Lead Process Optimization Engineer

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental coverage

Retirement plan

Relocation assistance

International travel opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Process Optimization Engineer in Cape Town, Western Cape. This on-site role drives end-to-end process improvements across manufacturing and distribution, mentoring a team of engineers and partnering with senior management to align initiatives with business goals.

You will design and implement technology, automation, and workflow enhancements, establish KPIs, and lead workshops to foster a culture of continuous improvement within a global FMCG environment.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering or closely related field.
• At least 10 years in industrial engineering with leadership in process optimization.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification is essential.
• Experience with simulation and data analysis tools (Arena, AnyLogic, Minitab, JMP).
• Strong leadership, cross-functional collaboration and strategic thinking.
• Eligible to work full-time in Cape Town, Western Cape.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy for process optimization across the value chain.
• Lead and mentor a team of industrial engineers and provide technical guidance.
• Conduct analyses using lean methods, statistics, and simulations to identify waste.
• Design and oversee new process technologies, automation, and workflow improvements.
• Establish KPIs and monitoring systems to ensure sustained improvements.
• Lead training sessions for staff on process management and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with R&D, production, quality, and supply chain to integrate optimized processes.
• Prepare reports for senior management outlining progress and recommendations.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Executive communication

Manufacturing operations

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

Theory of Constraints

Education

Master's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

Rockwell Arena

AnyLogic

Minitab

JMP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a market leader in the FMCG sector, is actively seeking a visionary Lead Process Optimization Engineer to spearhead critical initiatives within their **Cape Town, Western Cape** operations. This pivotal role demands an individual with a deep understanding of industrial engineering principles and a passion for transforming operational workflows. The Lead Process Optimization Engineer will be responsible for driving significant improvements in efficiency, productivity, and cost-effectiveness across all manufacturing and distribution channels. This is a highly visible, on-site position offering the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the company's bottom line and operational success. The successful candidate will mentor a team of engineers and collaborate closely with senior management to align process improvements with strategic business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for process optimization across the entire value chain, from raw material sourcing to final product delivery.
• Lead and mentor a team of industrial engineers, providing technical guidance, performance feedback, and professional development support.
• Conduct in-depth process analyses, utilizing advanced statistical tools, simulation software, and lean methodologies to identify inefficiencies and waste.
• Design and oversee the implementation of new process technologies, automation solutions, and workflow enhancements.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and robust monitoring systems to track the effectiveness of implemented changes and ensure sustained improvements.
• Facilitate workshops and training sessions for operational staff on best practices in process management and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with R&D, production, quality control, and supply chain departments to ensure holistic integration of optimized processes.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations for senior management, outlining project progress, findings, and recommendations.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence throughout the organization.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in industrial engineering, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role focusing on process optimization in a manufacturing or FMCG environment.
• Proven expertise in Lean Six Sigma (Black Belt certification is essential), Theory of Constraints, and other relevant operational excellence frameworks.
• Advanced proficiency in simulation and modeling software (e.g., Rockwell Arena, AnyLogic) and data analysis tools (e.g., Minitab, JMP).
• Exceptional leadership, team management, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and influencing abilities, with experience interacting at executive levels.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
• Deep understanding of manufacturing operations, supply chain logistics, and quality management systems.
• Must be eligible to work full-time in **Cape Town, Western Cape**.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive executive compensation package, including a substantial base salary, annual performance bonus, and a long-term incentive plan. Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, a generous retirement annuity, and relocation assistance (if applicable) are provided. Opportunities for international travel for industry conferences and professional development are available. Employees also benefit from access to state-of-the‑art facilities, a supportive work environment, and significant opportunities for career advancement within a globally recognized company. This role is based at our client's main facility in Cape Town.