Principal Industrial Engineer - Strategic Operations Planning

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonuses

Comprehensive benefits

Remote working flexibility

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a highly experienced Principal Industrial Engineer to shape strategic planning and drive efficiency across multiple sites, with focus on Mpumalanga operations. The role is fully remote, nationwide, and will guide long-term plans, innovation, and high-impact projects that redefine how the organization operates.

You will lead cross-functional initiatives, mentor engineering teams, and develop simulation models and analytical frameworks to support executive decisions.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's in Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in industrial engineering with strategic planning, operations management, and large-scale transformation projects.
• Expertise in analytical modeling, simulation, and optimization techniques.
• Deep understanding of lean principles, Six Sigma, supply chain optimization, and digital manufacturing technologies.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop long-term strategic operational plans to enhance performance and competitive advantage.
• Lead design and evaluation of new operational models, processes, and technology roadmaps.
• Analyze global trends to identify opportunities for innovation.
• Spearhead cross-functional initiatives to improve productivity, reduce costs, and improve quality.
• Mentor teams of engineers, fostering technical expertise and strategic thinking.
• Develop advanced simulation models and analytical frameworks for decision-making.
• Manage multi-site projects from concept to implementation and align with strategic goals.
• Influence senior leadership on strategic investments and transformations.
• Establish performance metrics and reporting across Mpumalanga and beyond.
• Integrate sustainability considerations into strategic planning.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Operations research

Simulation modeling

Strategic thinking

Executive communication

Mentoring

Remote leadership

Digital manufacturing

Multi-site experience

Education

PhD or MSc in Industrial Engineering or related field

Tools

Simulation tools

Project management tools

Lean tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in specialized industrial products, is seeking a highly experienced Principal Industrial Engineer to join their forward-thinking team. This role is crucial for shaping the strategic direction of their operational planning and efficiency improvements across multiple sites, with a particular focus on their Nelspruit, Mpumalanga operations. The position is fully remote, allowing for exceptional talent acquisition nationwide. The Principal Industrial Engineer will be responsible for developing long-term strategic plans, driving innovation in operational methodologies, and leading complex, high-impact projects that redefine how the company operates and competes.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement long-term strategic operational plans to enhance overall business performance and competitive advantage.
• Lead the design and evaluation of new operational models, manufacturing processes, and technology roadmaps.
• Conduct in-depth analysis of global operational trends and best practices to identify opportunities for innovation.
• Spearhead cross-functional initiatives focused on significant improvements in productivity, cost reduction, and quality.
• Mentor and guide teams of industrial engineers, fostering technical expertise and strategic thinking.
• Develop advanced simulation models and analytical frameworks to support strategic decision-making.
• Manage complex, multi-site projects from concept to successful implementation, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Influence senior leadership on strategic operational investments and transformations.
• Establish performance metrics and reporting mechanisms to track progress against strategic goals across the Mpumalanga region and beyond.
• Ensure integration of sustainability and environmental considerations into strategic operational planning.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in industrial engineering, with a proven track record in strategic planning, operations management, and leading large-scale transformation projects.
• Demonstrated expertise in advanced analytical modeling, simulation, and optimization techniques.
• Deep understanding of lean principles, Six Sigma, supply chain optimization, and digital manufacturing technologies.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, business acumen, and a results-oriented mindset.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing engineering teams.
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively with executive leadership.
• Experience managing global or multi-site operations is highly desirable.
• Strong proficiency in relevant software tools for analysis, simulation, and project management.
• Ability to thrive and lead effectively in a fully remote, collaborative environment.

Benefits

• This Principal Industrial Engineer position offers an exceptional salary package, comprehensive benefits, and significant performance-based bonuses. The fully remote nature of the role provides unparalleled flexibility and work-life balance. It presents a unique opportunity to drive strategic change and innovation within a global organization, with significant influence over operations in Nelspruit and other key locations. Opportunities for international exposure and continued professional development are abundant. This is a premier role for a visionary industrial engineering leader.