Senior Industrial Engineer - Manufacturing Optimization

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance bonuses

Hybrid work model

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Industrial Engineer for our Johannesburg team. The role combines on-site collaboration with remote work, focusing on process improvements, manufacturing efficiency, and workflow optimization across lines.

You will lead projects, mentor junior engineers, and drive a culture of technical excellence. The ideal candidate has 8+ years in industrial manufacturing engineering, strong Lean/Six Sigma expertise, and proficiency with Arena/AnyLogic and CAD tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive industrial engineering experience in manufacturing.
• Proven track record of cost savings and efficiency gains.

Responsibilities

• Analyze existing manufacturing processes to identify inefficiencies using statistical methods and simulation.
• Design, develop, and implement optimized layouts, workflows, and material handling systems.
• Lead Lean and Six Sigma initiatives and projects.
• Develop and maintain SOPs and best practices for operations.
• Collaborate with R&D to integrate new product designs into production.
• Conduct time/motion studies, capacity planning, and resource allocation analysis.
• Develop performance metrics and dashboards to track KPIs.
• Provide technical guidance to production staff and other disciplines.
• Facilitate root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Stay updated on new technologies and methods in industrial engineering.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Statistical Analysis

Simulation Tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

Arena

AnyLogic

CAD tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in advanced manufacturing solutions, seeks a highly skilled and experienced Senior Industrial Engineer to join their Johannesburg-based team. This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, combining strategic on-site collaboration with the flexibility of remote work. You will be instrumental in driving process improvements, enhancing operational efficiency, and optimizing manufacturing workflows across various production lines. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of Lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and advanced statistical analysis techniques. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including production, quality control, and supply chain, to identify bottlenecks, implement solutions, and measure the impact of process changes. This position demands a proactive approach to problem-solving, a passion for continuous improvement, and the ability to lead complex projects from conception to completion. Your expertise will be critical in ensuring our client remains at the forefront of manufacturing innovation and operational excellence in a competitive global market. You will also mentor junior engineers and contribute to a culture of technical excellence and innovation within the department.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze existing manufacturing processes to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement using statistical methods and simulation tools.
• Design, develop, and implement optimized production layouts, workflows, and material handling systems.
• Lead and manage projects focused on Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma implementation, and other continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices for manufacturing operations.
• Collaborate with R&D and engineering teams to integrate new product designs into efficient production processes.
• Conduct time and motion studies, capacity planning, and resource allocation analysis.
• Develop and implement performance metrics and dashboards to track key operational indicators.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to production staff and other engineering disciplines.
• Facilitate root cause analysis for production issues and implement corrective actions.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and methodologies in industrial engineering and manufacturing.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in industrial engineering, with a significant focus on manufacturing operations.
• Proven track record of successfully implementing process improvements that resulted in measurable cost savings and efficiency gains.
• Expertise in Lean Manufacturing principles (e.g., 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping) and Six Sigma methodologies (Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred).
• Proficiency in simulation software (e.g., Arena, AnyLogic) and CAD tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven approach.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams.
• Experience with project management methodologies.
• Knowledge of South African manufacturing sector is a plus.
• Demonstrated leadership potential and ability to mentor junior engineers.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, provident fund, and performance-based bonuses.
• The hybrid work model provides flexibility, balancing on-site collaboration with remote work.
• Opportunities for professional development, including advanced training, certifications, and conference attendance, are readily available.
• The company invests in its employees' growth and offers clear career progression paths.
• Employees benefit from a dynamic and innovative work environment, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and continuous learning.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and technologies is provided.
• Relocation assistance may be considered for exceptional candidates.
• Join a company that values technical expertise and fosters a culture of innovation and operational excellence in Johannesburg.