Industrial Engineering Specialist - Operations Efficiency

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Industrial Engineering Specialist for their Upington facility in the Northern Cape. The role focuses on analyzing and improving production and operational workflows, implementing lean methods, and using data to drive performance.

You will collaborate with multiple departments to identify inefficiencies and develop optimized processes that align with safety and quality standards. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical abilities, practical engineering knowledge,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or related field.
• 4-6 years of experience in industrial engineering focusing on operations and process improvement.
• Experience applying lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement.
• Solid understanding of production systems, material flow, and logistics.
• Proficient in data analysis using Excel; familiarity with Minitab advantageous.
• CAD experience for layout design is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Analyze production processes, workflows and data to identify bottlenecks and improvement opportunities.
• Design and implement process enhancements using lean tools (5S, Kaizen, VSM).
• Conduct time and motion studies to establish standard work and optimize labor utilization.
• Create and maintain process documentation, SOPs and work instructions.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance and quality teams to sustain improvements.
• Support projects aimed at increasing throughput and reducing costs.
• Monitor KPIs related to efficiency, productivity and waste reduction.
• Assist in evaluating new equipment and technologies for capabilities.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Process improvement

Data analysis

Excel

Minitab

CAD

ERP systems

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

None

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the agricultural and mining support industries, is seeking an Industrial Engineering Specialist to enhance operations efficiency at their facility in Upington, Northern Cape . This role is central to analyzing and improving all aspects of production and operational workflows, implementing lean methodologies, and leveraging data to drive performance. You will work collaboratively with various departments to identify areas of inefficiency, develop innovative solutions, and ensure the seamless integration of optimized processes. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical capabilities, a practical understanding of engineering principles, and a drive for continuous improvement within a vital industrial sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze production processes, workflows, and operational data to identify bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement.
• Design and implement process enhancements using lean manufacturing tools (e.g., 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping).
• Conduct time and motion studies to establish standard work procedures and optimize labor utilization.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive process documentation, including SOPs and work instructions.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and quality teams to implement and sustain process improvements.
• Support the development and execution of projects focused on increasing throughput and reducing operational costs.
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to operational efficiency, productivity, and waste reduction.
• Assist in the evaluation and selection of new equipment and technologies to enhance operational capabilities.
• Ensure all implemented processes comply with relevant safety, environmental, and quality standards in Upington, Northern Cape .
• Provide training and guidance to operational staff on new procedures and best practices.
• Contribute to strategic planning for operational improvements and resource allocation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• 4-6 years of experience in industrial engineering, with a strong focus on operations and process improvement.
• Proven experience in applying lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Solid understanding of production systems, material flow, and logistics.
• Proficiency in data analysis using tools like Excel and Minitab.
• Experience with CAD software for layout design is advantageous.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse teams.
• Ability to manage projects and work independently as well as part of a team.
• Familiarity with ERP systems is a plus.
• A commitment to driving operational excellence and innovation.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package and a comprehensive benefits program, including medical aid and a retirement fund. They are invested in the professional development of their employees, providing opportunities for training and career advancement. Employees receive generous annual leave and work in a dynamic and supportive environment. This role is based at our key facility in Upington, Northern Cape , a region offering unique operational challenges and rewards.