Senior Industrial Engineer - Operations Efficiency

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary & bonus

Medical aid

Group life cover

Retirement fund

Annual leave

Professional development

Relocation assistance

Career advancement

Canteen facilities

Employee assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa seeks a Senior Industrial Engineer based in Vereeniging to drive operations efficiency through Lean and Six Sigma. You will lead cross-functional improvement projects, mentor engineers, and develop SOPs to enhance productivity and quality.

The role requires 6+ years in industrial engineering, strong analytical skills, and a track record of delivering cost reductions in heavy manufacturing environments. Excellent leadership and stakeholder management are essential.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering; Pr Eng registration advantageous.
• Minimum 6 years in industrial engineering focused on efficiency.
• Proven Lean and Six Sigma project leadership; Black Belt desirable.
• Experience with process analysis, modeling, simulation, optimization.
• Strong project management for cross-functional initiatives.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills; stakeholder influence.
• Experience in heavy industrial/manufacturing environments.
• Proficiency with ERP, statistical tools, CAD.
• Ability to drive change and foster continuous improvement in Vereeniging.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects to improve operational efficiency, productivity, and cost reduction.
• Apply Lean and Six Sigma to identify waste and streamline workflows.
• Analyze production data to identify root causes and develop solutions.
• Design and optimize layouts, workflows, and material handling systems.
• Develop SOPs and best practices; monitor KPIs.
• Mentor junior engineers and train on process improvement techniques.
• Collaborate with operations, quality, and maintenance to drive change.
• Ensure health, safety, and environmental compliance.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Project management

Data analysis

Leadership

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Industrial Engineering

Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) registration advantageous

Tools

ERP

Statistical analysis tools

CAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading name in the metals and manufacturing industry, is seeking a Senior Industrial Engineer to drive Operations Efficiency improvements. This vital role is based in Vereeniging and focuses on analyzing, designing, and implementing process improvements to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and ensure the highest standards of quality and safety. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and project management, coupled with a strong analytical and problem-solving aptitude. This is an excellent opportunity to take on a leadership role within a well-established organization and make a significant impact on its operational performance. You will be tasked with leading complex improvement projects, mentoring junior engineers, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across all operational areas. Your expertise will be crucial in identifying strategic opportunities for optimization and ensuring their effective implementation, contributing directly to the company's competitive edge and profitability. Your hands-on approach and strategic thinking will be highly valued.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute projects focused on improving operational efficiency, productivity, and cost reduction across manufacturing and business processes.
• Apply Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to identify waste, streamline workflows, and enhance quality.
• Analyze production data, identify root causes of inefficiencies, and develop data-driven solutions.
• Design and optimize manufacturing layouts, workflows, and material handling systems.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and budgets to ensure successful project completion.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers and provide training on process improvement techniques.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including operations, quality, and maintenance, to drive change.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track operational performance and improvement progress.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering or a related field. Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) registration is advantageous.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in industrial engineering, with a strong focus on operational efficiency and process improvement.
• Proven track record of successfully leading Lean and Six Sigma projects (Black Belt certification highly desirable).
• Expertise in process analysis, modeling, simulation, and optimization techniques.
• Strong project management skills with experience in managing complex, cross-functional initiatives.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience in heavy industrial or manufacturing environments is essential.
• Proficiency with relevant software (e.g., ERP, statistical analysis tools, CAD).
• Demonstrated ability to drive change and foster a culture of continuous improvement in Vereeniging.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and attractive bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical aid, group life cover, and retirement fund.
• Significant annual leave and paid time off.
• Excellent opportunities for professional development, advanced certifications, and further education.
• Exposure to diverse manufacturing operations and cutting-edge technologies.
• A challenging and rewarding work environment with significant autonomy.
• Opportunities for career advancement into senior management roles.
• Subsidized canteen facilities and employee assistance programs.
• Relocation assistance for successful candidates if required.
• Collaborative and experienced team environment.