Senior Industrial Engineer - Lean Manufacturing Specialist

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 850,000 - 1,150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Aid

Provident Fund

Life Insurance

Professional Development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Industrial Engineer (Lean) for a Pretoria, Gauteng-based client in the manufacturing sector. You will lead Lean initiatives, drive continuous improvement, and partner with production teams to eliminate waste and improve safety and efficiency.

The role requires 6+ years in Lean-focused industrial engineering, strong Kaizen facilitation skills, and experience with value stream mapping and process optimization. A relevant engineering degree is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial/Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 6 years hands-on industrial engineering with Lean focus.
• Proven Kaizen facilitation and continuous improvement leadership.
• Experience applying Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Standard Work, JIT.
• Strong analytical, data-driven problem solving.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional influence.
• Experience with process simulation software is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead Lean tool deployment and continuous improvement across production.
• Facilitate Kaizen events and other improvement workshops.
• Analyze processes to identify bottlenecks and waste.
• Design and implement productivity, quality, and safety improvements.
• Conduct time and motion studies and value stream mapping.
• Collaborate with production, quality, and engineering to sustain gains.
• Develop and track KPIs for Lean initiatives and efficiency.
• Provide Lean training and coaching to staff at all levels.
• Support new production layouts and workflows.

Skills

Lean Principles

Kaizen Facilitation

Value Stream Mapping

5S

JIT

Process Optimization

Data-Driven Analysis

Project Management

Training & Coaching

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Education

Bachelors in Industrial/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Process Simulation Software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected manufacturing entity situated in Pretoria , is actively seeking a Senior Industrial Engineer with a specialization in Lean Manufacturing. This role is critical for driving continuous improvement initiatives, optimizing production workflows, and enhancing operational efficiency throughout the organization. The successful candidate will be responsible for implementing Lean principles, leading Kaizen events, and identifying opportunities for waste reduction and value stream improvement. You will work closely with production teams to foster a culture of excellence and drive sustainable operational gains. This is an excellent career opportunity for a motivated professional to make a tangible impact in the industrial landscape of Gauteng .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of Lean Manufacturing tools and methodologies (e.g., 5S, VSM, Kanban, JIT).


• Facilitate and lead Kaizen events and other continuous improvement workshops.


• Analyze production processes to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for waste reduction.


• Develop and implement process improvements to enhance productivity, quality, and safety.


• Conduct time studies, motion studies, and value stream mapping exercises.


• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including production, quality, and engineering, to implement and sustain improvements.


• Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to Lean initiatives and overall operational efficiency.


• Provide training and coaching to employees at all levels on Lean principles and tools.


• Support the design and implementation of new production layouts and workflows.


• Ensure adherence to all company policies, safety regulations, and environmental standards in Pretoria .

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.


• Minimum of 6 years of hands-on experience in industrial engineering, with a strong focus on Lean Manufacturing principles and practices.


• Proven experience in facilitating and leading Kaizen events and continuous improvement projects.


• Demonstrated ability to apply Lean tools such as Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Standard Work, and JIT.


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach.


• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and motivate teams.


• Experience with process simulation software is a plus.


• Proficiency in project management methodologies.


• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.


• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, reflecting the candidate's experience and expertise.


• Benefits include comprehensive medical aid coverage, a provident fund, and life insurance.


• Opportunities for professional development, including advanced Lean Six Sigma training and certifications, are available.


• Employees benefit from ample paid annual leave and a supportive work environment in Pretoria .