Senior Industrial Engineer - Plant Layout & Flow

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Life assurance

Training and development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Industrial Engineer for our Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal site to lead plant layout and material flow optimization initiatives. The role focuses on redesigning facilities to maximize efficiency, safety, and throughput through hands-on, on-site leadership and cross-functional collaboration.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in industrial engineering, facility design, and lean principles, with a track record of translating complex requirements into

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering required.
• Master's degree advantageous.
• Proficiency with CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks) for detailed drawings.
• Strong Lean Manufacturing knowledge and application to facility design.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and redesign of plant layouts and material flow paths to optimize production efficiency, reduce waste, and improve safety.
• Develop 2D and 3D layouts using CAD software, considering equipment placement, workflow, and personnel movement.
• Analyze material handling systems and propose improvements for efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and ergonomics.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing tools such as Value Stream Mapping and 5S to streamline operations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather requirements, define project scope, and gain buy-in for layout changes.
• Conduct feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses for layout and flow modifications.
• Oversee the implementation of approved layout changes with minimal production disruption.
• Develop and maintain documentation including layout drawings, process flow diagrams, and SOPs.
• Provide mentorship to junior engineers and operations staff on layout and flow principles.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Project management

Analytical thinking

Communication

Ergonomics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Master's degree (advantageous)

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major industrial manufacturing facility, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Industrial Engineer to lead initiatives in plant layout and material flow optimization at their Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal site. This role is critical for redesigning and enhancing the physical and operational flow within the plant to maximize efficiency, safety, and throughput. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of manufacturing processes, facility design, and lean principles, with a proven ability to translate complex requirements into practical, effective solutions. This is a hands‑on, on‑site position demanding extensive collaboration with production, engineering, and safety teams to ensure the successful implementation of optimized layouts and material handling systems. The role is integral to maintaining and improving our client's competitive edge in the industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and re‑design of plant layouts and material flow paths to optimize production efficiency, reduce waste, and improve safety.
• Develop detailed 2D and 3D layouts using CAD software, considering equipment placement, workflow, and personnel movement.
• Analyze material handling systems and propose improvements for efficiency, cost‑effectiveness, and ergonomics.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing tools, such as Value Stream Mapping and 5S, to streamline operations and reduce non‑value‑added activities.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to gather requirements, define project scope, and ensure buy‑in for layout changes.
• Conduct feasibility studies and cost‑benefit analyses for proposed layout and material flow modifications.
• Oversee the implementation of approved layout changes, ensuring minimal disruption to ongoing production.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation, including layout drawings, process flow diagrams, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineering staff and operations personnel on layout and flow principles.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A Master's degree is advantageous.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in industrial engineering, with a significant focus on plant layout, facility design, and material flow optimization.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks) for creating detailed engineering drawings.
• Expert knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and their application in facility design and material handling.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting ergonomic assessments and implementing safety improvements.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to visualize and manage complex spatial relationships.
• Excellent project management and communication skills, capable of leading cross‑functional teams.
• Experience in a heavy industrial or manufacturing environment is essential.
• Must be willing to work full‑time on‑site in Richards Bay, KwaZulu‑Natal.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly attractive salary package, reflecting the seniority and critical nature of this role, potentially including performance bonuses. Comprehensive benefits are provided, such as substantial medical aid contributions, a robust retirement fund, and life assurance coverage. The company invests in its employees' professional growth through continuous training programs and opportunities for advancement within the organization. Employees will work with state‑of‑the‑art facilities and cutting‑edge technology, contributing to significant improvements in a key industrial hub. A supportive team environment and commitment to employee well‑being are core values at our client's operations in Richards Bay.