexible hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Industrial Engineering Manager for Vereeniging, Gauteng. You will lead a team of industrial engineers, drive Lean Six Sigma initiatives, and oversee capital projects to boost productivity and reduce costs.

The role combines strategic oversight with on-site engagement in a hybrid work model, requiring strong leadership and excellent collaboration with senior management. A robust background in industrial engineering and budget management is essential.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years in industrial engineering with 3–5 years in a management/leadership role.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt preferred.
• Proven success leading complex operational improvement projects.
• Strong financial acumen and budget management.
• Exceptional leadership, team management and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Experience in managing hybrid work environments and remote team collaboration.
• Legally authorized to work in South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of industrial engineers.
• Develop and implement long-term strategies for operational efficiency and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the design and implementation of process improvements using Lean Six Sigma.
• Manage capital investment projects related to plant layout, equipment, and automation.
• Establish and monitor KPIs for all operational areas.
• Collaborate with senior management to align operational goals with business objectives.
• Promote best practices in manufacturing and operations management.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives and improve resource utilization.
• Oversee the development of operational budgets and forecasts.
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement within the operations department.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Lean Six Sigma

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Master's in Industrial Engineering

Bachelor's degree with extensive experience

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent industrial conglomerate, is seeking an experienced and results-oriented Industrial Engineering Manager to lead their operations efficiency initiatives in Vereeniging, Gauteng. This leadership role will involve overseeing a team of industrial engineers and driving strategic projects aimed at optimizing manufacturing processes, improving productivity, and reducing operational costs across multiple facilities. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in industrial engineering, a proven track record in managing complex projects and teams, and a deep understanding of Lean Six Sigma methodologies. You will be responsible for setting departmental goals, developing long-term operational strategies, and ensuring the effective implementation of process improvements. This position requires strong leadership, excellent analytical and communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with senior management and cross-functional teams. You will play a key role in shaping the operational future of the company in Vereeniging and beyond, with a hybrid work model offering a blend of strategic oversight and on-site engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of industrial engineers.


• Develop and implement long-term strategies for operational efficiency and continuous improvement.


• Oversee the design and implementation of process improvements using Lean Six Sigma methodologies.


• Manage capital investment projects related to plant layout, equipment, and automation.


• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for all operational areas.


• Collaborate with senior management to align operational goals with business objectives.


• Ensure the adoption of best practices in manufacturing and operations management.


• Drive cost reduction initiatives and improve resource utilization.


• Oversee the development of operational budgets and forecasts.


• Promote a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement within the operations department.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. A Bachelor's degree with extensive relevant experience will also be considered.


• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in industrial engineering, with at least 3-5 years in a management or leadership role.


• Proven expertise in Lean Six Sigma methodologies, with Black Belt certification highly desirable.


• Demonstrated success in leading complex operational improvement projects.


• Strong financial acumen and experience in budget management.


• Excellent leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.


• Exceptional analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.


• Outstanding communication and presentation skills.


• Experience in managing hybrid work environments and remote team collaboration.


• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive executive salary, comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, provident fund, performance bonuses, and significant opportunities for career growth. Enjoy a flexible hybrid work arrangement based out of Vereeniging, enabling strategic leadership and operational engagement.