Lead Industrial Engineer - Operations Improvement

Placements24; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration package

Performance-based bonuses

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Retirement fund contribution

Professional certifications & training

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Industrial Engineer to drive operations improvement at the Tembisa, Gauteng facility. You will lead a team of engineers, develop strategic solutions, and ensure optimal resource use while advancing safety and quality standards.

The role requires 8+ years in industrial engineering with leadership experience, strong lean and Six Sigma expertise, and the ability to translate complex data into actionable business insights.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering or closely related field.
• Minimum 8 years progressive experience in industrial engineering, with at least 3 years in leadership/supervisory roles.
• Proven success in large-scale process improvement projects.
• Expertise in lean, Six Sigma (Black Belt preferred), and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong understanding of supply chain, logistics, and operations management.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Leadership

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma (Black Belt preferred)

Team mentoring

Strategic thinking

Education

Master's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

Simulation software

Project management software

Statistical analysis tools

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.