Lead Industrial Engineer - Manufacturing Excellence

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 1,400,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Equity options

Premium medical aid

Retirement fund

Life and disability insurance

Professional development

State-of-the-art facility

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a highly experienced Lead Industrial Engineer to drive manufacturing excellence at our Stellenbosch facility. You will champion Lean and Six Sigma, lead a team of engineers, and push strategic operational improvements across production areas.

The role requires a Master’s in Industrial Engineering (PhD preferred), 10+ years’ experience including leadership, and a track record of ROI-driven transformations in manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Industrial Engineering with leadership experience in process improvement.
• 10+ years in industrial engineering with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Black Belt in Six Sigma plus strong knowledge of lean concepts.
• Proven ability to lead large-scale transformation projects with ROI impact.
• Strong analytical, problem solving, and strategic thinking skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a strategy for manufacturing excellence aligned with business goals.
• Lead and mentor a team of industrial and process engineers.
• Oversee major process improvement projects with measurable results.
• Champion Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma across the organization.
• Analyze complex production systems to identify root causes and solutions.
• Establish KPIs to track performance and drive continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with senior management to optimize resources.
• Facilitate Kaizen events and training to build internal capabilities.
• Ensure safety and promote safe engineering-led solutions.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma Black Belt

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Analytical thinking

Education

Master's degree in Industrial Engineering

PhD (preferred)

Tools

Minitab

Simulation software

Project management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in their manufacturing sector, is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Lead Industrial Engineer to drive manufacturing excellence initiatives at their facility in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This senior role will be responsible for championing and implementing advanced operational improvement strategies, including Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other process optimization techniques. The Lead Industrial Engineer will guide a team of engineers, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and ensure the adoption of best practices across all production areas. This is a critical on-site leadership position requiring deep expertise in industrial engineering and a passion for operational transformation within the vibrant Stellenbosch region.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy for manufacturing excellence, aligned with the company's overall business objectives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of industrial and process engineers, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Oversee major process improvement projects, ensuring successful implementation, measurable results, and sustainability.
• Champion the adoption of Lean Manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies across the organization.
• Analyze complex production systems, identify root causes of inefficiencies, and develop innovative solutions.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track operational performance and drive continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with senior management and cross-functional leaders to integrate best practices and optimize resource allocation.
• Facilitate workshops, training sessions, and Kaizen events to build internal capabilities in process improvement.
• Ensure adherence to safety regulations and promote a safe working environment through engineered solutions.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering or a related field; Ph.D. is a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in industrial engineering, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma (Black Belt certification required), and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proven track record of leading large-scale operational transformation projects with significant ROI.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficiency in simulation software, statistical analysis tools (e.g., Minitab), and project management software.
• Experience in the manufacturing sector, preferably within the industry of our client.
• Must be committed to working full-time on-site in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.

Benefits

• Our client offers a top-tier compensation package, including a highly competitive salary, substantial performance bonuses, and equity options.
• Comprehensive benefits include premium medical aid, a generous retirement fund, and extensive life and disability insurance.
• Significant investment is made in professional development, offering opportunities for advanced training, conference attendance, and leadership development programs.
• Employees work in a state-of-the-art facility with access to advanced technologies.
• Our client provides a stimulating and collaborative work environment in the beautiful Stellenbosch region, promoting work-life balance and recognizing employee contributions.