Senior Industrial Engineer

Abantu Staffing Solutions; Durban; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading staffing solutions firm is seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager to lead and implement initiatives across plant processes and equipment in Durban. The role requires a minimum of 5-7 years’ experience in manufacturing and project management, with a strong background in Lean principles. Responsibilities include managing teams, optimizing productivity, and ensuring efficient use of resources. Ideal candidates will have a National Diploma or Degree in Industrial Engineering and advanced CAD qualifications.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5-7 years’ experience in a manufacturing CI/production engineering role.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience leading teams.
• Experience in Lean Manufacturing and process optimisation.

Responsibilities

• Lead CI and process improvement projects.
• Manage project budgets and stakeholder communication.
• Train and develop Continuous Improvement and technical staff.

Skills

Lean principles

Team leadership

Process optimisation

Project management

CAD skills

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 reduction of 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 structured development initiatives.

4. Lean Manufacturing Implementation

• Train and support Lean methodology across the plant.
• Roll out key Lean tools and systems including:
  5S, Standard Work, Kanban, Quick Changeover (SMED), TPM, Visual Management, VSM, Constraints Management
• Facilitate Kaizen workshops and innovation initiatives.

5. Equipment Technology & Innovation

• Research and recommend new process technologies and operational improvements.
• Champion MES implementation and digital CI systems.

6. OEE & Capacity Management

• Develop and implement Live OEE reporting tools.
• Drive first-time-right improvements, reduce rework and increase throughput.
• Create capacity and resource planning tools to manage manpower, overtime and shift strategies.

7. CAD & Technical Data Management

• Manage and control engineering drawings and technical data.
• Maintain CAD documentation ensuring compliance with TISAX, IATF and customer-specific standards.
• Support operations through CAD modifications, version control and structured data access.

8. Quality & Best Business Practice

• Develop Control Plan templates and support quality improvement initiatives.
• Analyse audit findings to eliminate repeated non-conformances.
• Support COPQ (Cost of Poor Quality) reduction initiatives.
• Standardise and roll out Best Business Practices (BBP) between plants.