Senior Industrial Engineer - Process & Quality

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal seeks a Senior Industrial Engineer to lead process improvements, optimize throughput and ensure product quality in a major petrochemical and industrial manufacturing setting.

You will apply Lean and Six Sigma, develop quality systems, mentor junior engineers, and partner with operations, maintenance, and QA to drive efficiency, safety, and cost improvements across a large-scale operation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Industrial or Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years in industrial engineering in heavy industry/manufacturing.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma (Black Belt preferred), and TQM.
• Strong knowledge of process safety management and regulations.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency with statistical analysis software and process simulation tools.
• Strong leadership and communication skills; experience in Richards Bay is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead analysis, design, and implementation of process improvements to enhance efficiency, throughput, and product quality.
• Apply Lean and Six Sigma to identify and eliminate waste and variability in production processes.
• Develop and maintain robust quality control systems in line with industry practices and regulations.
• Conduct root cause analyses for production deviations and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Optimize plant layouts, material flow, and resource allocation to improve performance and safety.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and QA to drive performance improvements.
• Mentor junior engineers in process optimization and quality management techniques.
• Develop and monitor KPIs related to production efficiency, quality, and cost.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Total Quality Management

Leadership

Communication

PSM

Statistical analysis

Process simulation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or related field

Tools

Statistical analysis software

Process simulation tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the petrochemical and industrial manufacturing sector, is looking for a highly skilled Senior Industrial Engineer to join their operations in **Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal**. This role is critical for driving continuous improvement initiatives, optimizing production processes, and upholding stringent quality standards within a complex industrial environment. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in process analysis, lean methodologies, and quality management systems. You will play a key role in enhancing operational efficiency, reducing waste, and ensuring the reliability and safety of our manufacturing processes. This position offers the chance to make a substantial impact on a large-scale operation in a strategically important industrial region of South Africa. You will be a vital part of a team dedicated to achieving and maintaining world-class operational performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the analysis, design, and implementation of process improvements to enhance efficiency, throughput, and product quality.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to identify and eliminate waste and variability in production processes.
• Develop and maintain robust quality control systems and procedures in line with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct root cause analyses for production deviations and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Optimize plant layouts, material flow, and resource allocation to improve operational performance and safety.
• Collaborate closely with operations, maintenance, and quality assurance teams to drive performance improvements.
• Mentor and guide junior engineering staff in process optimization and quality management techniques.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to production efficiency, quality, and cost.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in industrial engineering within heavy industry or manufacturing.
• Proven expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma (Black Belt preferred), and Total Quality Management (TQM).
• Strong understanding of process safety management (PSM) and relevant industry regulations.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis software and process simulation tools.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working in the **Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal** industrial area is highly advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive executive salary package, performance bonuses, comprehensive medical aid, pension fund, and relocation assistance if applicable. We invest in our employees' professional growth through continuous training, leadership development programs, and opportunities to attend industry conferences. Join a company that values safety, quality, and operational excellence, providing a stable and rewarding career path in a key South African industrial hub. Enjoy working with cutting-edge technology and contributing to impactful projects.