Industrial Engineering Manager - Operations Excellence

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Executive health benefits

Relocation assistance

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Industrial Engineering Manager to lead our client’s operations excellence initiatives in Port Elizabeth. You will head a team of engineers, drive Lean/Six Sigma programs, and align engineering goals with business strategy across Eastern Cape.

The role emphasizes strategic planning, KPI governance, and advanced analytics to improve efficiency, costs, and quality while ensuring safety and environmental compliance. A hybrid work model is available.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive industrial engineering experience.
• At least 3 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Proven leadership and team development experience.
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing and Six Sigma (Black Belt preferred).
• Experience with ERP, project management software, and simulation tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of industrial engineers to meet goals.
• Develop strategic plans to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and improve quality.
• Oversee lean manufacturing implementations and CI programs.
• Set KPIs for production, supply chain, and operations.
• Analyze processes and layouts to identify optimization opportunities.
• Manage major engineering projects within budget and schedule.
• Collaborate with senior management to set targets and drive excellence.
• Champion adoption of new technologies and best practices.
• Ensure safety and environmental compliance.
• Develop and manage the department budget for resources and training.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma Black Belt

Strategic planning

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Team development

Project management

Communication

Change management

Education

Master's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

ERP systems

Project management software

Simulation tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a well-established manufacturing entity in Port Elizabeth, seeks an experienced and dynamic Industrial Engineering Manager to lead their operations excellence initiatives. This senior position requires a strategic thinker capable of overseeing and driving improvements across all facets of production and operational processes. You will be responsible for leading a team of industrial engineers, setting departmental goals, and ensuring the alignment of engineering strategies with overall business objectives. This is a key leadership role within the organization, contributing significantly to its efficiency and profitability in Eastern Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of industrial engineers to achieve departmental and organizational goals.
• Develop and execute strategic plans for operational efficiency, cost reduction, and quality improvement.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and ongoing management of lean manufacturing systems and continuous improvement programs.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for production, supply chain, and operational processes.
• Conduct in-depth analysis of manufacturing processes, facility layouts, and workflows to identify areas for optimization.
• Manage major industrial engineering projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and meet defined objectives.
• Collaborate with senior management to set performance targets and drive a culture of excellence.
• Champion the adoption of new technologies and best practices in industrial engineering.
• Ensure adherence to safety regulations and environmental standards within all operational areas.
• Develop and manage the departmental budget for resources, tools, and training.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in industrial engineering, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Proven experience in leading and developing engineering teams.
• Extensive knowledge and practical application of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma (Black Belt certification highly preferred), and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic planning skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Experience with ERP systems, project management software, and advanced simulation tools.
• Ability to influence and drive change across an organization.
• Must be eligible to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and executive performance bonus structure.
• Comprehensive executive health benefits and retirement package.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement and leadership exposure.
• Generous relocation assistance if applicable.
• A challenging and rewarding role within a stable and growing company.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility.