Lean Manufacturing Engineer

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 850,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical-aid

Retirement planning

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks a Lean Manufacturing Engineer to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence on the shop floor. You will implement Lean principles, identify waste, streamline processes, and mentor teams in standardized work.

Responsibilities include Gemba walks, leading Kaizen events, and tracking KPIs like lead time, cycle time, and defect rates to sustain gains in a fast-moving automotive supply environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum 3 years in Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement.
• Proven experience applying Lean tools to improve production efficiency and cost reduction.
• Strong understanding of value stream mapping, 5S, Kaizen, and Lean techniques.
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Implement Lean Manufacturing principles across all production areas.
• Identify and eliminate waste in processes (Muda).
• Conduct Gemba walks and process analyses to identify root causes.
• Develop and lead Kaizen events and CI projects.
• Train and mentor staff on Lean methodologies and tools.
• Establish and track KPIs related to Lean initiatives (lead time, cycle time, defects).
• Collaborate with production management and engineering to integrate Lean into operations.
• Document best practices and ensure standardized work procedures.
• Support TPM initiatives.
• Contribute to safety culture in the manufacturing environment.

Skills

Lean principles

Continuous improvement

Gemba walks

Kaizen events

5S

Value stream mapping

JIT

Data analysis

Problem solving

Team coaching

Planning & KPIs

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

MS Excel

Statistical analysis

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent manufacturing organization in the automotive supply sector, is seeking a dedicated Lean Manufacturing Engineer to enhance operational efficiency at their facility in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is central to driving continuous improvement initiatives using Lean principles and methodologies. The successful candidate will be responsible for identifying waste, streamlining processes, and fostering a culture of operational excellence throughout the production environment. This is an excellent opportunity to join a company committed to innovation and efficiency, offering a hybrid work model that balances on-site collaboration with flexible remote work. You will play a vital role in optimizing workflows, reducing lead times, and improving overall productivity and quality in a key industrial region.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement and champion Lean Manufacturing principles (e.g., Kaizen, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, JIT) across all production areas.
• Identify and eliminate waste (Muda) in processes, focusing on overproduction, waiting, transportation, inventory, motion, over-processing, and defects.
• Conduct Gemba walks and process analyses to identify root causes of inefficiencies and implement corrective actions.
• Develop and lead Kaizen events and continuous improvement projects.
• Train and mentor production staff and other team members on Lean methodologies and tools.
• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to Lean initiatives, such as lead time, cycle time, and defect rates.
• Collaborate with production management and engineering teams to integrate Lean principles into daily operations and strategic planning.
• Document best practices and ensure standardized work procedures are implemented and followed.
• Support the implementation of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) initiatives.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of a strong safety culture within the manufacturing environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement role.
• Proven experience in applying Lean tools and methodologies to achieve measurable improvements in production efficiency and cost reduction.
• Strong understanding of value stream mapping, 5S, Kaizen, and other Lean techniques.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Effective communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to train and motivate teams.
• Experience in the automotive or manufacturing sector is advantageous.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting.
• Must be eligible to work in South Africa .

Benefits

Our client provides a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement planning, and opportunities for professional growth and development. The hybrid work model offers flexibility, combining valuable on‑site engagement with the convenience of remote work. This role offers the chance to significantly impact operational efficiency within a key industrial hub in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , and contribute to a company culture that values continuous improvement and employee well‑being.