Senior Industrial Engineer - Operations Excellence

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Medical aid

Retirement annuity

Life insurance

Professional development

Relocation assistance

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Industrial Engineer focused on Operations Excellence for a major industrial goods producer in Upington, Northern Cape. The role centers on driving manufacturing efficiency, productivity, and quality through Lean, Six Sigma, and TQM, with on-site leadership and some remote collaboration.

The successful candidate will lead projects, mentor junior engineers, analyze complex data, and develop strategic solutions to foster a culture of continuous improvement in a

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering or a related discipline.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in industrial engineering or operations management.
• Black Belt in Six Sigma is required; Master Black Belt is a plus.
• Demonstrated experience in leading Lean Manufacturing projects.
• Proficiency in data analysis, statistical process control (SPC), and simulation software.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience working in a hybrid environment, demonstrating effective remote collaboration and on-site leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead the identification, development, and implementation of operational excellence initiatives across manufacturing and supporting functions.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies to optimize processes and reduce waste.
• Analyze production data, identify trends, and develop data-driven strategies for performance enhancement.
• Conduct process mapping, value stream analysis, and root cause investigations to address operational challenges.
• Manage and execute improvement projects from initiation to completion, ensuring timely delivery and measurable results.
• Develop and implement performance metrics (KPIs) to monitor operational efficiency and track progress towards goals.
• Mentor and coach junior engineers and operational staff on continuous improvement principles and tools.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Production, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to drive holistic improvements.
• Ensure adherence to all company policies, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence throughout the organization.

Skills

Leadership

Data analysis

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Change management

Analytical thinking

Education

Master's in Industrial Engineering

Tools

Minitab

SPC

Simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major industrial goods producer, is seeking a Senior Industrial Engineer focused on Operations Excellence for their facility in Upington, Northern Cape. This role is instrumental in driving significant improvements in manufacturing efficiency, productivity, and quality across the operation. The successful candidate will lead projects, mentor junior engineers, and implement advanced methodologies like Lean, Six Sigma, and Total Quality Management (TQM). We are looking for a results-oriented professional with a proven ability to analyze complex operational data, develop strategic solutions, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. This hybrid role requires strong on-site engagement for project execution and team collaboration, balanced with remote work flexibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the identification, development, and implementation of operational excellence initiatives across manufacturing and supporting functions.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies to optimize processes and reduce waste.
• Analyze production data, identify trends, and develop data-driven strategies for performance enhancement.
• Conduct process mapping, value stream analysis, and root cause investigations to address operational challenges.
• Manage and execute improvement projects from initiation to completion, ensuring timely delivery and measurable results.
• Develop and implement performance metrics (KPIs) to monitor operational efficiency and track progress towards goals.
• Mentor and coach junior engineers and operational staff on continuous improvement principles and tools.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Production, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to drive holistic improvements.
• Ensure adherence to all company policies, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence throughout the organization.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in industrial engineering or operations management, with a strong focus on process improvement.
• Black Belt certification in Six Sigma is required; Master Black Belt is a plus.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and successfully implementing Lean Manufacturing projects.
• Proficiency in data analysis, statistical process control (SPC), and simulation software.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management capabilities.
• Experience working in a hybrid environment, demonstrating effective remote collaboration and on-site leadership.
• Proven ability to drive change and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Experience in heavy industry or goods production is highly advantageous.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and a significant annual performance bonus.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, retirement annuity, and life insurance.
• Opportunities for extensive professional development, including advanced certifications and leadership training.
• Significant scope for impact and career advancement within a leading industrial organization.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility while ensuring strong operational presence.
• Relocation assistance may be available for candidates relocating to Upington.
• A challenging and rewarding work environment focused on operational excellence.