Senior Manufacturing Process Engineer

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Retirement savings plan

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Process Engineer for its Mossel Bay, Western Cape client. You will optimize current processes, develop new production methods, and ensure efficiency, quality, and safety in a high-volume food environment.

You will lead cross‑functional teams, drive continuous improvement, and mentor junior staff while maintaining compliance with HACCP and relevant standards. Hybrid work arrangement offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in manufacturing engineering with a strong focus on process optimization in food and beverage.
• Proven experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong understanding of food safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Proficiency in process simulation and modeling software is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and project management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate across diverse teams.
• Experience with CAD software for process layout design.
• Ability to analyze data and translate findings into actionable process improvements.
• Familiarity with automation and control systems in a manufacturing context.

Responsibilities

• Analyze current manufacturing processes to identify opportunities for efficiency, yield, waste reduction, and cost savings.
• Design, develop, and implement new manufacturing processes and technologies to meet product and market demands.
• Develop SOPs, work instructions, and process flow diagrams.
• Lead and participate in cross‑functional teams to troubleshoot production issues and implement solutions.
• Conduct feasibility studies and pilot tests for new equipment and process modifications.
• Ensure all manufacturing processes comply with food safety regulations and quality standards.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and operations to transfer new products to production.
• Utilize SPC and other analytical tools to monitor process performance and drive improvements.
• Train and mentor junior engineers and production staff on new processes and best practices.
• Stay abreast of industry advancements in food processing technology and automation.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelors in Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Process simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished leader in the food processing industry, is seeking a proactive and innovative Senior Manufacturing Process Engineer to join their team in Mossel Bay, Western Cape . This critical role will focus on optimizing existing manufacturing processes, developing new production methodologies, and ensuring the highest standards of efficiency, quality, and safety are maintained. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of industrial engineering principles, coupled with practical experience in a high-volume food production environment. You will be instrumental in driving continuous improvement initiatives, troubleshooting production challenges, and collaborating with cross‑functional teams to achieve operational excellence. This is a significant opportunity to shape the future of manufacturing processes within a well‑respected company situated in the picturesque coastal town of Mossel Bay .

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze current manufacturing processes to identify opportunities for improvement in efficiency, yield, waste reduction, and cost savings.
• Design, develop, and implement new manufacturing processes and technologies to meet evolving product and market demands.
• Develop process documentation, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and process flow diagrams.
• Lead and participate in cross‑functional teams to troubleshoot production issues, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions.
• Conduct feasibility studies and pilot tests for new equipment and process modifications.
• Ensure all manufacturing processes comply with food safety regulations (e.g., HACCP, FSSC 22000) and company quality standards.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and operations teams to ensure seamless transfer of new products and processes from concept to full‑scale production.
• Utilize statistical process control (SPC) and other analytical tools to monitor process performance and drive continuous improvement.
• Train and mentor junior engineers and production staff on new processes and best practices.
• Stay abreast of industry advancements in food processing technology and automation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, with a strong focus on process optimization within the food and beverage industry.
• Proven experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong understanding of food safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Proficiency in process simulation and modeling software is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and project management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams.
• Experience with CAD software for process layout design.
• Ability to analyze data and translate findings into actionable process improvements.
• Familiarity with automation and control systems in a manufacturing context.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, reflecting the senior nature of this role, and a comprehensive suite of benefits.

• Private medical insurance
• A retirement savings plan
• Performance‑related bonuses

Professional development opportunities, including access to specialized training and industry conferences, are actively supported.

The role is based in the scenic locale of Mossel Bay, Western Cape , and offers a hybrid working arrangement for eligible individuals.

Employees will work within a dynamic and supportive environment focused on innovation and sustainable growth.