Senior Industrial Engineer

Executive Placements; Durban; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager in Durban. The role involves leading Continuous Improvement initiatives to optimize production and reduce waste. The ideal candidate will have a Degree in Industrial Engineering and experience in Lean Manufacturing projects. Responsibilities include managing CI teams, project management, and training staff in Lean principles. The position offers an opportunity to make significant impacts on operational efficiency and team capability.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years' experience in a manufacturing CI/production engineering role.
• 3 years' experience leading CI or technical teams.
• Proven track record with Lean Manufacturing projects and process improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and implement Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Plan and monitor production based on sales forecasts.
• Manage CI and process improvement projects from initiation to completion.

Skills

Lean principles

Process optimisation

Team leadership

Project management

Education

National Diploma / Degree in Industrial Engineering

Matric / Grade 12

Advanced CAD qualification

Job description

Job Description

To lead, manage and implement Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives across plant processes, equipment, and operational systems to optimise productivity, reduce waste, strengthen team capability, and ensure efficient utilisation of organisational resources. The role requires strong leadership in managing CI teams, driving Lean Manufacturing projects, and ensuring effective execution of production improvement initiatives.

Education and Experience

• Matric / Grade 12
• National Diploma / Degree in Industrial Engineering
• A recognised advanced CAD qualification
• Minimum 5–7 years' experience in a manufacturing CI / production engineering role and project management experience (planning, scheduling, execution & reporting)
• Minimum 3 years' experience leading teams (CI / Technical / Engineering)
• Demonstrated experience in Lean principles, OEE improvement, and process optimisation

Key Responsibilities

1. Production & Process Management
   • Plan, schedule and monitor production based on sales forecasts, stock levels and maintenance requirements.
   • Execute line balancing, process optimisation and reduce variances in daily production.
   • Identify, investigate and resolve manufacturing inefficiencies, equipment and quality-related challenges.
   • Ensure optimal utilisation of people, machines, material and manufacturing resources.
2. Project & Portfolio Management
   • Lead CI and process improvement projects from initiation to completion.
   • Develop project schedules, define action plans and track progress against milestones.
   • Manage project budgets, resources, risk plans and stakeholder communication.
   • Report on project outcomes, ROI and improvements achieved.
3. Team Leadership & People Development
   • Lead, coach and develop Continuous Improvement, CAD and technical staff.
   • Set individual and departmental KPIs aligned with production strategy.
   • Conduct capability training in Lean, problem solving and process control.
   • Improve overall team performance through struc