Industrial Process Engineer - Agricultural Products

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Paid annual leave

Training & development

Job summary

Placements24 in Paarl, Western Cape, is seeking an experienced Industrial Process Engineer to optimize agricultural production processes. This hybrid role combines on-site observation at Paarl facilities with remote data analysis and strategic planning.

You will work with plant managers, QA, and operations staff to drive continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, and SPC. A strong background in industrial engineering and familiarity with food manufacturing are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or related field.
• 4–6 years of experience in industrial engineering, focusing on process optimization in agricultural processing or food manufacturing.
• Proven experience with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma.
• Strong understanding of production processes, QA, and supply chain in agriculture.
• Proficiency in process mapping, data analysis software, and SPC.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and evaluate production processes to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
• Develop and implement process improvement projects using Lean and Six Sigma.
• Design modifications to plant layout, equipment, and workflow for efficiency.
• Create and maintain SOPs and work instructions.
• Collaborate with operations, QA, and maintenance to implement changes.
• Conduct time and motion studies to establish benchmarks.
• Use statistical analysis and process simulation to identify root causes.
• Track KPIs and report effectiveness of improvements.
• Ensure compliance with safety, HACCP, and environmental standards.
• Participate in selecting and implementing new technologies.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Process mapping

Data analysis (Excel/Minitab)

SPC

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

Excel

Minitab

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading producer of agricultural products, is looking for an experienced Industrial Process Engineer to join their team in Paarl, Western Cape . This hybrid role is crucial for optimizing production processes, ensuring efficiency, and maintaining high-quality standards across their various agricultural processing lines. You will be involved in analyzing current operations, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing innovative engineering solutions. The position requires a balance of on-site work at our Paarl facilities for direct process observation and collaboration, and remote work for data analysis, strategic planning, and reporting. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in industrial engineering, with specific experience in agricultural processing or food manufacturing. You will work closely with plant managers, quality assurance teams, and operational staff to drive continuous improvement initiatives. Our client is committed to sustainable practices and operational excellence, offering a dynamic environment for professionals seeking to make a significant impact. The hybrid model allows for focused individual work remotely and collaborative problem-solving on-site.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze and evaluate existing production processes to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement in yield, quality, and cost.
• Develop and implement process improvement projects utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other optimization techniques.
• Design and recommend modifications to plant layout, equipment, and workflow for enhanced efficiency.
• Create and maintain detailed process documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and work instructions.
• Collaborate with operations, quality control, and maintenance teams to ensure smooth implementation of process changes.
• Conduct time and motion studies, and other data collection methods to establish performance benchmarks.
• Utilize statistical analysis and process simulation tools to identify root causes of issues and optimize processes.
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) and report on the effectiveness of implemented improvements.
• Ensure compliance with relevant safety regulations, food safety standards (e.g., HACCP), and environmental requirements.
• Participate in the selection and implementation of new technologies and equipment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 4-6 years of experience in industrial engineering, with a focus on process optimization in agricultural processing or food manufacturing.
• Proven experience with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Strong understanding of production processes, quality assurance, and supply chain principles in an agricultural context.
• Proficiency in process mapping tools, data analysis software (e.g., Excel, Minitab), and statistical process control (SPC).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams.
• Ability to manage tasks both remotely and on-site effectively.
• Familiarity with relevant industry regulations and safety standards.
• Must be based in or able to commute to Paarl, Western Cape .

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, and a retirement fund. The hybrid work arrangement provides flexibility and work-life balance. Opportunities for professional development include workshops, training sessions, and participation in industry-specific conferences. Access to modern processing technologies and facilities is guaranteed. Paid annual leave and sick leave are provided. Our client fosters a collaborative and supportive work environment focused on innovation and sustainability in agricultural production. This role offers significant career growth potential within a leading agricultural enterprise.