Principal Industrial Engineer - Strategic Operations Planning

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation package

Executive health benefits

Retirement planning

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a prominent financial services technology provider in Sandton, Gauteng, to recruit a Principal Industrial Engineer. The role focuses on designing and implementing advanced operational strategies that drive efficiency, scalability, and cost-effectiveness across the organization.

The successful candidate will lead cross-functional teams, develop long-term roadmaps, and mentor engineers in a high-impact environment at the Sandton headquarters.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Industrial Engineering or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in industrial engineering with focus on strategic operations planning and large-scale project leadership.
• Expertise in operations research, simulation modeling, statistical analysis, and process optimization techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement complex strategic operational plans.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee the execution of strategic operational plans to support business growth and objectives.
• Analyze complex business processes, identifying opportunities for optimization, automation, and cost reduction.
• Lead the design and implementation of large-scale operational improvement projects, leveraging industrial engineering principles.
• Develop sophisticated models for capacity planning, resource allocation, and forecasting.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies for operational challenges.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to align operational strategies with business goals.
• Mentor and guide a team of industrial engineers and operational analysts.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies and methodologies to enhance operational performance.
• Establish and monitor KPIs for strategic operational initiatives.
• Present strategic recommendations to executive management.

Skills

Strategic planning

Leadership

Industrial engineering

Operations research

Modeling & simulation

Stakeholder management

Education

Master's degree in Industrial Engineering

PhD in Industrial Engineering or related

Tools

ERP systems

Simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent financial services technology provider based in the heart of **Sandton**, Gauteng, is seeking a Principal Industrial Engineer to lead strategic operational planning. This senior role is critical for designing and implementing advanced operational strategies that drive efficiency, scalability, and cost-effectiveness across the organization. You will be responsible for analyzing complex business processes, developing long-term operational roadmaps, and leading high-impact improvement initiatives within the **Sandton** headquarters. The successful candidate will possess exceptional analytical, strategic thinking, and leadership capabilities, with a proven track record of transforming large-scale operations. This is a unique opportunity to influence the strategic direction of a leading technology firm. We are looking for an innovative and visionary engineer who can anticipate future needs and proactively develop solutions. Our client is committed to operational excellence and provides a challenging yet rewarding environment for its senior technical staff. The **Sandton** office serves as a hub for innovation and strategic planning. This position is essential for ensuring our client's sustained growth and competitive advantage in the technology sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee the execution of strategic operational plans to support business growth and objectives.


• Analyze complex business processes, identifying opportunities for optimization, automation, and cost reduction.


• Lead the design and implementation of large-scale operational improvement projects, leveraging industrial engineering principles.


• Develop sophisticated models for capacity planning, resource allocation, and forecasting.


• Conduct thorough risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies for operational challenges.


• Collaborate closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to align operational strategies with business goals.


• Mentor and guide a team of industrial engineers and operational analysts.


• Evaluate and recommend new technologies and methodologies to enhance operational performance.


• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for strategic operational initiatives.


• Present strategic recommendations and project updates to executive management.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, or a related quantitative field.


• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in industrial engineering, with a focus on strategic operations planning and large-scale project leadership, preferably in a technology or financial services environment.


• Expertise in operations research, simulation modeling, statistical analysis, and process optimization techniques.


• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement complex strategic operational plans.


• Proven leadership experience in managing teams and driving significant organizational change.


• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.


• Outstanding communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.


• Experience with enterprise-level systems and software.


• Must be able to work on-site at our **Sandton**, Gauteng office.

Benefits

• Our client offers an exceptional compensation package, including a substantial base salary, significant performance bonuses, and long-term incentives.


• Comprehensive executive health benefits, retirement planning, and life insurance.


• Extensive opportunities for professional development, leadership training, and participation in industry-leading forums.


• Access to cutting-edge technology and a highly collaborative work environment.


• The **Sandton** location provides a premium work setting.


• Our client values work-life integration and supports employee well-being through various programs.