Principal Industrial Engineer - Supply Chain Optimization

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary

Comprehensive benefits

Performance-based bonuses

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 represents a client in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, seeking a Principal Industrial Engineer to lead supply chain optimization on-site. The role focuses on material flow, throughput, and efficiency in a large-scale heavy industry environment.

The candidate will guide major projects, mentor engineers, and apply advanced modeling, simulation, and data analytics to deliver data-driven improvements while adhering to safety and regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, or related field.
• PhD is a plus with 10+ years in industrial engineering and supply chain.
• Proven expertise in quantitative analysis, simulation, and optimization.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary projects and large teams.
• Strong knowledge of lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end supply chain design, inbound logistics, warehousing, and distribution.
• Develop strategic initiatives to improve throughput and reduce costs.
• Use modeling, simulation, and data analytics for bottleneck resolution.
• Oversee new technologies and process improvements and drive adoption.
• Mentor industrial engineers and manage cross-functional collaboration.
• Align supply chain with senior management and business objectives.
• Establish KPIs and report progress for continuous improvement.
• Ensure safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance in design.
• Conduct feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses for capital projects.

Skills

Advanced quantitative analysis

Simulation modeling

Optimization techniques

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Lean Six Sigma

ERP/SCM software

Education

Master's degree in Industrial Engineering / OR

Ph.D. (advantage)

Tools

ERP systems

SCM software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in mining and heavy industry, is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Principal Industrial Engineer to join their operations in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This is a critical on-site role focused on optimizing complex supply chains, improving material flow, and enhancing overall operational efficiency within a large-scale industrial setting. You will be responsible for leading major engineering projects, developing innovative solutions for logistical challenges, and implementing best practices in industrial engineering. The successful candidate will possess exceptional leadership qualities, advanced analytical skills, and a deep understanding of industrial processes within the mining and petrochemical sectors. This position offers the chance to make a substantial impact on a significant operation in a key industrial hub of South Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, analysis, and optimization of end-to-end supply chains, including inbound logistics, warehousing, material handling, and outbound distribution.
• Develop and implement strategic initiatives to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance throughput in a high-volume industrial environment.
• Utilize advanced modeling, simulation, and data analytics techniques to identify bottlenecks and formulate data-driven solutions.
• Oversee the implementation of new technologies and process improvements, ensuring successful integration and adoption.
• Manage and mentor a team of industrial engineers, providing technical guidance and fostering professional development.
• Collaborate with senior management, operations teams, and external partners to align supply chain strategies with business objectives.
• Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) for supply chain performance and provide regular reports on progress and areas for improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety, environmental, and regulatory standards in process design and execution.
• Conduct feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses for major capital investment projects related to supply chain infrastructure.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, or a related engineering discipline.
• A Ph.D. is a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in industrial engineering, with a strong specialization in supply chain optimization, logistics, and operations management within heavy industry or mining.
• Demonstrated expertise in advanced quantitative analysis, simulation modeling, and optimization techniques.
• Proven track record of leading complex, multi-disciplinary engineering projects and managing large teams.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and supply chain management (SCM) software.
• Familiarity with the operational landscape of Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal is advantageous.
• Ability to work effectively on-site and commit to the demands of a large industrial operation.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive executive salary, comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and retirement plans, performance-based bonuses, and significant opportunities for career advancement within a global organization. Relocation assistance may be provided.