Junior Industrial Engineer - Production Planning

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 260,000 - 360,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Training and mentorship

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein is seeking a Junior Industrial Engineer to join the production planning team. This entry-level role suits a recent graduate or candidate with 1–2 years of experience who wants to grow in manufacturing.

You will support scheduling, optimize resources, and work closely with production, quality control and supply chain. Training and mentorship are provided to develop expertise in industrial engineering.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or related field.
• 0–2 years of experience in an industrial engineering or production planning role.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis and reporting.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing and maintaining detailed production schedules.
• Analyze production data to identify deviations and bottlenecks.
• Support optimization of resource allocation (labor, machinery, materials).
• Collaborate with the production team to ensure timely execution of schedules.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives to enhance production flow and reduce waste.
• Maintain accurate production records and generate KPI reports.
• Support inventory management with supply chain and production teams.
• Assist in time studies and basic process analyses as required.
• Ensure adherence to safety and quality standards on the floor.

Skills

Analytical skills

Excel proficiency

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a well-established manufacturing company in Bloemfontein , is looking for an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Junior Industrial Engineer to join their production planning team. This is an entry-level position designed for a recent graduate or an individual with 1-2 years of experience, eager to build a career in industrial engineering. You will play a crucial role in supporting the development and execution of production schedules, optimizing resource allocation, and improving overall production efficiency. This role involves working closely with the production floor, quality control, and supply chain departments to ensure seamless operations. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, a foundational understanding of manufacturing principles, and excellent communication abilities. You will have the opportunity to learn from experienced engineers and contribute directly to the smooth functioning of the plant. We are seeking a motivated individual keen on developing expertise in production planning and industrial engineering best practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and maintenance of detailed production schedules to meet demand forecasts and operational capacities.
• Analyze production data to identify deviations from schedule, bottlenecks, and areas for efficiency improvement.
• Support the optimization of resource allocation, including labor, machinery, and materials.
• Collaborate with the production team to ensure timely execution of schedules and address any operational challenges.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing production flow and reducing waste.
• Help maintain accurate production records and generate relevant reports on key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Support inventory management processes by coordinating with the supply chain and production teams.
• Assist in conducting time studies and basic process analyses as required.
• Ensure adherence to safety and quality standards on the production floor.
• Learn and apply industrial engineering principles and tools to solve production-related problems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or a related field (e.g., Mechanical Engineering with an industrial focus).
• 0-2 years of experience in an industrial engineering or production planning role. Recent graduates are encouraged to apply.
• Basic understanding of manufacturing processes and production planning principles.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis and reporting.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.
• Eagerness to learn and develop expertise in industrial engineering.
• Attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with any ERP systems is an advantage.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive starting salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid and retirement fund contributions. This is an excellent opportunity for career growth within a supportive and established company. Training and mentorship will be provided to help you develop your skills. The position is located in Bloemfontein . Join a dedicated team and kick-start your career in industrial engineering.