Senior Industrial Efficiency Engineer

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement contributions

Performance-based bonuses

Flexible work environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Industrial Efficiency Engineer for our Durban operations. You will lead optimization across multiple manufacturing facilities, applying Lean and Six Sigma to reduce costs and drive productivity improvements.

The role requires strategic thinking, project leadership, and collaboration with plant management to achieve ambitious targets. The ideal candidate has 7+ years in industrial engineering, a strong background in Lean and Six Sigma, and proficiency in

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or closely related field.
• Master's degree is advantageous.
• 7+ years in industrial engineering with focus on efficiency, process improvement, and lean manufacturing.
• Proven Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma experience; certification highly preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills.
• Excellent project management, planning, execution, and monitoring abilities.
• Experience with simulation software and data analysis tools.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement across levels.

Responsibilities

• Analyze processes to identify bottlenecks, waste, and efficiency opportunities.
• Develop and implement Lean/Six Sigma strategies for process improvement.
• Design and optimize production layouts and material flow.
• Lead Kaizen events and value stream mapping sessions.
• Set and monitor KPIs for operational efficiency.
• Build business cases for investments in upgrades and new technologies.
• Collaborate with engineering, production and quality teams.
• Provide guidance on best practices in industrial engineering.
• Conduct root cause analyses and action plans for inefficiencies.
• Train junior engineers and staff on improvement tools.
• Ensure safety, environmental, and quality standards are met.
• Stay updated on industry trends in efficiency optimization.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Data analysis

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Industrial engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Master's degree (advantageous)

Tools

Simulation software

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the industrial sector in **Durban**, is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Industrial Efficiency Engineer. This role is central to driving significant improvements in productivity, reducing operational costs, and enhancing overall efficiency across multiple manufacturing facilities. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of industrial engineering principles, a proven track record in implementing lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies, and a strategic mindset for identifying and executing process optimizations. You will be a key contributor to our operational strategy, working closely with plant management and cross-functional teams to achieve ambitious performance targets. This is an exciting opportunity to leverage your expertise in the dynamic industrial landscape of **Durban**, **KwaZulu-Natal**, and make a tangible impact on the company's bottom line. The position requires a proactive approach and a commitment to excellence in **Durban**.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze manufacturing processes and workflows to identify bottlenecks, waste, and opportunities for efficiency gains.
• Develop and implement comprehensive strategies for process improvement, focusing on Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Design and optimize production layouts, material flow, and workplace organization to enhance productivity and reduce lead times.
• Lead and facilitate Kaizen events, value stream mapping sessions, and other improvement workshops.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for operational efficiency and monitor performance against targets.
• Develop business cases and justifications for investments in new technologies or process upgrades.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and quality assurance teams to ensure seamless integration of efficiency initiatives.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to plant personnel on best practices in industrial engineering and operational efficiency.
• Conduct root cause analyses for operational inefficiencies and develop effective corrective action plans.
• Train and mentor junior engineers and operational staff on efficiency improvement tools and techniques.
• Ensure all implemented processes adhere to safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Stay current with industry trends and technological advancements in industrial engineering and efficiency optimization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or a closely related field.
• A Master's degree is advantageous.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in industrial engineering, with a strong focus on operational efficiency, process improvement, and lean manufacturing.
• Proven expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma (certification highly preferred), and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Demonstrated success in implementing efficiency projects that have resulted in measurable cost savings and productivity gains.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills.
• Excellent project management abilities, including planning, execution, and monitoring.
• Proficiency in simulation software and data analysis tools.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience in collaborating with cross-functional teams in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a proactive and results-driven attitude.
• Knowledge of the industrial sector in **Durban** and **KwaZulu-Natal** is a plus.
• Commitment to promoting a culture of continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, retirement savings contributions, performance-based bonuses, significant opportunities for professional development and advancement, and a flexible work environment.
• Join a forward-thinking company in **Durban** and shape the future of industrial efficiency.