Industrial Engineering Manager - Pretoria Automotive Sector

Placements24; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance-based bonus

International exposure

Job summary

Placements24 partners with a leading automotive manufacturer in Pretoria, Gauteng, to recruit an experienced Industrial Engineering Manager for a hybrid role balancing on-site leadership with remote collaboration. The role focuses on driving efficiency, innovation, and cost-effectiveness across manufacturing operations.

You will lead a team of engineers, implement advanced production strategies, and collaborate with senior stakeholders to align designs and technologies with business goals.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years in industrial engineering with at least 5 years in management, preferably in automotive.
• Experience leading complex improvement projects and engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of industrial engineers to drive continuous improvement.
• Develop strategic plans to optimize manufacturing processes, layouts, and material flow.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma initiatives, and other excellence programs.
• Oversee analysis of production data, performance metrics, and financial reports to identify cost savings.
• Manage major capital investment projects for new equipment and facility upgrades.
• Collaborate with senior management, R&D, and production to integrate new designs and technologies.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Champion change management and communicate improvements to stakeholders.
• Stay updated on trends and technologies in automotive manufacturing and industrial engineering.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Problem-solving

Communication

Stakeholder management

Hybrid work experience

Education

Master's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

Advanced simulation tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the automotive manufacturing industry with extensive operations in Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA, is seeking a seasoned and strategic Industrial Engineering Manager. This hybrid role requires a leader with a deep understanding of automotive production processes and a proven ability to drive operational efficiency and innovation. You will be responsible for overseeing the industrial engineering function, leading a team of engineers, and implementing advanced strategies to enhance productivity, quality, and cost-effectiveness. This position offers a unique blend of on-site leadership and remote work flexibility, allowing you to influence key decisions within the vibrant Pretoria industrial hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of industrial engineers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence.
• Develop and execute strategic plans for optimizing manufacturing processes, factory layout, and material flow to meet production targets and quality standards.
• Drive the implementation of Lean Manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and other operational excellence initiatives across the automotive production lines.
• Oversee the analysis of production data, performance metrics, and financial reports to identify opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency gains.
• Manage major capital investment projects related to new equipment, automation, and facility upgrades.
• Collaborate with senior management, R&D, and production teams to integrate new product designs and manufacturing technologies.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations within the automotive sector.
• Champion change management initiatives and effectively communicate improvements to stakeholders at all levels.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies in automotive manufacturing and industrial engineering.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in industrial engineering, with at least 5 years in a management or leadership role, preferably within the automotive industry.
• Proven success in leading complex operational improvement projects and managing engineering teams.
• In-depth knowledge of automotive manufacturing processes, supply chain dynamics, and quality management systems (e.g., IATF 16949).
• Expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma (Black Belt certification preferred), and advanced simulation tools.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, with a track record of influencing senior stakeholders.
• Experience managing within a hybrid work model, balancing on-site oversight with remote collaboration.
• Demonstrated ability to drive significant cost savings and efficiency improvements.

Benefits

• Our client offers an exceptional remuneration package ranging from R1,000,000 to R1,100,000 per annum, reflecting the seniority and demands of this role.
• Benefits include comprehensive medical aid, a generous provident fund, performance-based bonuses, and significant opportunities for career advancement and international exposure.
• This hybrid position is based in Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA, allowing for flexibility while ensuring strong leadership presence.
• Join a market leader shaping the future of automotive manufacturing.