Principle Industrial Engineer

Staff Solutions; Durban; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A production consulting firm is seeking a skilled engineer to enhance operational efficiency by optimizing production systems and managing cross-functional projects. Candidates should have 5-7 years of experience in production environments with strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles. The role requires excellent communication skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office and Visio. This position is located in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Qualifications

• 5 to 7 years of relevant professional experience.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in production environments.
• Proven experience in managing cross-functional projects.
• Solid knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles.

Responsibilities

• Plan, analyse, and optimize the production system.
• Coordinate cross-functional projects for process improvements.
• Support product cost calculations.
• Implement and improve workplace design.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing principles

Project management methodologies

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Cross-functional project management

Process improvement

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Visio

Job description

Job Responsibilities

• Plan, analyse, and optimize the production system to enhance operational efficiency.
• Create and maintain Industrial Engineering (IE) master data on SOM.
• Coordinate cross-functional projects across the entire value stream, focusing on process improvements, change management, and product launches.
• Evaluate production KPIs (e.g., ME, 5S and TQM) to support continuous improvement initiatives and informed decision-making.
• Support product cost calculations and cost-optimization activities in line with key account requirement.
• Implement and improve workplace design through time and motion studies (Standardize work).
• Plan, manage, and monitor capacity and investment planning processes.
• Create, maintain, and update SOP’s work, process and packaging instruction E documentation.
• Ensure all relevant certificates are attached to your application.
• Plant layout accuracy drawings using Visio
• Plan and execute the MPTs for new projects using a robust tracking records

Focused improvement - Problem Solving

• Solving complex operational problems using Focused Improvement methodology (Lean A3 problem solving) and coaching basic problem-solving initiatives.
• Implementing, leading and coaching projects / task groups aimed at improving the lines results (safety, Quality, Performance, People, Costs).
• Implementation and coaching of improvements through cooperation across functions including Production, Project Engineering, Process Engineering, maintenance and MPL
• Introducing new initiatives and ways of working in line Factory blue print.
• Creating, updating, and supervising factory documentation / instructions, including generating operational standards (SOPs, 5S, ME and TQM)
• Implementation of other activities resulting from the plant roadmap or corrective actions and preventative actions.

Job Requirements

• 5 to 7 years of relevant professional experience.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in production environments (Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing and project Planning).
• Proven experience in managing cross-functional projects.
• Strong affinity for manufacturing processes, particularly in automotive Press, assembles and welding production environments.
• Demonstrated social and intercultural competence.
• Solid knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and project management methodologies.
• Proficient in Microsoft package,and Visio systems.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, multicultural environments.
• Strong analytical, goal-oriented, and structured mindset with enthusiasm for new challenges.
• Good command of English (spoken and written)