Senior Industrial Engineer - Manufacturing Optimization

Placements24; KwaZulu-Natal; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Hybrid work model

Collaborative environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Industrial Engineer in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. The role focuses on driving operational efficiency, implementing lean manufacturing principles, and optimizing production processes across departments.

You will analyze workflows, identify bottlenecks, and develop innovative solutions to reduce waste and improve quality. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in manufacturing engineering with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and the position offers

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in industrial engineering focusing on process optimization and lean manufacturing in a manufacturing setting.
• Proficiency in simulation and modeling software (Arena, FlexSim) and statistical analysis tools (Minitab).
• Green Belt or Black Belt Six Sigma certification preferred.
• Strong understanding of production planning, inventory management, and supply chain principles.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Proficiency in CAD software for layout design is a plus.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across all levels.
• Must be eligible to work in South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Analyze existing manufacturing processes to identify efficiency, cost reduction, and quality improvements.
• Develop and implement lean manufacturing techniques (Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S).
• Design and optimize factory layouts, material flow, and workspace utilization.
• Conduct time and motion studies to establish production standards and improve workflow.
• Collaborate with production, quality control, and management to implement process changes.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, SOPs, and training materials.
• Use data analysis tools to model and predict process performance.
• Manage projects related to process improvement and new product introduction.
• Train and mentor junior engineering staff.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Kaizen

5S

Time and motion studies

Data analysis

Project management

CAD layout design

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

Arena

FlexSim

Minitab

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the automotive components sector, is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Industrial Engineer to join their dynamic team in **Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal**. This role is pivotal in driving operational efficiency, implementing lean manufacturing principles, and optimizing production processes across various departments. You will be instrumental in analyzing current workflows, identifying bottlenecks, and developing innovative solutions to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and improve overall quality. The ideal candidate possesses a strong analytical mindset, excellent problem-solving skills, and a proven track record in industrial engineering, preferably within a manufacturing environment. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in a thriving industrial hub and contribute to the company’s continued success. The role involves a hybrid work arrangement, offering flexibility while maintaining essential on-site collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze existing manufacturing processes to identify areas for improvement in efficiency, cost reduction, and quality.
• Develop and implement lean manufacturing techniques, including Six Sigma, Kaizen, and 5S methodologies.
• Design and optimize factory layouts, material flow, and workspace utilization.
• Conduct time and motion studies to establish production standards and improve workflow.
• Collaborate with production, quality control, and management teams to implement process changes and ensure successful adoption.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and training materials.
• Utilize data analysis tools and software (e.g., simulation software, statistical analysis) to model and predict process performance.
• Manage projects related to process improvement and new product introduction, ensuring on-time and within-budget delivery.
• Train and mentor junior engineering staff.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in industrial engineering, with a strong focus on process optimization and lean manufacturing in a manufacturing setting.
• Proficiency in simulation and modeling software (e.g., Arena, FlexSim) and statistical analysis tools (e.g., Minitab).
• In-depth knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies (Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred).
• Strong understanding of production planning, inventory management, and supply chain principles.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Proficiency in CAD software for layout design is a plus.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Experience in project management.
• Must be eligible to work in **South Africa**.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Be part of a leading company in the automotive components industry.
• Hybrid work model offering a balance between office and remote work.