Remote Industrial Engineer - Operational Excellence Lead

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive bonus

Fully remote

Premium health coverage

Retirement match

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Industrial Engineer to lead operational excellence across a global manufacturing landscape. Drive lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives, optimizing processes, reducing waste, and delivering measurable impact from a remote leadership position.

Ideal candidates bring a Master Black Belt, 8+ years in industrial engineering, and a proven track record of large-scale transformations.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, or related field.
• 8+ years in industrial engineering with leadership of op-ex programs.
• Black Belt or Master Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma required.
• Proven large-scale transformation experience with measurable impact.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of operational excellence programs across multiple sites.
• Champion lean, Six Sigma adoption and other continuous improvement methods.
• Analyze complex data to identify trends, root causes, and opportunities.
• Develop standardized best practices, process docs, and training programs.
• Facilitate cross-functional teams in Kaizen events and improvement projects.
• Design and deploy metrics and dashboards to track progress and sustain results.
• Identify new technologies to enhance efficiency and productivity.
• Mentor and coach teams on continuous improvement principles remotely.
• Prepare reports for senior leadership on status and impact.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma (Black/Master)

Remote leadership

Strategic planning

Change management

Education

Master's in Industrial/Mechanical Eng

Tools

Process mapping tools

Statistical analysis tools

Data visualization tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a global leader in consumer goods manufacturing and is seeking an exceptional Remote Industrial Engineer to spearhead their operational excellence initiatives. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere while driving significant improvements across our client's diverse operational landscape. You will be instrumental in leading the deployment of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies to optimize processes, enhance efficiency, and reduce waste. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of industrial engineering principles and a proven ability to influence change remotely. Join a dynamic team focused on achieving world‑class operational performance and contribute to shaping the future of manufacturing through innovation and data‑driven strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic planning and execution of operational excellence programs across multiple sites.
• Champion the adoption and implementation of lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Analyze complex operational data to identify trends, root causes of inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop and deploy standardized best practices, process documentation, and training programs.
• Facilitate cross‑functional teams in problem‑solving, Kaizen events, and improvement projects.
• Design and implement robust performance metrics and dashboards to track progress and ensure sustained results.
• Identify and evaluate new technologies and innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency and productivity.
• Mentor and coach team members and stakeholders on continuous improvement principles and tools.
• Prepare comprehensive reports and presentations for senior leadership on the status and impact of operational excellence initiatives.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in industrial engineering, with a significant focus on leading operational excellence programs and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification in Lean Six Sigma is mandatory.
• Demonstrated success in implementing large‑scale operational transformation projects with measurable business impact.
• Exceptional analytical, problem‑solving, and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Expertise in process mapping, simulation, statistical analysis, and data visualization tools.
• Superior communication, presentation, and influencing skills, essential for remote leadership.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate teams remotely and drive change across diverse organizational levels.
• Experience in the consumer goods or related manufacturing industry is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive‑level salary and bonus structure.
• Fully remote work arrangement with complete flexibility.
• Comprehensive premium health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement savings plan with significant company match.
• Substantial budget for professional development, including advanced training and executive coaching.
• Access to cutting‑edge digital collaboration platforms and analytical tools.
• Opportunity to drive global operational strategy and make a lasting impact.
• Work within a highly innovative and supportive global team.