Lead Industrial Engineer - Production Systems

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Industrial Engineer for Production Systems to drive design, development, and continuous improvement of advanced production systems remotely from anywhere in South Africa. You will lead a team of industrial engineers, champion innovation, and help keep our client's production capabilities at the forefront of global manufacturing.

The role requires a strategic thinker with extensive experience in optimizing complex manufacturing workflows, lean methodologies, and

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering or related field is required.
• 8+ years of progressive industrial engineering experience with at least 3 years in a lead role.
• Deep knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, and Theory of Constraints applied to complex production systems.
• Strong capability in production planning, capacity analysis, and simulation tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and implementation of optimized production systems and processes.
• Coach and mentor a team of industrial engineers, driving a culture of excellence.
• Apply Lean, Six Sigma, and TOC to improve productivity and quality.
• Partner with R&D, engineering, and operations to integrate new products and processes.
• Define KPIs for production systems and drive continuous performance improvements.
• Perform feasibility studies, ROI analyses, and risk assessments for changes.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Data analysis

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Capacity analysis

Production planning

Remote collaboration

Strategic thinking

Education

Master's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

ERP/MES systems

Simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a world-renowned innovator in the aerospace components industry, is seeking a Lead Industrial Engineer for Production Systems. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa. The Lead Industrial Engineer will be responsible for driving the design, development, and continuous improvement of advanced production systems. This senior role requires a strategic thinker with extensive experience in optimizing complex manufacturing workflows, implementing lean methodologies, and integrating cutting-edge technologies. You will lead a team of industrial engineers, champion innovation, and ensure that our client's production capabilities remain at the forefront of the industry. This is a critical role for an experienced professional seeking to make a significant impact on global manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of optimized production systems and manufacturing processes.
• Oversee the application of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies to enhance productivity and quality.
• Mentor and guide a team of industrial engineers, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.
• Develop and execute strategic initiatives for production capacity planning, layout design, and material flow optimization.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies, automation, and tools to improve production efficiency and reduce costs.
• Collaborate closely with R&D, engineering, and operations teams to ensure seamless integration of new products and processes.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for production systems and drive performance improvements.
• Conduct feasibility studies, ROI analyses, and risk assessments for proposed production system changes.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation, including process maps, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and training materials.
• Champion a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with all relevant industry standards.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in industrial engineering, with at least 3 years in a lead or senior engineering role.
• Proven expertise in designing and optimizing complex production systems in a high-tech manufacturing environment (aerospace or automotive preferred).
• Deep understanding and practical application of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma (Black Belt certification highly desirable), and Theory of Constraints.
• Strong experience with production planning, capacity analysis, and simulation software.
• Exceptional leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fully remote, collaborative team environment.
• Strategic mindset with a strong focus on results and continuous improvement.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and ERP/MES systems.
• Residing within South Africa is required for this role.

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation package.
• Fully remote work arrangement with comprehensive home office support.
• Premium health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous annual leave and company-observed holidays.
• Significant professional development budget and opportunities for advanced certifications.
• Stock options and annual performance bonuses.
• Access to state-of-the-art simulation and analysis software.
• Retirement savings plan with employer match.
• Opportunity to lead impactful projects with a global reach.