Lead Industrial Engineer - Operations Improvement

Placements24; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical & dental benefits

Retirement plan

Training & certs

Generous leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a dynamic Lead Industrial Engineer in the Tembisa, Gauteng area to drive operational excellence. You will lead a team of engineers, develop strategic improvement plans, and deliver cost-efficient solutions across all departments, ensuring safety and quality standards are met.

You will champion lean initiatives, manage capital projects, and partner with senior leadership to align engineering efforts with business goals for sustained growth.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering required.
• Minimum 8 years' progressive industrial engineering experience, with at least 3 in a leadership role.
• Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma expertise; Black Belt preferred.
• Strong knowledge of supply chain, logistics, and operations management.
• Advanced proficiency in simulation/modeling software and statistical tools.
• Proven leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of industrial engineers with technical guidance.
• Develop and execute long-term strategies for efficiency and cost reduction.
• Oversee analysis of production systems and implement improvements.
• Design layouts and material handling to optimize plant flow.
• Champion lean, Kaizen, and Six Sigma projects for measurable gains.
• Build business cases for capital investments in equipment/tech.
• Set and monitor KPIs for operations and process control.
• Collaborate with senior management to align engineering with strategy.
• Ensure safety, environmental and quality standards across operations.
• Manage multiple projects with timely, budget-conscious delivery.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration for integrated problem-solving.

Education

Master's degree in Industrial Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client is actively seeking a dynamic and results-oriented Lead Industrial Engineer to spearhead operations improvement initiatives at their facility in Tembisa, Gauteng . This leadership position is crucial for driving operational excellence, enhancing productivity, and optimizing workflows across all departments. The successful candidate will leverage extensive industrial engineering expertise to develop and implement strategic solutions that align with the company's growth objectives. You will be responsible for leading a team of engineers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and ensuring the efficient and effective utilization of resources. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of operations for a respected organization within the industrial sector, working hands-on in the Tembisa, Gauteng operational hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of industrial engineers, providing guidance and technical expertise.
• Develop and execute long-term strategies for operational efficiency and cost reduction.
• Oversee the analysis of production systems, identifying areas for improvement and implementing innovative solutions.
• Design and implement advanced layout and material handling systems to optimize plant flow.
• Champion lean manufacturing principles, Kaizen events, and Six Sigma projects to drive measurable improvements.
• Develop business cases for capital investments in new equipment and technologies.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for operational performance and process control.
• Collaborate with senior management to set operational goals and align engineering efforts with business strategy.
• Ensure that all engineering activities comply with safety, environmental, and quality standards in Tembisa, Gauteng .
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely and budget-compliant delivery.
• Facilitate cross-functional team collaboration to ensure integrated and effective problem-solving.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in industrial engineering, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Demonstrated success in implementing large-scale process improvement projects.
• Expertise in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma (Black Belt certification highly preferred), and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong understanding of supply chain, logistics, and operations management principles.
• Advanced proficiency in simulation and modeling software, statistical analysis tools, and project management software.
• Excellent leadership, team-building, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to influence and motivate stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to think strategically and translate complex technical information into actionable business insights.
• Experience working within a complex manufacturing or industrial environment in Tembisa, Gauteng .

Benefits

• Our client provides a highly competitive remuneration package, including an attractive base salary, performance-based bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits suite.
• This includes extensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, a generous retirement fund contribution, and opportunities for advanced professional certifications and training.
• We offer a supportive and challenging work environment designed to foster professional growth and career advancement.
• Employees enjoy a substantial annual leave allowance and paid sick days.
• The role is based at our advanced manufacturing facility located in Tembisa, Gauteng , offering a dynamic work setting.