Industrial Engineering Specialist - Production Efficiency

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 740,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Bonuses

Provident fund

Career development

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks an Industrial Engineering Specialist to boost production efficiency through lean methods, time studies, and optimizing layouts across manufacturing lines.

You will lead cross-functional teams, develop and maintain SOPs, monitor KPIs related to OEE and cost, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to elevate operations at our client’s site.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in industrial engineering within production/manufacturing.
• Experience applying lean manufacturing principles and tools (e.g., VSM, 5S, Kanban, Poka‑Yoke).
• Proficiency in simulation software and statistical analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, quality control, and supply chain dynamics.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills with data interpretation.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for shop floor and management collaboration.
• Experience in KwaZulu‑Natal manufacturing is advantageous.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities, incl. remote work setting.

Responsibilities

• Analyze production processes to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement.
• Develop and implement lean manufacturing techniques such as 5S, Kaizen events, and value stream mapping.
• Optimize factory layout and workflow to enhance material handling and reduce lead times.
• Conduct time studies and work measurements to establish performance standards and identify productivity gains.
• Collaborate with production staff and management to implement and sustain process improvements.
• Develop and maintain SOPs and training materials.
• Monitor production performance metrics and report on KPIs related to efficiency and cost.
• Participate in the design and commissioning of new production equipment and systems.
• Facilitate cross‑functional teams to address operational challenges and implement solutions.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement throughout the facility.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a well-established manufacturing entity in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal , is looking for a dedicated Industrial Engineering Specialist to focus on enhancing production efficiency. This role requires a hands‑on approach to analyzing workflows, optimizing resource allocation, and implementing lean methodologies to drive continuous improvement in manufacturing operations. You will play a key part in streamlining production lines, reducing cycle times, and improving overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). The ideal candidate is a problem‑solver with a deep understanding of manufacturing principles and a commitment to achieving operational excellence. This position offers the chance to contribute significantly to the success of a prominent industrial player in the Durban region.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze production processes to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement.
• Develop and implement lean manufacturing techniques such as 5S, Kaizen events, and value stream mapping.
• Optimize factory layout and workflow to enhance material handling and reduce lead times.
• Conduct time studies and work measurements to establish performance standards and identify productivity gains.
• Collaborate with production staff and management to implement and sustain process improvements.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and training materials.
• Monitor production performance metrics and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to efficiency and cost.
• Participate in the design and commissioning of new production equipment and systems.
• Facilitate cross‑functional teams to address operational challenges and implement solutions.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement throughout the manufacturing facility.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in industrial engineering, with a strong focus on production and manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated experience applying lean manufacturing principles and tools (e.g., VSM, 5S, Kanban, Poka-Yoke).
• Proficiency in simulation software and statistical analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, quality control, and supply chain dynamics.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, enabling strong collaboration with shop floor personnel and management.
• Experience in a manufacturing setting in KwaZulu-Natal is advantageous.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a remote work setting, ensuring consistent communication and progress tracking.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive annual salary in the range of R600,000 to R740,000, depending on qualifications and experience. A comprehensive medical aid package is provided, covering major medical expenses. Performance-based bonuses are awarded annually. Employees receive a generous allocation of paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and public holidays. Opportunities for professional development, including relevant industry certifications and workshops, are encouraged and supported. Participation in a provident fund and potential for career growth within our client's expanding operations are also included.