Senior Operations Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-friendly position

Competitive remote salary package

Performance-based annual bonus

Private medical insurance

Retirement savings plan

Home office setup allowance

International travel opportunities

Professional development and training

Job summary

Placements24, Durban-based logistics client, seeks a Senior Operations Engineer for remote-first work across South Africa. Drive process improvements in warehouses and distribution, lead cross-functional projects, and implement automation and analytics to cut costs and boost service levels.

You will design future state layouts, develop KPIs, and mentor staff while collaborating with IT and engineering teams. This role emphasizes strategic thinking and measurable impact.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field.
• 6+ years in operations engineering within logistics/supply chain.
• Lean and continuous improvement expertise.
• Proficient in simulation software and data analysis tools.
• Strong analytical and strategic planning skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Analyze operational data to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for process improvement.
• Develop and implement strategic initiatives to optimize workflows, reduce cycle times, and minimize costs.
• Design and model future state layouts using simulation tools.
• Lead cross-functional teams in executing improvement projects.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies and automation solutions.
• Develop KPIs and dashboards to monitor efficiency.
• Collaborate with IT and engineering for seamless integration.
• Train and mentor staff on new processes and best practices.
• Conduct site assessments and provide enhancement recommendations.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and quality standards.

Skills

Lean methodologies

Data analytics

Strategic planning

Communication

Stakeholder management

Project management

Education

Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or related field

Tools

AnyLogic

FlexSim

Python

R

SQL

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading international logistics and supply chain company operating out of Durban , is seeking an accomplished Senior Operations Engineer. This dynamic role will focus on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of warehouse and distribution operations through strategic process improvements and technological integration. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in industrial engineering principles, supply chain management, and data analytics. This is a remote-first position, offering unparalleled flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa while contributing to critical operational strategies. You will be instrumental in driving operational excellence, reducing costs, and improving service levels across our client's network. We are looking for a strategic thinker with a proven ability to implement complex solutions and lead change initiatives. Your insights will directly shape the future of our client's logistical capabilities, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze operational data to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for process improvement in warehouse and distribution centers.
• Develop and implement strategic initiatives to optimize workflows, reduce cycle times, and minimize operational costs.
• Design and model future state operational layouts and processes using simulation tools.
• Lead cross-functional teams in the execution of operational improvement projects.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies and automation solutions to enhance operational performance.
• Develop Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and performance dashboards to monitor operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with IT and engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of new systems.
• Train and mentor operational staff on new processes and best practices.
• Conduct site assessments and provide recommendations for operational enhancements.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and quality standards within all operational activities.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in operations engineering or a similar role within logistics and supply chain.
• Demonstrated expertise in lean methodologies and continuous improvement practices.
• Proficiency in simulation software (e.g., AnyLogic, FlexSim) and data analysis tools (e.g., Python, R, SQL).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic planning skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Proven experience in managing complex projects with significant impact on operations.
• Familiarity with warehouse management systems (WMS) and transportation management systems (TMS).
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote environment.
• Experience in the Durban logistics sector is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive remote salary package.
• Performance-based annual bonus.
• Private medical insurance and retirement savings plan.
• Generous allowance for home office setup and expenses.
• Opportunities for international travel for project oversight.
• Extensive professional development and training programs.
• Flexible working hours and unlimited PTO.
• Access to a global network of industry professionals.
• Cutting-edge software and tools for analysis and simulation.