Lead Industrial Engineer - Richards Bay Operations

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonuses

Medical aid

Life insurance

Provident fund

Ample paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Lead Industrial Engineer for a prominent Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal operation. You will oversee major engineering initiatives to boost productivity, efficiency and cost-effectiveness across large-scale facilities.

The role requires a Master's in Industrial Engineering with 7+ years' progressive experience, including 2+ years in leadership. Expect strong focus on Lean, Six Sigma and data-driven process improvements, plus mentoring a team of engineers.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive industrial engineering experience, 2+ in leadership.
• Strong expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and process simulation.
• Proven track record leading large-scale improvement projects.
• Excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis, statistical modeling and relevant software.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and deployment of advanced industrial engineering solutions.
• Analyze complex data to identify key areas for optimization and efficiency gains.
• Plan and execute strategies to improve throughput, quality, and cost control.
• Manage and mentor a team of industrial engineers with performance oversight.
• Oversee Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with senior management to align engineering with business goals.
• Ensure projects meet scope, timelines, and budget requirements.
• Develop reporting for operational performance and project status.
• Champion safety and environmental compliance across operations.
• Stay current with emerging industrial technologies and best practices.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Leadership

Data analysis

Statistical modeling

Education

Master's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Arena

Minitab

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal industrial sector, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Lead Industrial Engineer . This role is crucial for driving significant improvements in operational efficiency, productivity, and cost-effectiveness across their extensive facilities. As the Lead Industrial Engineer, you will oversee complex projects, mentor a team of engineers, and develop strategic initiatives to enhance all aspects of their industrial processes. The successful candidate will possess strong leadership qualities, a deep understanding of industrial engineering principles, and a proven ability to deliver tangible results in a fast-paced environment. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a substantial impact on large-scale industrial operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced industrial engineering solutions.
• Analyze complex operational data to identify key areas for process optimization and efficiency gains.
• Develop and execute strategic plans for improving production throughput, quality, and cost control.
• Manage a team of industrial engineers, providing guidance, mentorship, and performance oversight.
• Oversee the implementation of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Collaborate with senior management and cross-functional teams to align engineering initiatives with business objectives.
• Ensure all projects meet scope, timeline, and budget requirements.
• Develop and maintain robust reporting mechanisms for operational performance and project status.
• Champion a culture of safety and environmental compliance within all operational areas.
• Stay current with emerging industrial engineering technologies and best practices, recommending adoption where appropriate.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in industrial engineering, with at least 2 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Extensive experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma (Black Belt certification preferred), and process simulation.
• Demonstrated success in leading and managing large-scale process improvement projects.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis, statistical modeling, and relevant software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Arena, Minitab).
• Experience working within heavy industrial or manufacturing environments.
• Ability to develop and present strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
• Commitment to driving operational excellence and fostering innovation.
• Strong project management capabilities and a track record of delivering complex initiatives.

Benefits

• performance-based bonuses
• medical aid
• life insurance
• generous provident fund
• ample paid time off
• salary package commensurate with experience
• work-life balance and paid time off

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package commensurate with experience, along with performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive benefits plan, including medical aid, life insurance, and a generous provident fund. This role provides significant opportunities for professional growth, leadership development, and exposure to cutting-edge industrial technologies. You will work in a challenging and rewarding environment, contributing to the success of a prominent industry leader. Our client values work-life balance and offers ample paid time off. The location in Richards Bay provides access to a thriving industrial hub. Join a company dedicated to its employees' success and continuous advancement.