Project Manager - Industrial Engineering & Operations

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Life insurance

Professional development

Training in advanced manufacturing and

Project management training

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Project Manager to oversee strategic operational improvements in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The role requires handling industrial projects, optimizing production processes, and implementing new operational strategies while coordinating with engineering, production, and supply chain teams.

The position emphasizes lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and operational excellence, with a hybrid work model balancing on-site leadership and remote coordination.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years' project management experience in manufacturing/heavy industrial environments.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and operational excellence frameworks.
• Experience with project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera) and engineering tools.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a hybrid model balancing on-site and remote coordination.
• Experience managing project budgets and resources in an industrial setting.
• Familiarity with supply chain and logistics operations is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution, and closure of industrial engineering and operational improvement projects.
• Develop project scope, objectives, deliverables, timelines, and budgets.
• Manage cross-functional teams of engineers, technicians, and staff.
• Identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies; implement effective solutions.
• Oversee new manufacturing technologies and lean initiatives.
• Manage risks and ensure timelines and quality standards are met.
• Liaise with stakeholders and provide regular progress updates.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, or related field

Tools

MS Project

Primavera

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the manufacturing and industrial sector, is seeking an experienced Project Manager to oversee strategic operational improvement and efficiency projects. This role, based in the industrial heartland of Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , requires a professional adept at managing complex industrial projects, optimizing production processes, and implementing new operational strategies. You will work closely with engineering, production, and supply chain teams to drive significant improvements in output, quality, and cost-effectiveness. This hybrid role balances on-site presence with remote flexibility to suit project demands.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and closure of industrial engineering and operational improvement projects.
• Develop project scope, objectives, deliverables, timelines, and budgets, ensuring alignment with business goals.
• Manage cross-functional project teams, including engineers, technicians, and operational staff.
• Identify and analyze operational bottlenecks and inefficiencies, proposing and implementing effective solutions.
• Oversee the implementation of new manufacturing technologies, process improvements, and lean manufacturing initiatives.
• Manage risks and issues, ensuring project timelines and quality standards are met.
• Liaise with stakeholders across various departments, providing regular project updates and performance reports.
• Ensure adherence to safety regulations and environmental standards throughout all project phases.
• Monitor project progress, resource utilization, and budget adherence, making adjustments as necessary.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of project management experience, preferably within a manufacturing or heavy industrial environment.
• Proven track record of successfully managing projects related to process optimization, efficiency improvements, or new product introductions.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and operational excellence frameworks.
• Experience with project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera) and relevant engineering tools.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing on-site project management with remote coordination.
• Demonstrated experience in managing project budgets and resources in an industrial setting.
• Familiarity with supply chain and logistics operations is advantageous.
• Must be based in or able to commute to Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal .

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and the demands of the role.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, retirement fund, and life insurance.
• Opportunities for professional development, including training in advanced manufacturing techniques and project management.
• Exposure to cutting-edge industrial technologies and processes at a leading company.
• A dynamic work environment in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , contributing to the region's industrial growth.
• Potential for project-based performance bonuses.