Lead Manufacturing Process Engineer

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Performance bonus

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24, Stellenbosch, is seeking a Lead Manufacturing Process Engineer to optimize and innovate manufacturing processes on-site. You will lead a team of process engineers, mentor junior staff, and drive continuous improvement across production lines to enhance efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.

The role requires deep expertise in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, process simulation, and NPI with scale-up experience.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing process engineering with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated expertise in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and process improvement methodologies.
• Experience with new product introduction (NPI) and process scale-up.
• Knowledge of quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001) and manufacturing regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and optimization of manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, throughput, and product quality.
• Develop and implement lean manufacturing principles and methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, Kaizen) across production lines.
• Manage and mentor a team of process engineers, providing technical guidance and performance feedback.
• Conduct process capability studies, root cause analysis, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Utilize process simulation tools and statistical analysis to identify and resolve production challenges.
• Collaborate with R&D and product development teams on new product introductions and process scale-up.
• Oversee the implementation of new manufacturing technologies and equipment.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and process documentation.
• Ensure manufacturing processes comply with all safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Track and report on key process performance indicators (KPIs) and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Process optimization

Statistical analysis

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Industrial/Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Arena

AnyLogic

Minitab

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading manufacturer in the premium goods sector, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Manufacturing Process Engineer to join their prestigious facility in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, ZA. This is an on-site role where you will be responsible for optimizing and innovating manufacturing processes to enhance efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of advanced manufacturing techniques, lean principles, and process simulation. You will lead a team of process engineers, mentor junior staff, and drive continuous improvement initiatives across the production floor. This role requires a strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to problem-solving, capable of implementing complex engineering solutions. You will collaborate closely with R&D, production, and quality assurance teams to ensure seamless product development and manufacturing scale-up. The Lead Manufacturing Process Engineer will play a pivotal role in maintaining our client's reputation for excellence and innovation by ensuring their production lines are state-of-the-art. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a company renowned for its commitment to quality and technological advancement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and optimization of manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, throughput, and product quality.
• Develop and implement lean manufacturing principles and methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, Kaizen) across production lines.
• Manage and mentor a team of process engineers, providing technical guidance and performance feedback.
• Conduct process capability studies, root cause analysis, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Utilize process simulation tools and statistical analysis to identify and resolve production challenges.
• Collaborate with R&D and product development teams on new product introductions and process scale-up.
• Oversee the implementation of new manufacturing technologies and equipment.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and process documentation.
• Ensure manufacturing processes comply with all safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Track and report on key process performance indicators (KPIs) and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in manufacturing process engineering, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated expertise in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and process improvement methodologies.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Arena, AnyLogic) and statistical analysis tools (e.g., Minitab).
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, equipment, and technologies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Experience with new product introduction (NPI) and process scale-up.
• Ability to work effectively within a dynamic manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001).
• Strong project management skills.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and retirement contributions, and a performance-based bonus.
• Employees benefit from significant opportunities for professional development, including advanced training programs, industry conferences, and support for further education.
• This role provides a clear career path for advancement within a globally recognized and innovative company.
• You will have the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art technology and contribute to the production of high-quality goods in the beautiful region of Stellenbosch, Western Cape, ZA.