Principal Industrial Engineer - Operational Excellence

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary package

Medical aid

Pension fund

Annual performance bonuses

International exposure

Work-life balance

Job summary

Placements24 in Vereeniging, Gauteng, seeks a Principal Industrial Engineer - Operational Excellence to lead enterprise-wide OE programs and champion Lean and Six Sigma across the organization. You will guide critical initiatives, mentor teams, and drive significant productivity and quality improvements in a heavy manufacturing context.

The role demands a Master’s degree, 10+ years of industrial engineering experience, and a Six Sigma Black Belt.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years' experience in industrial engineering and operational excellence.
• Black Belt Six Sigma is mandatory; Master Black Belt preferred.
• Expertise in Lean, Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Kaizen and Just-In-Time.
• Strong leadership, communication, and change-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise-wide operational excellence strategies and programs.
• Champion Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles, methodologies, and tools.
• Identify and lead high-impact improvement projects focused on efficiency, quality, cost reduction, and safety.
• Conduct in-depth process analyses, value stream mapping, and root cause investigations.
• Develop and implement standardized work procedures and best practices.
• Mentor and coach teams in the application of OE tools and techniques.
• Facilitate cross-functional workshops and kaizen events.
• Develop and track KPIs to measure effectiveness of improvements.
• Stay current with industry trends and propose innovative solutions.
• Communicate progress and recommendations to senior leadership.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Value Stream Mapping

5S

Kaizen

Just-In-Time

Project Management

Change Management

Analytical Thinking

Stakeholder Engagement

Education

Master's degree in Industrial Engineering

MBA / Business Administration

Master Black Belt certification (preferred)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading force in the heavy manufacturing industry, is seeking an accomplished and strategic Principal Industrial Engineer - Operational Excellence to join their core team in Vereeniging, Gauteng . This senior role is dedicated to driving significant enhancements in operational performance across the entire enterprise by championing and implementing advanced operational excellence methodologies. The successful candidate will possess a deep expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement frameworks, with a proven ability to transform complex operational challenges into efficient and cost-effective solutions. This is a unique opportunity to lead critical initiatives that shape the company's competitive advantage and foster a culture of sustained high performance. You will be a key thought leader, guiding strategic projects with broad impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of enterprise-wide operational excellence strategies and programs.
• Champion Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles, methodologies, and tools across the organization.
• Identify and lead high-impact improvement projects focused on efficiency, quality, cost reduction, and safety.
• Conduct in-depth process analyses, value stream mapping, and root cause investigations.
• Develop and implement standardized work procedures and best practices.
• Mentor and coach teams and individuals in the application of operational excellence tools and techniques.
• Facilitate cross-functional workshops and kaizen events to drive rapid improvement.
• Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of operational improvements.
• Stay current with industry trends and best practices in operational excellence and propose innovative solutions.
• Communicate progress, findings, and recommendations to senior leadership effectively.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in industrial engineering and operational excellence, with a significant track record of leading large-scale improvement initiatives.
• Black Belt certification in Six Sigma is mandatory; Master Black Belt is highly preferred.
• Extensive experience with Lean Manufacturing principles, including Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Kaizen, and Just-In-Time.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects from initiation to completion, delivering measurable results.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Strong facilitation, coaching, and change management capabilities.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience in heavy industry or a related manufacturing environment is essential.
• Proficiency in project management software and data analysis tools.

Benefits

Our client offers an executive-level salary commensurate with experience, a comprehensive executive benefits package including top-tier medical aid, a substantial pension fund, and annual performance bonuses. This role provides exceptional opportunities for professional growth, leadership development, and impactful contributions to organizational strategy. We foster a collaborative and innovative work environment. Benefits also include significant paid time off, opportunities for international exposure, and a commitment to work-life balance.