Lean Manufacturing Engineer - Quality & Efficiency

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 950,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Medical aid & retirement benefits

Generous PTO and sick leave

Professional development opportunities

Wine region Stellenbosch location

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Lean Manufacturing Engineer for a winery in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. The role focuses on operational excellence, waste reduction, and process optimization across manufacturing lines.

You will work hands-on with production, engineering and management to identify bottlenecks, implement lean tools such as 5S, Kaizen, VSM, and ensure quality improvements in a fast-moving FMCG environment. The position offers a competitive package and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level engineering degree required in Industrial/Mechanical/Operations Management.
• Minimum 5 years in industrial engineering/operations with Lean implementations.
• Proven track record leading Lean projects and Kaizen events.
• Experience with Lean tools: VSM, 5S, Kanban, SMED, Poka-Yoke.
• Strong analytical, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead Lean transformation initiatives across production areas to reduce waste.
• Drive continuous improvement projects to increase efficiency and cut cycle times.
• Analyze production data to locate bottlenecks and quality issues.
• Develop action plans and mentor teams in Lean methodologies.
• Facilitate Kaizen events and training sessions for staff.
• Create standardized work and visual management for consistency.
• Monitor KPIs for efficiency, quality, and cost.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Kaizen

5S

Value Stream Mapping

Poka-Yoke

Gemba

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Operations Management

Tools

VSM

Kanban

SMED

Poka-Yoke

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected winery and beverage producer in the scenic region of Stellenbosch, Western Cape , is seeking an experienced Lean Manufacturing Engineer . This role is pivotal in driving operational excellence, focusing on enhancing production efficiency, improving product quality, and reducing waste throughout their manufacturing processes. You will be responsible for implementing Lean principles, leading continuous improvement initiatives, and fostering a culture where every team member is empowered to contribute to operational enhancements. The successful candidate will work hands‑on with production teams, engineering staff, and management to identify bottlenecks, streamline workflows, and implement best practices. This is an outstanding opportunity to apply industrial engineering expertise in a unique and dynamic industry, contributing directly to the company's reputation for quality and innovation. We seek a proactive individual passionate about Lean methodologies and driving tangible improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Champion and implement Lean Manufacturing principles (e.g., 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, Poka-Yoke) across all production areas.


• Lead continuous improvement projects aimed at increasing efficiency, reducing cycle times, and minimizing waste (e.g., defects, overproduction, inventory).


• Analyze production data and workflows to identify root causes of inefficiencies and quality issues.


• Develop and implement action plans to address identified issues, working collaboratively with cross-functional teams.


• Facilitate Kaizen events and workshops to engage employees in problem-solving and improvement activities.


• Develop standardized work procedures and visual management tools to ensure consistency and quality.


• Train and mentor production staff and supervisors on Lean tools and continuous improvement methodologies.


• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to efficiency, quality, and cost, reporting on progress and identifying further opportunities.


• Conduct regular Gemba walks to observe processes firsthand and identify improvement opportunities.


• Support the implementation of new technologies or equipment to enhance lean operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.


• Minimum of 5 years of experience in industrial engineering or operations management, with a strong emphasis on Lean Manufacturing implementation.


• Proven track record of successfully leading and facilitating Lean projects and Kaizen events.


• Experience with Lean tools such as VSM, 5S, Kanban, SMED, and Poka-Yoke.


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret production data effectively.


• Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.


• Ability to work collaboratively with teams at all levels of the organization.


• Experience in the food and beverage or related fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry is highly desirable.


• Project management skills are beneficial.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, including an annual performance bonus.


• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits are provided.


• We offer generous paid time off, including vacation and sick leave.


• Opportunities for professional development, specialized training, and advancement within the company are available.


• The role is based in the beautiful Stellenbosch region, known for its wine estates and vibrant community.


• Join a company that values quality, innovation, and the well‑being of its employees.