Lead Industrial Engineer - Strategic Operations

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Life insurance

Generous leave allowance

Professional development resources

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a prominent multinational in Sandton, Gauteng, seeking a Lead Industrial Engineer. The role focuses on shaping operational strategy, driving large-scale improvements, and mentoring a team of engineers. Hybrid work is offered with mandatory in-office sessions for key meetings.

The candidate will lead process optimization, cost reduction, and cross-functional initiatives, while collaborating with senior management to align with business goals and drive performance metrics.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• 8+ years progressive experience in industrial engineering, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Black Belt certification in Six Sigma is highly preferred.
• Proven experience leading large cross-functional projects with significant impact.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage strategic industrial engineering projects focused on process optimization, cost reduction, and operational efficiency improvements.
• Develop and implement long-term operational strategies and continuous improvement programs.
• Mentor and guide a team of industrial engineers, fostering their professional development and performance.
• Collaborate with senior management to align operational strategies with business goals.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Education

Master's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

Data analysis tools

Simulation software

Project management platforms

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent multinational corporation with operations in Sandton, Gauteng, ZA, is seeking an experienced and strategic Lead Industrial Engineer. This role is pivotal in shaping the company's operational strategy, driving large-scale improvement projects, and mentoring a team of industrial engineers. The ideal candidate will possess a comprehensive understanding of industrial engineering principles, advanced analytical capabilities, and a proven track record of successfully leading complex optimization initiatives across diverse business functions. You will be responsible for developing long-term operational strategies, overseeing the implementation of major projects, and ensuring alignment with overall business objectives. This position offers a significant opportunity for leadership and impact within a dynamic and growth-oriented organization. The role involves a hybrid work model, requiring presence in the Sandton, Gauteng, ZA office for key meetings and collaborative sessions, with flexibility for remote work.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage strategic industrial engineering projects focused on process optimization, cost reduction, and operational efficiency improvements.
• Develop and implement long-term operational strategies and continuous improvement programs.
• Mentor and guide a team of industrial engineers, fostering their professional development and performance.
• Analyze complex operational data to identify strategic opportunities and risks.
• Oversee the design and implementation of advanced manufacturing systems and technologies.
• Collaborate with senior management and cross-functional leaders to align operational strategies with business goals.
• Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) at a strategic level.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement and innovation throughout the organization.
• Ensure best practices are adopted and implemented across all operational areas.
• Present findings and recommendations to executive leadership.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in industrial engineering, with at least 3 years in a leadership or senior role.
• Demonstrated expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma (Black Belt certification highly preferred), and other operational excellence methodologies.
• Proven experience in leading large-scale, cross-functional projects with significant impact.
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Experience with data analysis tools, simulation software, and project management platforms.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work environment.
• Must be based in or willing to commute to Sandton, Gauteng, ZA.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive executive benefits package, including health, retirement, and life insurance.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement and leadership development.
• Exposure to strategic decision-making and global operations.
• Dynamic and challenging work environment.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Company-provided resources for professional development.