Remote Industrial Engineer - Lean Operations Specialist

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-first role

Global client exposure

Performance bonuses

Professional development

Flexible work hours

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a remote Industrial Engineer specializing in Lean Operations to consult for global clients, drive efficiency, reduce waste, and boost operational performance. You will lead virtual workshops, develop lean roadmaps, implement tools (VSM, 5S, Kanban, JIT, Poka-Yoke), and develop KPIs to quantify impact.

Candidates need a degree in Industrial Engineering or related field, 5+ years Lean experience, and Lean Six Sigma certification is desirable; a dedicated home office with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Industrial Engineering or related field.
• At least 5 years implementing Lean Manufacturing or Lean Operations.
• Experience in remote consulting and client-facing roles.
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green/Black Belt) desirable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct remote assessments to identify Lean opportunities and waste.
• Develop lean strategy roadmaps and implementation plans.
• Lead virtual workshops and Kaizen events.
• Guide clients in eliminating muda across processes.
• Implement Lean tools such as VSM, 5S, Kanban, JIT, Poka-Yoke.
• Develop and monitor KPIs to measure Lean impact.
• Collaborate with client teams across locations and industries.
• Prepare reports and presentations with findings and recommendations.
• Coach client personnel to build internal Lean capabilities.
• Stay current with Lean methodologies and best practices.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Facilitation

Remote consultation

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Industrial Engineering or related field

Tools

Value Stream Mapping (VSM)

5S

Kanban

JIT

Poka-Yoke

Lean Six Sigma certification

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected global consultancy firm, is seeking a motivated and experienced Remote Industrial Engineer specializing in Lean Operations. This position is critical in helping diverse clients across various industries implement effective Lean methodologies to drive efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance overall operational performance. As a remote employee, you will have the autonomy to manage your workload and client engagements from your home office, providing expert consultation and driving transformation projects virtually. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned Lean expert to make a significant impact across a broad range of businesses while enjoying the flexibility of a remote-first role. We are looking for a strategic thinker with a proven ability to deliver tangible results.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct remote assessments of client operations to identify opportunities for Lean implementation.
• Develop customized Lean strategy roadmaps and implementation plans for clients.
• Lead and facilitate virtual workshops, training sessions, and Kaizen events focused on Lean principles.
• Guide clients in identifying and eliminating waste (Muda) in their processes, including overproduction, waiting, transportation, inventory, motion, over-processing, and defects.
• Implement Lean tools and techniques such as Value Stream Mapping (VSM), 5S, Kanban, JIT (Just-In-Time), and Poka-Yoke.
• Develop and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure the impact of Lean initiatives.
• Collaborate effectively with client teams across different locations and industries.
• Prepare comprehensive reports and presentations on findings, recommendations, and project outcomes.
• Coach and mentor client personnel to build internal Lean capabilities.
• Stay current with evolving Lean methodologies and best practices in operational excellence.

Requirements

• Master's or Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in implementing Lean Manufacturing or Lean Operations principles in diverse industrial settings.
• Demonstrated success in leading Lean transformation projects, preferably with remote client interaction.
• In-depth knowledge and practical application of various Lean tools and methodologies.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Excellent facilitation, coaching, and communication skills, adapted for remote environments.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and deliver high-quality results independently.
• Lean Six Sigma certification (e.g., Green Belt, Black Belt, Master Black Belt) is highly desirable.
• Experience in consulting or client-facing roles is a significant advantage.
• Must have a dedicated home office space with reliable high-speed internet access.

Benefits

• Highly competitive annual salary of ZAR, commensurate with expertise and remote status.
• Performance-based bonuses and profit-sharing opportunities.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Significant investment in professional development, certifications, and training.
• The flexibility to work from anywhere, with potential for occasional client site visits.
• Exposure to a wide range of challenging and impactful projects across multiple industries.
• A collaborative and supportive virtual team culture.