Lead Industrial Engineer - Manufacturing Process Improvement

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary

Annual bonus

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Life insurance

Professional development

Remote work options

Vacation policy

On-site recreation

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Industrial Engineer near Rustenburg to direct process improvement initiatives, mentor engineers, and drive productivity, quality and cost efficiency across manufacturing operations. This senior role blends strategic planning with hands‑on leadership of a technical team in a heavy industry setting.

You will champion lean and Six Sigma, implement Industry 4.0 technologies, develop SOPs, manage budgets, and report outcomes to executives.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering or related field.
• PhD is a plus.
• 8+ years progressive experience in industrial engineering.
• 3+ years in leadership or supervisory role.
• Experience leading large-scale process improvement projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of industrial engineers.
• Develop long-term strategies for manufacturing process optimization and automation.
• Oversee complex process improvement projects from conception to completion.
• Analyze production systems to identify root causes of inefficiencies and quality issues.
• Champion lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and production to ensure manufacturability.
• Establish and monitor KPIs for manufacturing processes.
• Develop and refine SOPs and best practices.
• Manage project budgets, timelines, and resources.
• Present strategic recommendations to executives.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Stakeholder management

Change management

Data analytics

Education

Master's degree in Industrial Engineering

PhD in related field

Tools

Simulation software

Data analytics platforms

Statistical software

Job description

About the Role

A major industrial manufacturer based near Rustenburg, North West , is seeking an accomplished Lead Industrial Engineer to direct their process improvement initiatives. This senior position involves leading a team of engineers, devising strategic plans for operational enhancement, and ensuring the seamless integration of new technologies. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving significant gains in productivity, quality, and cost-efficiency across all manufacturing operations. This is a critical leadership role offering the opportunity to shape the future of manufacturing excellence within a highly respected organization. You will have the chance to mentor junior engineers and implement your vision for operational advancement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of industrial engineers, providing guidance and technical expertise.
• Develop and implement long-term strategies for manufacturing process optimization and automation.
• Oversee the design and execution of complex process improvement projects from conception to completion.
• Conduct in-depth analysis of production systems, identifying root causes of inefficiencies and quality issues.
• Champion the adoption of lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and production departments to ensure optimal product manufacturability.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for manufacturing processes.
• Develop and refine standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices.
• Manage project budgets, timelines, and resource allocation effectively.
• Present strategic recommendations and project outcomes to executive leadership.
• Ensure all implemented processes comply with safety, environmental, and quality standards.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering or a related field; a PhD is a plus.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in industrial engineering, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Extensive experience in leading large-scale process improvement projects in a heavy industry or complex manufacturing setting.
• Deep understanding of advanced manufacturing technologies, automation, and Industry 4.0 principles.
• Expertise in statistical process control (SPC), lean manufacturing, and Six Sigma Black Belt certification is highly preferred.
• Proven ability to lead and develop technical teams.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing significant project budgets.
• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to drive change and influence organizational culture.
• Experience with simulation software and advanced data analytics platforms.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive executive-level salary, including substantial bonus opportunities and long-term incentive plans. Comprehensive health insurance, a generous retirement fund, and life insurance are provided. Significant investment in professional development, including opportunities for advanced certifications and conference attendance, is available. This role, based near Rustenburg, North West , offers the flexibility of remote work arrangements, coupled with the strategic importance of on-site leadership. Employees benefit from an extensive vacation policy and access to on-site recreational facilities.