Senior Industrial Engineer - Operations & Efficiency Specialist

Placements24; South Africa; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Very competitive salary

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Retirement savings with employer match

Generous paid time off

Learning & development opportunities

Company vehicle or travel allowance

Career advancement potential

Job summary

Placements24 in Queenstown, Eastern Cape seeks a Senior Industrial Engineer to drive process improvements and operational excellence across facilities. You will lead analyses, design improvements, and implement lean strategies to reduce waste and boost productivity.

The role requires a Master's in Industrial Engineering and at least 8 years of related experience, with strong data analytics and project leadership capabilities. A hybrid work model is supported to balance field and office duties.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering or closely related field.
• Minimum of 8 years progressive experience in industrial engineering focused on operations improvement.
• Proven track record leading and implementing significant process improvements.
• Expertise in statistical analysis, process simulation, and optimization tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead assessment and redesign of manufacturing and operational processes to improve efficiency, throughput, and cost-effectiveness.
• Develop and implement lean manufacturing, Six Sigma and other continuous improvement strategies.
• Analyze production data, labor utilization, material flow, and equipment performance to identify optimization opportunities.
• Design optimized layouts for production facilities and workstations to improve workflow and safety.
• Implement and manage performance metrics and dashboards to track progress.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance and management to ensure successful implementation of improvements.
• Create and maintain detailed process documentation, SOPs and work instructions.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and staff.
• Manage projects related to operational improvements, ensuring on-time delivery and budget adherence.
• Stay abreast of industry best practices and emerging technologies in industrial engineering.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Statistical analysis

Project leadership

Education

Master's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

ERP systems

CAD

Process simulation

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key industrial player in the Queenstown, Eastern Cape region, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Industrial Engineer to drive operational excellence and efficiency across their facilities. This critical role will involve the analysis, design, and implementation of improvements to production processes, workflows, and systems. The ideal candidate will possess a strong command of industrial engineering principles, lean manufacturing techniques, and data-driven decision-making. You will be instrumental in identifying and eliminating waste, optimizing resource utilization, and enhancing overall productivity. This position offers a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to make a significant impact on the operational success of our client's business. The role requires a blend of strategic thinking and hands-on implementation expertise.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the assessment and redesign of manufacturing and operational processes to improve efficiency, throughput, and cost-effectiveness.
• Develop and implement strategies for lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Conduct in-depth analysis of production data, labor utilization, material flow, and equipment performance to identify opportunities for optimization.
• Design optimized layouts for production facilities and workstations to enhance workflow and safety.
• Implement and manage performance metrics and dashboards to track operational progress and identify areas for focus.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, and management teams to ensure successful implementation of process improvements.
• Develop and maintain detailed process documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and work instructions.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and operational staff.
• Manage projects related to operational improvements, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
• Stay abreast of industry best practices and emerging technologies relevant to industrial engineering and operations management.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in industrial engineering, with a strong focus on operations improvement and lean manufacturing implementation.
• Proven track record of successfully leading and implementing significant process improvement initiatives.
• Expertise in statistical analysis, process simulation, and optimization tools.
• Deep understanding of lean manufacturing principles (e.g., Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Kaizen) and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience working within an industrial setting in the Queenstown, Eastern Cape area is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in relevant software such as ERP systems, CAD, and process simulation tools.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a hybrid work environment.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and a substantial annual bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement savings plan with significant employer matching.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development, including conference attendance.
• Company vehicle or travel allowance.
• Potential for significant career advancement.