Process Improvement Engineer - Coastal Operations

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 650,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Life insurance

Retirement fund contributions

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking a Process Improvement Engineer to optimize production facilities, ensure safety and environmental compliance, and drive continuous improvement across plant operations.

You will lead Lean and Six Sigma initiatives, collaborate with production and maintenance to improve productivity, develop SOPs, mentor juniors, and support capital project justifications to reduce waste and enhance product quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum of 4 years in process/industrial engineering within a manufacturing or processing plant.
• Proven experience with Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma (Green Belt preferred).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to interpret complex data.

Responsibilities

• Conduct analyses of plant processes to identify inefficiencies, safety hazards, and environmental risks.
• Develop and implement process improvement initiatives using Lean/Six Sigma or related methodologies.
• Design and execute pilot projects to test new process designs and technologies.
• Monitor plant performance data to identify trends and optimization opportunities.
• Collaborate with production and maintenance teams to troubleshoot issues and implement corrective actions.
• Develop SOPs and training materials for new/improved processes.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Prepare reports on process performance, improvements, and cost savings.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians in process improvement techniques.
• Support capital expenditure requests with technical justification.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Data Analysis

Communication

Plant Operations

Process Simulation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Industrial Engineering

Tools

Aspen HYSYS

CHEMCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the chemical and processing industry located in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , is seeking a dedicated Process Improvement Engineer . This role is crucial for optimizing our production facilities, ensuring safety, efficiency, and environmental compliance. You will be responsible for identifying operational challenges, developing and implementing sustainable solutions, and driving a culture of continuous improvement across our plant operations. The successful candidate will work closely with plant management, operations staff, and maintenance teams to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and improve product quality. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact within a vital industrial hub, contributing directly to the company's operational excellence and strategic goals. We are looking for a hands-on engineer who thrives in a plant environment and is committed to achieving tangible results.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed analyses of plant processes to identify inefficiencies, safety hazards, and environmental risks.
• Develop and implement process improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other relevant methodologies.
• Design and execute pilot projects to test new process designs and technologies.
• Monitor and analyze plant performance data to identify trends and areas for optimization.
• Collaborate with production and maintenance teams to troubleshoot operational issues and implement corrective actions.
• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) and training materials for new and improved processes.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Prepare detailed reports on process performance, improvement initiatives, and cost savings.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians on process improvement techniques.
• Support capital expenditure requests by providing technical justification for process upgrades.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in process engineering or industrial engineering within a manufacturing or processing plant environment.
• Proven experience with Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma methodologies (Green Belt certification preferred).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex data sets.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, CHEMCAD) is a plus.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse teams.
• Familiarity with process control systems and instrumentation.
• Knowledge of environmental and safety regulations applicable to the chemical industry.
• Ability to work effectively in a plant environment, including occasional exposure to operational areas.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive annual salary and a performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical aid, life insurance, and retirement fund contributions are provided.
• We offer generous paid time off, including vacation and sick leave.
• Opportunities for professional development, including specialized training and potential for advancement within the organization, are available.
• The role is based in a dynamic industrial area with good local amenities.
• Join a stable and reputable company committed to operational excellence and employee growth.