Principal Industrial Engineer - Facility Layout and Flow

Placements24; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Industrial Engineer to lead large-scale facility layout projects in Randburg and surrounding Gauteng. The role focuses on optimizing material flow and operations, using simulation tools and lean methods to drive productivity and cost savings.

You will collaborate with engineering, operations and senior management, oversee design implementations on-site, and mentor junior engineers. A strong background in heavy manufacturing or complex logistics is preferred.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive industrial engineering experience.
• Extensive experience with simulation software Arena/AnyLogic and CAD tools.
• Deep understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Theory of Constraints, and workflow optimization.
• Proven ability to lead complex, large-scale facility design projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and optimization of industrial facility layouts for efficient material flow and space use.
• Develop strategies for optimizing material handling systems, automation, and logistics.
• Use advanced simulation to model and predict performance of layout and flow scenarios.
• Apply Lean principles to eliminate waste in material handling and production processes.
• Conduct ergonomic assessments and design improvements to ensure worker safety.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations to integrate new equipment into facility designs.
• Develop business cases and ROI analyses for layout improvements.
• Oversee implementation of approved facility designs with minimal disruption.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on facility planning and design.

Education

Master's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

Arena

AnyLogic

CAD tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent manufacturing and production company located in the bustling hub of Randburg , is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Principal Industrial Engineer. This senior role focuses specifically on optimizing facility layout, material flow, and operational efficiency within large-scale industrial environments. You will be responsible for leading complex projects to design and implement optimal plant layouts, streamline material handling systems, and enhance overall production flow. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of simulation modeling, lean principles, ergonomics, and automation technologies as they relate to facility design. You will work closely with engineering, operations, and senior management to develop innovative solutions that drive productivity, reduce costs, and ensure a safe working environment. This role requires a strong on-site presence within our client's facilities in Gauteng , involving hands-on analysis, design, and implementation oversight.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and optimization of industrial facility layouts, ensuring efficient material flow and space utilization.
• Develop and implement strategies for optimizing material handling systems, automation, and logistics within the facility.
• Utilize advanced simulation software to model, analyze, and predict the performance of different layout and flow scenarios.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing principles to eliminate waste in material handling, movement, and production processes.
• Conduct ergonomic assessments and implement designs that promote worker safety and well-being.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to integrate new equipment and technologies into facility designs.
• Develop business cases and ROI analyses for proposed layout and flow improvements.
• Oversee the implementation of approved facility design changes, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.
• Mentor junior industrial engineers and provide technical guidance on facility planning and design.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in industrial engineering, with a strong specialization in facility layout, material flow, and operations simulation.
• Extensive experience with simulation software (e.g., Arena, AnyLogic) and CAD tools.
• Deep understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles, Theory of Constraints, and workflow optimization.
• Proven ability to lead complex, large-scale facility design projects from concept to execution.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Experience in capital project management and budgeting is essential.
• Background in heavy manufacturing or complex logistics operations is highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive executive salary, comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and significant opportunities for professional growth.

As a Principal Industrial Engineer in Randburg , you will play a critical role in shaping the future of our client's operational infrastructure within Gauteng . Join a company that values innovation, technical expertise, and provides a challenging yet rewarding work environment. This role requires consistent on-site presence to effectively drive tangible improvements.