Lead Industrial Engineer - Supply Chain Logistics

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive salary package

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Industrial Engineer in Polokwane to drive supply chain optimization across warehousing, transportation, and inventory management. The role combines strategic planning, team leadership, and hands-on modeling to reduce costs and improve service levels.

Based in Limpopo with a hybrid work model, you will guide a team of engineers in designing and implementing innovative solutions, collaborating with senior management to ensure alignment with business objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or related field; Master's preferred.
• 8+ years progressive experience in industrial engineering with a focus on supply chain and logistics.
• Proven experience in network design, transportation optimization, and warehouse management.
• Proficiency with supply chain modeling software and ERP systems such as SAP/Oracle.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, analysis, and optimization of the supply chain network including warehousing, transportation, and inventory management.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to improve logistics efficiency and reduce costs.
• Mentor a team of industrial engineers and provide technical guidance and development support.
• Use advanced analytical techniques to evaluate network design alternatives and identify optimal solutions.
• Collaborate with procurement, sales, and manufacturing to align supply chain strategies with business goals.
• Oversee implementation of new logistics systems and ensure successful adoption.
• Establish and monitor KPIs to drive continuous improvement in supply chain performance.
• Conduct cost-benefit analyses for proposed supply chain projects.
• Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards within logistics operations.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Llamasoft

AnyLogic

SAP

Oracle

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Lead Industrial Engineer to spearhead their supply chain logistics optimization initiatives. Based in our Polokwane facility, with the flexibility of a hybrid work model, you will play a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of our distribution networks. This position demands a strategic thinker with deep expertise in logistics, inventory management, and network design. You will lead a team of engineers, guiding them in the development and implementation of innovative solutions that reduce costs, improve delivery times, and enhance customer satisfaction. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of our supply chain operations in the vibrant province of Limpopo. You will work closely with senior management and operational teams to ensure seamless integration of engineered solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, analysis, and optimization of the company's supply chain network, including warehousing, transportation, and inventory management.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to improve logistics efficiency, reduce operational costs, and enhance service levels.
• Manage and mentor a team of industrial engineers, providing technical guidance, performance feedback, and professional development support.
• Utilize advanced analytical techniques and modeling tools to evaluate network design alternatives and identify optimal solutions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional departments (e.g., procurement, sales, manufacturing) to align supply chain strategies with business objectives.
• Oversee the implementation of new logistics systems and technologies, ensuring successful integration and adoption.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and monitor supply chain performance, identifying trends and areas for continuous improvement.
• Conduct feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses for proposed supply chain projects.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety and regulatory standards within the logistics operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related engineering discipline. A Master's degree is preferred.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in industrial engineering, with a significant focus on supply chain and logistics operations.
• Proven experience in network design, transportation optimization, and warehouse management.
• Strong understanding of Lean and Six Sigma principles applied to logistics.
• Proficiency with supply chain modeling software (e.g., Llamasoft, AnyLogic) and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Excellent leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience working in a hybrid environment, balancing on-site and remote collaboration.

Benefits

This role comes with a highly competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and retirement plans, performance-based bonuses, paid time off, and opportunities for professional growth and leadership development. The hybrid model offers a blend of collaborative office work and remote flexibility.