Principal Industrial Engineer - Strategic Operations Planning

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote role

Top-tier compensation

Premium medical coverage

Retirement fund contributions

Performance-based bonuses

Professional development opportunities

Leadership programs

Industry forums

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Industrial Engineer to lead strategic operations planning for a large, multi-site industrial group. This fully remote role in South Africa requires 10+ years in industrial engineering, advanced analytics, and proven leadership to drive capacity expansion, process improvement, and technology adoption.

You will influence senior leadership, develop business cases for capital investments, and mentor junior engineers while upholding sustainability and safety

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Industrial Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years in industrial engineering with focus on strategic operations planning and large-scale projects.
• Experience developing complex operational strategies in multi-site environments.
• Expertise in analytical methods, simulation, and OR techniques.
• Strong leadership and ability to influence senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop long-term strategic operational plans (capacity, resources, technology roadmaps).
• Analyze current performance and identify strategic improvement areas.
• Lead projects on operational efficiency, cost reduction, and new facilities planning.
• Use modeling/simulation to forecast performance and compare strategies.
• Collaborate with executives, operations, and finance to align strategy with goals.
• Build business cases for major capital investments in tech/facilities.
• Identify trends and best practices in industrial engineering and operations management.
• Mentor junior engineers in strategic planning and complex problem-solving.
• Ensure plans consider sustainability, safety, and compliance.
• Present strategic recommendations to leadership and stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic planning

Leadership

Cross-functional teams

Advanced analytics

Communication

Influence senior leadership

Education

Master's degree in Industrial Engineering

PhD in Industrial Engineering

Tools

Simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major industrial group with diverse operations, is seeking a highly experienced Principal Industrial Engineer to lead strategic operations planning initiatives. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere in South Africa while playing a critical role in shaping the long-term operational strategy of the company. The successful candidate will be responsible for analyzing current operational capabilities, identifying future needs, and developing strategic plans for capacity expansion, process improvement, and technological adoption. This role requires a deep understanding of industrial engineering principles, advanced analytical skills, and the ability to influence senior leadership. We are looking for a strategic thinker with a proven ability to drive significant operational transformations.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop long-term strategic operational plans, including capacity planning, resource allocation, and technology roadmaps.
• Conduct comprehensive analyses of current operational performance and identify key areas for strategic improvement.
• Lead complex projects related to operational efficiency, cost reduction, and new facility planning.
• Utilize advanced modeling and simulation techniques to forecast operational performance and evaluate strategic alternatives.
• Collaborate with senior management, operations leaders, and finance teams to align operational strategies with business objectives.
• Develop business cases for major capital investments in new technologies or facilities.
• Identify emerging trends and best practices in industrial engineering and operations management.
• Mentor and guide junior industrial engineers on strategic planning and complex problem-solving.
• Ensure that all strategic plans consider sustainability, safety, and compliance requirements.
• Communicate strategic recommendations effectively to executive leadership and stakeholders.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in industrial engineering, with a significant focus on strategic operations planning, capacity planning, and large-scale project management.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing complex operational strategies in a multi-site industrial environment.
• Expertise in advanced analytical techniques, simulation software, and operations research methodologies.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Experience managing cross-functional teams and driving consensus in complex projects.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa and capable of working effectively in a remote, distributed team environment.

Benefits

• This is a fully remote position, offering the utmost in flexibility and the opportunity to make a significant strategic impact.
• Our client offers a leading compensation package, including a top-tier salary and comprehensive benefits such as premium medical coverage, substantial retirement fund contributions, and significant performance-based bonuses.
• We are dedicated to employee growth and provide extensive professional development opportunities, including access to advanced training, leadership programs, and industry forums.
• You will be part of a high-impact team driving the future direction of our operations.
• Join us and contribute to strategic decision-making from your home office.
• Our client is based in Gauteng.