Lead Industrial Engineer - Strategic Planning

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level compensation package

Comprehensive health benefits

Generous retirement plan

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Industrial Engineer to shape long-term operational strategy in a remote-first role. You will drive capacity planning, technology integration, and global network optimization, collaborating with senior leaders across locations including Pretoria.

The role requires a Master’s in Industrial Engineering and 8+ years of progressive engineering experience, with Lean/Six Sigma expertise and strong ROI analytics.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years in industrial engineering with lead/strategic planning experience.
• Expertise in Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma; Black Belt preferred.
• Strong financial acumen with ROI analyses and business cases.
• Proven leadership, communication, and remote collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute long-term strategic plans for capacity and efficiency.
• Analyze current and future production needs, forecast demand, allocate resources.
• Lead evaluation of new manufacturing technologies and automation.
• Design and optimize global network layouts and workflows.
• Apply Lean, Six Sigma, and TOC to meet strategic goals.
• Collaborate with executives to align operations with business objectives.
• Prepare business cases and ROI analyses for major investments.
• Mentor a team of industrial engineers and drive continuous improvement.
• Oversee major projects and stay current with global manufacturing trends.

Skills

Strategic planning

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma (Black Belt preferred)

ROI analysis

Leadership

Communication

Remote collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

Simulation software

ERP systems

Advanced data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in specialized manufacturing, is seeking an exceptional Lead Industrial Engineer to join their dynamic team. This role is pivotal in shaping the strategic direction of our client's operational capabilities, focusing on long-term planning, capacity analysis, and the integration of new technologies across their global footprint. Based remotely, you will collaborate with senior management and engineering leads in Pretoria and other key locations to develop and implement strategic operational blueprints. Your expertise in industrial engineering principles, coupled with a forward-thinking approach, will be essential in driving efficiency, scalability, and competitive advantage. This is a unique opportunity to influence operational strategy at the highest level, operating in a remote-first environment that fosters innovation and collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute long-term strategic plans for operational capacity and efficiency improvements.
• Conduct comprehensive analyses of current and future production needs, forecasting demand and resource allocation.
• Lead the evaluation and selection of new manufacturing technologies and automation solutions.
• Design and optimize global manufacturing network layouts and workflows.
• Implement advanced methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, and Theory of Constraints to achieve strategic goals.
• Collaborate with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to align operational strategies with business objectives.
• Develop business cases and ROI analyses for significant capital investments in manufacturing infrastructure.
• Mentor and guide a team of industrial engineers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
• Oversee the implementation of major operational projects, ensuring alignment with strategic vision.
• Stay abreast of global manufacturing trends and best practices, advising on their potential adoption.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in industrial engineering, with at least 3 years in a lead or strategic planning role.
• Proven track record in developing and implementing successful long-term operational strategies.
• Expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma (Black Belt certification highly preferred), and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong financial acumen, including experience with business case development and ROI analysis.
• Exceptional analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Outstanding leadership, communication, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Experience working with global teams and managing remote projects is essential.
• Proficiency in simulation software, ERP systems, and advanced data analysis tools.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa and committed to a fully remote work arrangement.

Benefits

Our client offers an executive-level compensation package, including a highly competitive salary, performance bonuses, comprehensive health benefits, and a generous retirement plan. This fully remote role provides maximum flexibility. You will have the opportunity to shape the future of a global manufacturing leader and work on high-impact strategic initiatives. Join a team that values innovation, collaboration, and professional growth from anywhere in South Africa , impacting operations tied to Pretoria .