Process Optimisation Engineer (Durban)

Tiger Brands; Durban; On-site; ZAR 400,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in fast-moving consumer goods seeks a Process Engineer to enhance manufacturing efficiencies, reduce costs, and improve sustainability. The role involves analyzing processes, collaborating with teams, and driving improvement projects in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 2 to 3 years' experience in Engineering or Food Technology.
• Technical proficiency across lifecycle including study, design, installation, commissioning, and operation.

Responsibilities

• Perform data analysis and implement process improvements.
• Conduct process capability studies and evaluate manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with R&D and Quality teams for new product design.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Project management

Risk management

Decision-making

Effective communication

Interpersonal skills

Continuous learning

Education

Tertiary qualification in Engineering (Industrial/Chemical/Mechanical)

Food Technology

Food Science

Job description

Job Description

THE JOB AT A GLANCE

You are responsible for applying technical expertise to drive continuous improvement in the manufacturing unit to maintain and enhance operating efficiencies, reduce costs, and improve sustainability. You will assist in designing processes for new and existing products, implement projects aligned with engineering strategies, standards, and frameworks, and optimize operating systems to ensure safe, efficient, and effective operation of facilities and infrastructure throughout their lifecycle. Additionally, you will support MECP through the Focused Improvement Pillar. Your base will be in a manufacturing unit reporting to a Plant/Manufacturing Manager, with a dotted line to the Process Engineer.

Responsibilities

WHAT YOU WILL DO

1. Perform data analysis, root-cause analysis, and identify and implement process improvements to support issue resolution and optimize production processes, eliminating losses, and improving quality, capacity, throughput, and conversion costs.
2. Conduct process capability studies to establish optimal product rationalization on production lines and provide input to the production planning team.
3. Develop and review heat and material balances.
4. Become an SME—understand the manufacturing technology in the category and collaborate with technology, maintenance, and manufacturing teams to resolve issues related to product quality, process capability, and efficiency challenges.
5. Evaluate manufacturing processes by designing and conducting research, applying knowledge of product design, fabrication, assembly, tooling, and materials; consulting equipment vendors; and gathering observations from operators.
6. Work with R&D, Technology, and Quality teams to support the design of new systems and processes for introducing new products and improving existing processes. Assist in trial design, execution, and reporting.
7. Act as the process custodian, evaluating new innovations as they are deployed.
8. Assess the impact of projects on current processes and develop and implement appropriate changes relating to operating, safety, and quality procedures.
9. Facilitate process risk assessments, e.g., HAZOP.
10. Develop processing/technical procedures for plant processes.
11. Lead the FI pillar of MECP by identifying wastage and implementing resolutions.
12. Leverage process community involvement through weekly interactions with other sites to accelerate improvements in your plant.

What You Will Be Measured On

• Process capability matrix
• Quality metrics
• Total savings delivered
• Waste savings reduction delivered
• Number of improvement projects initiated and completed

Qualifications

WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO THE TABLE

Key Professional Competencies

• Core knowledge—Tertiary qualification in Engineering (Industrial/Chemical/Mechanical), Food Technology, or Food Science. Process Engineering, Supply Chain collaboration, new product development.

Key Foundational Competencies

• Academic skills: Analytical skills, Problem-solving, Project management, Risk management, Decision-making.
• Leadership qualities: Owning responsibilities, Taking initiative, Managing change, Driving long-term results, Thinking innovatively, Staying proactive.
• Personal effectiveness: Effective communication, Interpersonal skills, Continuous learning.

Experience

• Function: 2 to 3 years' experience in Engineering or Food Technology, with technical proficiency across the lifecycle including study, design, installation, commissioning, and operation.
• Industry: FMCG experience preferred.

About Us

Tiger Brands is Africa’s largest listed manufacturer of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). We impact lives daily with our iconic, award-winning brands. Our core business involves manufacturing, marketing, and distributing branded food and beverages. Our products are relevant across every meal occasion and are positioned for growth.

As a food company, we are an integral part of everyone's daily life, and we are passionate about exploring new opportunities, growing louder, and growing together.

In line with Tiger Brands' employment equity plan and goals, preference may be given to candidates from underrepresented groups, but this is not guaranteed.