Lead Industrial Engineer - Supply Chain Optimization

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle or allowance

Relocation assistance

Medical & retirement benefits

Performance bonuses

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town is seeking a Lead Industrial Engineer to drive end-to-end supply chain optimization, from warehouse design to last-mile delivery. You will leverage data analytics to reduce costs and improve service levels across the network.

You will lead a team of industrial engineers and logistics analysts, collaborating with procurement, sales and operations to deploy cutting-edge tools and methods for sustained performance gains.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years in industrial engineering with a focus on supply chain and logistics operations.
• Experience leading complex optimization projects within large-scale supply chain environments.
• Expertise in supply chain modeling, simulation software (AnyLogic, Arena), and analytics.
• Strong understanding of WMS, TMS, and ERP systems.
• Exceptional leadership and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and data-driven decision-making abilities.
• Proven project management capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead strategies to optimize the full supply chain, including network design and material flow.
• Direct projects to improve inventory accuracy, reduce lead times, and minimize stockouts via warehouse management.
• Analyze transportation routes and logistics costs to identify savings opportunities.
• Implement forecasting and demand planning processes to align supply with demand.
• Use simulation and modeling to evaluate changes to the supply chain network.
• Define and track KPIs and report performance to senior management.
• Mentor engineers and logistics analysts, fostering continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with procurement, sales, and operations for integrated planning.
• Oversee adoption of new technologies to improve visibility and efficiency.

Skills

Industrial engineering

Supply chain optimization

Leadership

AnyLogic

Arena

Analytics

ERP systems

WMS

TMS

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or closely related field

Tools

AnyLogic

Arena

ERP systems

WMS

TMS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent logistics and distribution company in the vibrant city of Cape Town, Western Cape , is actively seeking a Lead Industrial Engineer to spearhead initiatives focused on enhancing their supply chain operations. This critical role involves overseeing the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of all logistical processes, from warehousing and inventory management to transportation and last-mile delivery. The successful candidate will leverage advanced industrial engineering principles and data analytics to drive efficiency, reduce operational costs, and ensure the seamless flow of goods. This is a highly visible position within the organization, requiring strong leadership capabilities and a strategic vision for optimizing complex supply chain networks. You will play a key role in shaping the future of our client's logistics infrastructure, ensuring they maintain a competitive edge in the market. The opportunity in Cape Town, Western Cape , offers a chance to work with diverse teams and implement impactful solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategies for optimizing the entire supply chain, including network design, facility layout, and material flow.
• Lead projects focused on improving inventory accuracy, reducing lead times, and minimizing stockouts through effective warehouse management systems.
• Analyze transportation routes, carrier performance, and logistics costs to identify opportunities for savings and efficiency gains.
• Implement and refine forecasting models and demand planning processes to align supply with customer needs.
• Utilize simulation and modeling tools to evaluate the impact of changes to the supply chain network and operational procedures.
• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for supply chain operations, reporting on performance to senior management.
• Manage and mentor a team of industrial engineers and logistics analysts, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with cross-functional departments, including procurement, sales, and operations, to ensure integrated supply chain planning.
• Oversee the implementation of new technologies and systems to enhance supply chain visibility and efficiency.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in industrial engineering, with a significant focus on supply chain and logistics operations.
• Demonstrated experience in leading complex optimization projects within a large-scale supply chain environment.
• Expertise in supply chain modeling, simulation software (e.g., AnyLogic, Arena), and advanced analytics tools.
• Strong understanding of warehouse management systems (WMS), transportation management systems (TMS), and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software.
• Exceptional leadership, team management, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies and tools.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to influence at all organizational levels.

Benefits

• Highly competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience and leadership.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Performance-based bonuses and long-term incentive plans.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and development within a leading industry player.
• A dynamic work environment in the beautiful city of Cape Town, Western Cape .
• Company-provided vehicle or car allowance.
• Access to advanced analytics and simulation software.
• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates.