Principal Industrial Systems Analyst

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare package

Pension fund and life insurance

Career advancement opportunities

Advanced analytics tools access

Hybrid work arrangement

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Industrial Systems Analyst in Durban. This senior role focuses on turning complex industrial data into actionable insights to optimize production and resource allocation.

You will build advanced models, set KPIs, and drive data-driven decision making across engineering, operations and IT teams. The role requires a PhD/masters in a quantitative field, 10+ years in industrial analytics, and excellent communication to present findings to executives.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, Statistics, CS or related quantitative field.
• Minimum 10 years in industrial systems analysis or similar analytical roles in manufacturing or process industries.
• Experience with data mining, statistical modeling, simulation and optimization techniques.
• Strong communication to explain technical concepts to executives.

Responsibilities

• Lead analysis of complex industrial data sets to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Develop and maintain models of industrial processes and supply chains to predict performance.
• Design and implement KPIs and reporting frameworks to monitor operations.
• Provide strategic recommendations to senior management based on data insights.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations and IT to ensure data integrity and integration.
• Champion adoption of new analytic tools and technologies.
• Facilitate workshops to enhance data literacy across departments.
• Mentor a team of industrial analysts and drive professional development.
• Ensure analyses align with business objectives and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Data mining

Statistical modeling

Simulation

Optimization techniques

Python

R

SQL

Advanced Excel

Education

Master's or PhD in Industrial Engineering or related field

Tools

Tableau

Power BI

Python

R

SQL

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the chemical manufacturing sector situated in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal , is seeking to appoint a highly accomplished Principal Industrial Systems Analyst. This senior position is integral to enhancing operational efficiency and strategic decision-making through advanced data analysis and system modeling. You will be responsible for interpreting complex industrial data, identifying key performance drivers, and providing actionable insights to optimize production processes and resource allocation. The role requires a blend of deep technical expertise in industrial systems, sophisticated analytical capabilities, and strong communication skills to present findings to executive leadership. This is an exceptional career opportunity to influence critical business strategies in a key industrial hub of Durban .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the analysis of complex industrial data sets to identify trends, patterns, and opportunities for operational improvement.
• Develop and maintain sophisticated models of industrial processes, systems, and supply chains to predict performance and test scenarios.
• Design and implement key performance indicators (KPIs) and reporting frameworks to monitor operational effectiveness.
• Provide strategic recommendations to senior management based on rigorous data analysis and system insights.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and IT teams to ensure data integrity and system integration.
• Identify and champion the adoption of new analytical tools and technologies to enhance organizational capabilities.
• Facilitate workshops and training sessions to enhance data literacy and analytical skills across relevant departments.
• Manage and mentor a team of industrial analysts, fostering their professional development.
• Ensure all analyses and recommendations are aligned with business objectives and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related quantitative field.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in industrial systems analysis, operations research, or a similar analytical role, preferably within manufacturing or process industries.
• Extensive experience with data mining, statistical modeling, simulation, and optimization techniques.
• Proficiency in analytical software and programming languages such as Python, R, SQL, and advanced Excel.
• Experience with business intelligence tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) and database management systems.
• Exceptional problem-solving abilities and a keen eye for detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Proven ability to lead analytical projects and mentor junior team members.
• Demonstrated experience working with large datasets and enterprise-level systems.
• Must be based in or able to commute to Durban for hybrid work requirements.

Benefits

• A leading annual salary of R , reflecting the senior nature of the role.
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits package, including medical and dental coverage.
• Generous pension fund and life insurance benefits.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement and leadership development.
• Access to advanced analytical tools and platforms.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment that values expertise.
• Paid time off and vacation leave.
• Hybrid work arrangement to promote a healthy work-life balance.