Senior Industrial Operations Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health and wellness benefits

Provident fund

Generous leave and paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Relocation assistance may be available

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Industrial Operations Engineer for the Pietermaritzburg region. The role focuses on driving operational efficiency, optimizing production processes, and ensuring safety and quality across manufacturing activities.

A hybrid work arrangement is offered to balance collaboration with focused engineering work. Ideal candidates have 5–7 years in industrial engineering, with strong data analysis, lean, and Six Sigma experience, plus leadership capabilities to mentor junior

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial or Mechanical Engineering is required.
• Master's degree is a plus.
• 5–7 years of experience in industrial/ manufacturing engineering.
• Proven experience in process optimization, lean manufacturing, and Six Sigma.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with data interpretation ability.
• Demonstrated leadership and project management capabilities; cross-functional collaboration.
• Familiarity with safety and environmental regulations; CAD/simulation proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement industrial engineering strategies to optimize manufacturing processes.
• Analyze production data to identify bottlenecks, efficiency gaps, and cost reductions.
• Design and oversee new production lines and equipment layouts.
• Conduct time and motion studies to streamline workflows and productivity.
• Develop and maintain SOPs for all manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with production, quality, and supply chain to hit operational goals.
• Lead and mentor junior engineering staff.
• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards.
• Apply lean and Six Sigma methodologies for continuous improvement.
• Prepare detailed performance reports and present findings to senior management.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Data analysis

Leadership

Project management

CAD tools

Simulation tools

Interpreting complex data

Education

Bachelors in Industrial/Mechanical Engineering

Masters degree (a plus)

Tools

CAD software

Simulation tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent manufacturing leader in the **Pietermaritzburg** region, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Industrial Operations Engineer to join their dynamic team. This role is crucial in driving operational efficiency, optimizing production processes, and ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety across all manufacturing activities. You will be instrumental in implementing innovative engineering solutions that enhance productivity and reduce waste. The ideal candidate possesses a strong analytical mindset, a proven track record in process improvement, and a passion for operational excellence. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact within a well-established organization that values expertise and forward-thinking strategies. The role will involve a **Hybrid** work arrangement, offering flexibility while maintaining strong team collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement advanced industrial engineering strategies to optimize manufacturing processes.
• Analyze production data to identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement in efficiency and cost reduction.
• Design and oversee the implementation of new production lines and equipment layouts.
• Conduct time and motion studies to streamline workflows and enhance worker productivity.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including production, quality control, and supply chain, to achieve operational goals.
• Lead and mentor junior engineering staff.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and environmental standards.
• Utilize lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Prepare detailed reports on operational performance and present findings to senior management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in industrial engineering, with a focus on manufacturing operations.
• Proven experience in process optimization, lean manufacturing, and Six Sigma.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex data.
• Proficiency in CAD software and simulation tools.
• Excellent understanding of manufacturing principles and production systems.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management capabilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
• Experience with project management methodologies.
• Familiarity with relevant safety and environmental regulations.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package of ZAR .
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits, including medical aid and provident fund.
• Generous paid time off and annual leave allowance.
• Opportunities for professional development and continued education.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and engineering tools.
• A stimulating and collaborative work environment.
• Relocation assistance may be available for exceptional candidates.
• Potential for career advancement within the organization.
• Employee assistance program for personal and professional support.