Principal Industrial Engineer - Global Process Transformation (Remote)

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 2,538,000 - 4,061,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plan

Remote work flexibility

Executive leadership training

Conference participation

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a visionary Principal Industrial Engineer to lead transformative process initiatives in a remote-first, global context. This senior role drives re-engineering, supply chain optimization, and performance management while guiding cross-functional teams and influencing executive stakeholders from a distance.

You will architect large-scale changes, set global standards, mentor engineers, and drive digital transformation through advanced simulation and modeling.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in industrial engineering with leadership experience.
• Proven record in process re-engineering and optimization.
• Experience leading cross-functional, global projects.
• Fully remote/work-from-anywhere experience.
• Strong analytical and modeling skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic design and implementation of major projects across units and geographies.
• Champion innovative process optimization, automation, and digital transformation.
• Analyze operational performance to identify systemic improvements.
• Define global standards and best practices for engineering functions.
• Mentor and guide teams of industrial engineers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align engineering strategies with business objectives.
• Oversee development of advanced simulation and modeling for complex systems.
• Present findings and project outcomes to executive management.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Communication

Industrial engineering

Education

Master's degree or Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering or related field

Tools

Python

R

Simulation tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a visionary Principal Industrial Engineer to lead transformative process initiatives within a fully remote framework. This senior-level position is critical for driving strategic operational improvements across the organization, leveraging advanced engineering methodologies and digital tools. You will be responsible for architecting and implementing complex, large-scale process changes that impact global operations. The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience in process re-engineering, supply chain optimization, and performance management, with a proven ability to lead teams and influence stakeholders at executive levels. As a remote-first role, this position demands exceptional autonomy, proactive communication, and a strong digital collaboration aptitude. You will have the opportunity to shape the future of operational efficiency and contribute significantly to the company's competitive advantage, all from your remote workspace.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic design and implementation of major industrial engineering projects across multiple business units and geographies.
• Develop and champion innovative approaches to process optimization, automation, and digital transformation.
• Conduct high-level analysis of operational performance, identifying systemic issues and opportunities for significant improvement.
• Define global standards and best practices for industrial engineering functions.
• Mentor and guide teams of industrial engineers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align engineering strategies with overall business objectives.
• Oversee the development and implementation of advanced simulation and modeling for complex systems.
• Present findings, strategies, and project outcomes to executive management.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in industrial engineering, with a significant portion in leadership roles.
• Demonstrated expertise in strategic process re-engineering, supply chain management, and enterprise-wide optimization.
• Proven track record of successfully leading complex, cross-functional, and geographically dispersed projects.
• Advanced analytical and modeling skills, with proficiency in relevant software and programming languages (e.g., Python, R, advanced simulation tools).
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and influencing skills, with the ability to drive change across an organization.
• Experience working in a fully remote, results-oriented environment.
• Strong understanding of digital transformation trends and their application in industrial settings.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive compensation package, including a substantial base salary and potential for significant bonuses.
• As a Principal Engineer, you will have access to unparalleled professional development opportunities, including executive leadership training and conference participation.
• We provide comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, along with a robust retirement savings plan.
• The flexibility of a fully remote role allows for exceptional work-life integration.
• You will be part of a globally recognized company at the forefront of innovation, working with a diverse and talented team.
• This position offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on operational strategy.