Principal Industrial Engineer - Project Management

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Career development opportunities

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal seeks a Principal Industrial Engineer with extensive project management experience to lead complex engineering initiatives. You will oversee strategic planning, execution, and delivery to improve safety, efficiency and sustainability in a heavy industrial setting.

The role requires deep technical industrial process knowledge, strong leadership, and a proven track record managing large-scale projects from initiation to closure.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering or related field.
• Professional certifications such as PMP are highly advantageous.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in industrial engineering with strong project management focus.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution, and finalization of industrial engineering projects.
• Define project scope, goals, and success criteria with senior management.
• Develop detailed project plans including timelines, budgets, and resources.
• Manage project teams and ensure milestones are met.
• Conduct feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses.
• Monitor progress and address issues proactively.
• Communicate status to stakeholders and leadership.
• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards.
• Evaluate new technologies and equipment to support objectives.
• Facilitate post-project reviews for lessons learned.

Skills

PMP Certification

Project management

Agile and Waterfall

Leadership

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.