Principal Industrial Engineer

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options (incentives)

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Industrial Engineer to drive global industrial engineering strategy from a remote position. Lead transformative projects, mentor teams, and champion advanced technologies across sites worldwide.

The role focuses on IoT, AI, and automation for smart factory initiatives, setting standards and delivering measurable efficiency gains in a distributed organization.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's in Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, or a related quantitative field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in industrial engineering with strategic leadership.
• Deep expertise in OR, simulation, statistics, and optimization techniques.
• Proven ability to influence and lead change across large, geographically dispersed organizations.
• Experience with digital transformation initiatives in industrial settings and strong communication.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the long-term strategic roadmap for industrial engineering globally.
• Lead design and execution of major process improvement and transformation projects across sites.
• Provide expert leadership and mentorship to engineering teams worldwide.
• Evaluate and integrate emerging technologies like IoT, AI, and automation into processes.
• Establish global standards for manufacturing processes, metrics, and best practices.
• Analyze complex operational challenges and develop scalable solutions.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Operations research

Simulation

Optimization

Data analysis

Communication

Problem solving

Education

PhD or Master's in Industrial Engineering/Operations Research

Tools

IoT integration

AI in operations

Automation technologies

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and visionary Principal Industrial Engineer to join their fully remote global operations team, supporting key initiatives related to their Bloemfontein -based operations. This senior role is responsible for defining and driving the strategic direction of industrial engineering practices across the organization, focusing on advanced process innovation, large-scale optimization projects, and the implementation of smart factory technologies. You will provide expert technical guidance, mentor engineering staff, and champion best practices in efficiency and productivity. This position requires an individual capable of leading complex, distributed projects from conception to successful execution, leveraging cutting-edge digital tools and methodologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the long-term strategic roadmap for industrial engineering and operational excellence globally.
• Lead the design and execution of major process improvement and transformation projects across multiple sites.
• Provide expert technical leadership and mentorship to engineering teams worldwide.
• Evaluate and integrate emerging technologies, such as IoT, AI, and advanced automation, into operational processes.
• Establish and maintain global standards for manufacturing processes, performance metrics, and best practices.
• Conduct in-depth analyses of complex operational challenges and develop innovative, scalable solutions.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, or a related quantitative field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in industrial engineering , with significant experience in strategic leadership and complex project management.
• Deep expertise in operations research , simulation, advanced statistical analysis, and optimization techniques.
• Proven ability to influence and lead change across large, geographically dispersed organizations.
• Demonstrated experience with implementing digital transformation initiatives in industrial settings.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, adept at presenting to executive leadership.

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation package including base salary and significant performance bonuses.
• Fully remote work environment with flexibility for global collaboration.
• Top-tier health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Generous stock options and long‑term incentive plans.
• Unlimited budget for professional development, conferences, and advanced training.