Process Improvement Engineer - Lean Manufacturing

Placements24; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 780,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid and Provident fund

Professional development opportunities

Operational excellence culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Process Improvement Engineer to drive Lean initiatives on-site in Paarl, Western Cape. The role focuses on identifying opportunities, eliminating waste, and leading the implementation of Lean methodologies across operations.

You will work hands-on with shop floor personnel and management to develop SOPs, run Kaizen events, and mentor staff in problem-solving and continuous improvement practices. A proactive, results-driven mindset is essential for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 2-4 years of experience in a process improvement or industrial engineering role with Lean focus.
• Proven experience applying lean tools and methodologies in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience facilitating Kaizen events and leading cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with data-driven decisions.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

Responsibilities

• Identify and implement lean manufacturing tools and techniques such as 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, and Standard Work.
• Analyze production processes to identify and eliminate non-value-added activities and waste.
• Develop and maintain SOPs to ensure consistency and quality.
• Lead and facilitate Kaizen events and continuous improvement workshops.
• Train and mentor employees on lean principles and problem-solving methodologies.
• Collect and analyze data to track performance metrics and measure impact.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve operational goals.
• Support visual management systems on the shop floor.
• Troubleshoot production issues and facilitate root cause analysis.
• Contribute to developing a continuous improvement culture.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Education

Bachelors in Industrial Engineering

Tools

Kaizen

5S

Value Stream Mapping

Standard Work

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for a dedicated Process Improvement Engineer with a strong background in Lean Manufacturing principles to join their team in Paarl, Western Cape . This role is critical for driving continuous improvement initiatives across all operational areas, with a focus on eliminating waste, enhancing efficiency, and improving product quality. You will be responsible for identifying opportunities, developing solutions, and leading the implementation of lean methodologies. This is a hands-on role that requires active engagement with shop floor personnel and management. The position is based on-site in Paarl , offering a direct impact on operational performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and implement lean manufacturing tools and techniques such as 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, and Standard Work.
• Analyze production processes to identify and eliminate non-value-added activities and waste.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency and quality.
• Lead and facilitate Kaizen events and other continuous improvement workshops.
• Train and mentor employees at all levels on lean principles and problem-solving methodologies.
• Collect and analyze data to track performance metrics and measure the impact of improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including production, quality, and engineering, to achieve operational goals.
• Support the development and implementation of visual management systems on the shop floor.
• Troubleshoot production issues and facilitate root cause analysis.
• Contribute to the development of a continuous improvement culture throughout the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 2-4 years of experience in a process improvement or industrial engineering role, with a strong emphasis on Lean Manufacturing.
• Proven experience applying lean tools and methodologies in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience facilitating Kaizen events and leading cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and drive fact-based decisions.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Experience with project management software is a plus.
• Ability to work effectively on the shop floor and engage with personnel at all levels in Paarl .
• A proactive and results-oriented approach.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary of ZAR per annum, commensurate with your experience and contribution.
• You will receive comprehensive benefits including medical aid and a provident fund.
• Opportunities for professional development, including further lean certifications and training, are readily available.
• You will work in a supportive environment focused on operational excellence and employee growth.
• Join our team in Paarl and play a key role in driving efficiency and innovation.