Principal Industrial Engineer - Project Management

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Industrial Engineer for our Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal client. The role focuses on leading multi-disciplinary projects from concept to completion, with emphasis on safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

The position blends strategic planning with on-site collaboration in a Hybrid work model. The ideal candidate has extensive project management experience within heavy industry, strong leadership skills, and a track record of delivering complex engineering

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering or related field is required.
• PMP or similar certification is advantageous but not mandatory.
• 10+ years of industrial engineering experience with strong project management focus.
• Proven track record of delivering large, complex projects from initiation to closure.
• Solid knowledge of PM methodologies (Agile/Waterfall) and planning tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution, and delivery of industrial engineering projects.
• Define scope, goals, deliverables, and success criteria with senior management.
• Create detailed plans with timelines, budgets, resources, and risk mitigation.
• Direct project teams, provide guidance and motivation to meet milestones.
• Conduct feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses for proposals.
• Monitor progress and address delays proactively.
• Report status to stakeholders and senior leadership.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and industry standards.
• Evaluate new technologies to support project objectives.
• Capture lessons learned through post-project reviews.

Skills

Project management

MS Project

Asana

Education

Master's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

MS Project

Asana

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the chemical processing industry, is seeking a Principal Industrial Engineer with extensive Project Management experience for their Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal operations. This senior role is critical for leading and managing complex engineering projects from conception through to completion. You will be responsible for the strategic planning, execution, and successful delivery of projects that aim to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability within the plant. This involves detailed analysis, resource allocation, risk management, and stakeholder coordination. The ideal candidate possesses a deep technical understanding of industrial processes combined with robust project leadership capabilities. This role is based in the vibrant coastal city of Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, offering a unique work environment. Our client is dedicated to fostering innovation and operational excellence, making this an exciting opportunity for a seasoned professional to drive significant improvements and contribute to the company's strategic growth.

The Hybrid work model allows for flexibility while maintaining essential on-site collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and finalization of industrial engineering projects, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Define project scope, goals, deliverables, and success criteria in collaboration with senior management and stakeholders.
• Develop detailed project plans, including timelines, budgets, resource allocation, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Manage project teams, providing direction, motivation, and oversight to ensure project milestones are met.
• Conduct feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses for proposed projects.
• Monitor project progress, identifying and addressing potential issues or delays proactively.
• Communicate project status, updates, and key decisions to all relevant stakeholders, including senior leadership.
• Ensure that all projects adhere to safety regulations, environmental standards, and industry best practices.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies and equipment to support project objectives.
• Facilitate post-project reviews to capture lessons learned and identify areas for future improvement.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Professional certifications such as PMP are highly advantageous.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in industrial engineering, with a significant focus on project management in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale, complex engineering projects from initiation to closure.
• Extensive knowledge of project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall) and tools (e.g., MS Project, Asana).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
• Proficiency in process simulation, optimization techniques, and data analysis.
• Familiarity with the chemical processing industry or similar heavy industrial sectors is a plus.
• Strong understanding of financial management and budgeting for projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive compensation package, including a significant base salary, performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive health and retirement benefits. This Hybrid role provides a balance between strategic remote planning and essential on-site project oversight in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. Employees have access to continuous learning and development opportunities, including specialized project management training and industry conferences. Our client values work-life balance and supports employee well-being through various initiatives. The company provides a challenging yet rewarding work environment with opportunities for career advancement. This role is crucial for driving innovation and efficiency within a key industrial hub.