Process Improvement Engineer - Manufacturing Excellence

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with incentives

Health and wellness benefits

Retirement annuity contribution

Professional development support

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Process Improvement Engineer to join our Richards Bay operations on a hybrid model, balancing on-site oversight with remote analysis. You will identify, analyze, and implement improvements across manufacturing lines to boost efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality.

The role leverages lean and Six Sigma methodologies; you will lead Kaizen events, develop SOPs, perform root cause analysis, and train teams in problem-solving to sustain operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in process improvement, preferably in manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing and Six Sigma (Green Belt or Black Belt is a plus).
• Proficiency in data analysis software (Minitab, Excel) and process mapping tools.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate Kaizen events and continuous improvement projects to streamline production processes.
• Develop and implement SOPs and best practices to ensure consistency and quality.
• Conduct root cause analysis for production issues and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Utilize statistical tools and data analysis techniques to monitor process performance and identify trends.
• Train and mentor production teams on lean principles and problem-solving techniques.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including production, quality assurance, and maintenance, to achieve operational goals.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt)

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Minitab

Excel

Process mapping tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a proactive and results-driven Process Improvement Engineer to join their manufacturing operations in Richards Bay. This role will operate on a hybrid model, combining essential on-site presence for operational oversight with remote flexibility for analysis and reporting. You will play a pivotal role in identifying, analyzing, and implementing process improvements across manufacturing lines to boost efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality. Leveraging lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies, you will drive sustainable operational excellence and contribute significantly to the company's competitive advantage. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on a key industrial facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate Kaizen events and continuous improvement projects to streamline production processes.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices to ensure consistency and quality.
• Conduct root cause analysis for production issues and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Utilize statistical tools and data analysis techniques to monitor process performance and identify trends.
• Train and mentor production teams on lean principles and problem-solving techniques, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including production, quality assurance, and maintenance, to achieve operational goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering , Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Proven experience (5+ years) in process improvement, preferably within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge and practical application of lean manufacturing and Six Sigma (Green Belt or Black Belt certification is a plus).
• Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., Minitab, Excel) and process mapping tools.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing on-site responsibilities with remote work requirements in Richards Bay.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
• Retirement annuity contribution.
• Professional development opportunities and support for certifications.
• A dynamic work environment focused on innovation and operational efficiency.