Remote Principal Industrial Engineer - Strategic Operations

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level compensation

Performance bonuses

Executive benefits

Fully remote

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Industrial Engineer to lead strategic operations planning for a global leader. This remote-first role requires shaping long-term strategies to improve efficiency, scalability, and competitiveness across the organization.

You will exercise expert analytical and forecasting skills and drive transformational change from a remote capacity. The ideal candidate has 12+ years in industrial engineering with strategic planning experience, advanced modeling, and strong

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, or related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in industrial engineering with focus on strategic planning and operations optimization at a senior level.
• Extensive experience with advanced modeling, simulation, and optimization techniques.
• Proven ability to develop and implement long-term strategic plans with significant business impact.
• Demonstrated leadership including managing complex projects and influencing senior stakeholders.
• Exceptional analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills for remote collaboration and executive engagement.
• Deep understanding of industry best practices in operations management and supply chain.
• Experience with digital transformation initiatives in an industrial context is a plus.
• Must be authorized to work in South Africa.
• This position is fully remote.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute long-term strategic plans for operational excellence across the organization.
• Lead design and optimization of complex operational systems including supply chains, production networks, and logistics.
• Use advanced modeling and simulation techniques to forecast future needs and identify risks.
• Conduct business case analyses for major strategic initiatives and capital investments.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align operational strategies with business objectives.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, technology adoption, and process re-engineering.
• Develop frameworks for evaluating operational performance and driving continuous improvement at a strategic level.
• Mentor and guide engineers and analysts on strategic planning projects.
• Present complex strategic recommendations to executive leadership.
• Ensure alignment of plans with sustainability and efficiency goals.

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Industrial Engineer to lead strategic operations planning for a global leader. This remote-first role requires shaping long-term strategies to improve efficiency, scalability, and competitiveness across the organization.

You will exercise expert analytical and forecasting skills and drive transformational change from a remote capacity. The ideal candidate has 12+ years in industrial engineering with strategic planning experience, advanced modeling, and strong