Process Improvement Engineer

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 550,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contract role with extension potential

On-site facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Process Improvement Engineer for a full-time, on-site contract role in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will analyze current workflows, identify waste, and implement Lean Six Sigma solutions to optimize manufacturing and operations.

The ideal candidate has 3–5 years of experience in process improvement within manufacturing, a bachelor’s degree in Industrial or Mechanical Engineering, and proficiency with Visio and project management tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial or Mechanical Engineering.
• 3–5 years of process improvement or operations experience in manufacturing.
• Lean and/or Six Sigma certification preferred (Green/Black Belt).
• Proficiency in process mapping tools and project management software.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed assessments of existing processes and workflows.
• Identify opportunities for improvement in efficiency, cost, quality and safety.
• Develop and implement process improvement plans using Lean/Six Sigma/Kaizen.
• Collaborate with production, engineering and management to implement changes.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Data analysis

Process optimization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Visio

Project management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is actively seeking a dedicated Process Improvement Engineer to join their operations team based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This is a full-time, contract-based role focused on enhancing the efficiency and productivity of our client's manufacturing and operational processes. You will be responsible for analyzing current workflows, identifying areas of waste and inefficiency, and implementing innovative solutions to optimize performance. This hands-on role requires a proactive approach, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work effectively within a team environment on-site. The successful candidate will play a vital role in driving continuous improvement initiatives and contributing to the overall success of the business in this key industrial hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed assessments of existing operational processes and workflows.
• Identify opportunities for improvement in areas such as efficiency, cost reduction, quality, and safety.
• Develop and implement process improvement plans using methodologies like Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen.
• Design and optimize new process layouts and material flow for enhanced productivity.
• Collaborate with production, engineering, and management teams to implement changes.
• Collect and analyze data to measure the impact of implemented improvements.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, including SOPs and work instructions.
• Train operational staff on new processes and continuous improvement techniques.
• Monitor process performance and provide ongoing support to ensure sustained gains.
• Lead or participate in cross-functional improvement projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in process improvement, operations management, or a similar role within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Proven experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma (Green Belt or Black Belt preferred), or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data.
• Proficiency in process mapping tools (e.g., Visio) and project management software.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and team collaboration skills.
• Ability to work effectively on-site and engage with personnel at all levels.
• Experience in the specific industry relevant to Richards Bay would be advantageous.
• Capacity to manage projects and deliver results within defined timelines.

Benefits

This contract role offers a competitive annual salary of ZAR, commensurate with experience and qualifications. The position is based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , providing an opportunity to work within a significant industrial region. Our client offers a supportive work environment and the chance to contribute to impactful projects. While this is a contract position, there is potential for extension based on project needs and performance. Employees will have access to on-site facilities and the opportunity to work with a dedicated team focused on achieving operational excellence.