Senior Industrial Engineer - Winery Operations

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health & retirement benefits

Annual bonuses

Paid time off

Professional development

Hybrid work model

Employee product discounts

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Industrial Engineer in Stellenbosch to optimize winemaking and bottling operations within a hybrid on-site and remote role. You will lead process analysis, cost reduction, and quality controls across the production cycle from grape reception to packaging.

Your leadership will drive Lean/Six Sigma initiatives and cross‑functional collaboration to elevate performance. The ideal candidate brings a Master’s in Industrial Engineering with 6+ years of experience in

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering or related field.
• 6+ years in industrial engineering with a focus on process optimization.
• Experience in the food/beverage or agricultural sector is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and improve winemaking and bottling processes for efficiency and cost reduction.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma to streamline operations.
• Develop and manage production schedules and resource allocation.
• Design and optimize facility layouts and workflows; ensure food safety and hygiene compliance.
• Study material flow, equipment utilization, and labor productivity.
• Collaborate with vineyard management, cellar staff, and sales teams.
• Develop KPIs and reporting systems for operational effectiveness.
• Oversee projects for new equipment installation and process upgrades.
• Mentor junior engineers and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Data analysis

Leadership

Project management

Industrial engineering

Education

Master's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

Simulation software

ERP systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned wine producer in the picturesque region of Stellenbosch, Western Cape , is seeking an experienced Senior Industrial Engineer to optimize their winemaking and bottling operations. This hybrid role allows for a blend of on-site process analysis and remote strategic planning, offering flexibility while ensuring close engagement with operational teams. You will be responsible for enhancing efficiency, ensuring quality control, and reducing operational costs throughout the production cycle, from grape reception to final product packaging. This is a unique opportunity to apply industrial engineering principles within a prestigious agricultural and beverage sector. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of process optimization, and the ability to lead cross‑functional teams towards achieving excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze and improve all aspects of the winemaking and bottling processes for efficiency and cost reduction.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to streamline operations.
• Develop and manage production schedules and resource allocation.
• Design and optimize facility layouts and workflows, ensuring compliance with food safety and hygiene standards.
• Conduct detailed studies on material flow, equipment utilization, and labor productivity.
• Collaborate with vineyard management, cellar staff, and sales teams to align operational goals.
• Develop and maintain performance metrics (KPIs) and reporting systems for operational effectiveness.
• Oversee projects related to new equipment installation and process upgrades.
• Mentor junior engineering staff and champion continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in industrial engineering, with a focus on process optimization.
• Proven experience in the food and beverage or agricultural sector is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding and application of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis software and simulation tools.
• Strong leadership, project management, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing on‑site and remote responsibilities.
• Familiarity with quality control systems and regulatory compliance in food/beverage production.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of ZAR .
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits package.
• Generous paid time off and annual bonuses.
• Opportunities for professional development and industry networking.
• Unique working environment within the renowned Stellenbosch wine region.
• Hybrid work flexibility.
• Employee product discounts and tasting opportunities.