Senior Industrial Engineer - Operations Optimization

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & wellness benefits

Professional development

Hybrid work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Industrial Engineer in Nelspruit to drive operations optimization. You will lead cross-functional teams, model complex systems using AnyLogic or Arena, and implement lean initiatives to improve productivity and reduce costs across multiple sites.

The role requires a master's in Industrial Engineering, 7+ years in the field, and strong analytical and communication skills to influence stakeholders and deliver tangible improvements.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering or a related quantitative field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in industrial engineering with operations optimization focus.
• Expertise in simulation software (AnyLogic, Arena), statistics and data visualization.

Responsibilities

• Lead analysis of operational workflows to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for cost reduction.
• Develop and validate advanced operational models and simulation scenarios.
• Drive adoption of lean methodologies across departments and programs.
• Manage complex optimization projects from initiation to completion with stakeholder alignment.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on optimization best practices.

Skills

Leadership

Lean Six Sigma

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

AnyLogic

Arena

Data visualization

Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for a proactive Senior Industrial Engineer with a strong focus on Operations Optimization to join their team in Nelspruit . This role is essential for driving significant improvements in efficiency, throughput, and cost reduction across our diverse operational sites. You will leverage advanced analytical techniques, simulation modeling, and lean principles to diagnose complex operational issues and design effective, sustainable solutions. The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to lead projects and collaborate across multiple departments to achieve tangible results, contributing to a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the analysis of operational workflows, identifying inefficiencies and areas for strategic improvement in productivity and cost management.
• Develop and implement advanced operational models and simulation scenarios to test and validate proposed solutions.
• Drive the adoption of lean methodologies and continuous improvement programs across various departments.
• Manage complex optimization projects from initiation to completion, ensuring alignment with business objectives and stakeholder expectations.
• Collaborate with site managers, operations personnel, and other stakeholders to implement process changes effectively and ensure buy-in.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on best practices in operations optimization and industrial engineering.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering or a related quantitative field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in industrial engineering, with a specialization in operations optimization and performance improvement.
• Expertise in simulation software (e.g., AnyLogic, Arena), statistical analysis, and data visualization tools.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams and managing complex optimization projects in a hybrid setting.
• Strong understanding of supply chain principles, lean manufacturing, and Six Sigma.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development, including advanced training and certifications.
• Hybrid work arrangement providing flexibility in Nelspruit .
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.