Senior Industrial Engineer - Winery Operations Optimization

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive executive salary with incs

Profit sharing potential

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 represents a prestigious winery group in Stellenbosch seeking a Senior Industrial Engineer to drive operational excellence from grape reception to finished product.

The role focuses on optimizing production processes, reducing waste through Lean and Six Sigma, and improving overall efficiency with data-driven insights. On-site work in Stellenbosch is required, collaborating with cellar masters and QA teams to uphold HACCP/ISO standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or related field.
• Master's degree is advantageous.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in industrial engineering.
• Proven experience in process optimization, lean manufacturing, and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex operational data.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and optimize all stages of the winemaking and bottling process.
• Develop and implement lean manufacturing and Six Sigma projects to reduce waste and improve throughput.
• Design efficient facility layouts and material flow strategies for wineries and bottling plants.
• Conduct time and motion studies to establish operational standards and improve labor productivity.
• Implement robust inventory management systems for raw materials, in-process goods, and finished products.
• Develop and maintain SOPs for all operational activities.
• Utilize data analysis and simulation tools to model process improvements and forecast resource needs.
• Collaborate with the quality assurance team to ensure compliance with quality standards (HACCP, ISO 22000).
• Oversee the implementation of new technologies and equipment to enhance operations.
• Train and mentor junior engineering staff and operational teams on process improvements.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Data analysis

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Master's degree advantageous

Tools

Process simulation software

CAD tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious winery group in the renowned winelands of Stellenbosch, Western Cape , is seeking a highly experienced Senior Industrial Engineer to drive operational excellence within their winemaking and bottling facilities. This role is critical for optimizing production processes, improving efficiency, and ensuring the highest standards of quality throughout the winemaking lifecycle, from grape reception to finished product. The successful candidate will leverage industrial engineering principles, lean manufacturing techniques, and data analysis to identify bottlenecks, reduce waste, and enhance productivity. You will work closely with cellar masters, production managers, and quality control teams to implement innovative solutions and best practices. This is a unique opportunity to apply engineering expertise within a premium agricultural and manufacturing sector, contributing to the reputation and success of one of South Africa's leading wine producers. The position requires a strong presence within the operational facilities in Stellenbosch, Western Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze and optimize all stages of the winemaking and bottling process, from grape reception and fermentation to packaging and distribution.
• Develop and implement lean manufacturing and Six Sigma projects to reduce waste, improve throughput, and enhance product quality.
• Design efficient facility layouts and material flow strategies for wineries and bottling plants.
• Conduct time and motion studies to establish operational standards and improve labor productivity.
• Implement robust inventory management systems for raw materials, in-process goods, and finished products.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all operational activities.
• Utilize data analysis and simulation tools to model process improvements and forecast resource needs.
• Collaborate with the quality assurance team to ensure compliance with stringent quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee the implementation of new technologies and equipment to enhance operational capabilities.
• Train and mentor junior engineering staff and operational teams on process improvements and best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or a related field.
• A Master's degree is advantageous.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in industrial engineering, preferably within the food and beverage, or agricultural processing industries.
• Proven experience in process optimization, lean manufacturing, and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a demonstrated ability to interpret complex operational data.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in process simulation software and CAD tools.
• Strong understanding of supply chain and inventory management principles.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working within a quality-controlled environment (e.g., HACCP, ISO 22000) is a plus.
• Must be willing to work full-time on-site in the Stellenbosch, Western Cape region.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive executive salary, commensurate with experience, plus performance-based incentives and potential for profit sharing.
• Comprehensive medical aid and a generous retirement fund are provided.
• Opportunities for ongoing professional development, including specialized training and industry conferences, are actively supported.
• The company fosters a culture of excellence, innovation, and teamwork within a beautiful and dynamic industry.
• Employees contribute to the creation of world-class products.
• This is an exceptional career opportunity within the heart of the winelands in Stellenbosch, Western Cape .