Senior Process Improvement Engineer

Placements24; Midrand; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with bonuses

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Senior Process Improvement Engineer in Midrand, Gauteng to drive operational excellence across manufacturing workflows. You will apply Lean Six Sigma, 5S, and VSM to reduce waste, improve quality, and cut costs while leading diverse teams in project execution.

You will design and implement training for new processes, track KPIs, and report progress to senior leadership. The hybrid role offers home-office flexibility and site collaboration in Midrand.

Qualifications

• Bachelors in Industrial or Mechanical Engineering; a Masters is a plus.
• 5–7 years in process improvement or industrial engineering in manufacturing.
• Lean and Six Sigma experience; Black Belt certification desirable.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with data interpretation.
• Excellent project management and leadership across multiple projects.
• Experience with Visio, Minitab, and Excel for process mapping and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategies to improve efficiency, quality, and cost in production and operations.
• Analyze processes to identify bottlenecks and waste using statistical tools.
• Lead cross-functional teams from concept to completion of projects.
• Apply lean tools (Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S, VSM) to drive improvements.
• Set KPIs to monitor process performance and quantify impact.
• Deliver training on new processes and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with department heads to integrate new processes and best practices.
• Prepare reports and presentations for senior management with findings.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Industrial engineering

Project management

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's in Industrial Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Visio

Minitab

Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading manufacturing firm based in Midrand, Gauteng, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Process Improvement Engineer to join their dynamic team. This role is crucial in driving operational excellence and optimizing production workflows across the organization. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of industrial engineering principles and a proven track record in implementing lean manufacturing techniques and continuous improvement methodologies. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the company's efficiency and profitability while working in a collaborative and innovative environment. You will be instrumental in shaping the future of our client's production processes and ensuring they remain at the forefront of the industry. The role involves a Hybrid work arrangement, offering flexibility between working from home and the office in Midrand, Gauteng.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies to improve efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness in production and operational processes.
• Conduct detailed analysis of existing processes to identify bottlenecks, waste, and areas for enhancement using statistical tools and methodologies.
• Lead and manage cross-functional teams in the execution of process improvement projects, from conception to completion.
• Design and implement lean manufacturing tools and techniques such as Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S, and Value Stream Mapping.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor process performance and measure the success of implemented improvements.
• Develop and deliver training programs to employees on new processes and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with department heads to ensure seamless integration of new processes and adherence to best practices.
• Prepare comprehensive reports and presentations for senior management on project progress, findings, and recommendations.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies to drive innovation in process engineering.

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 a process improvement or industrial engineering role, preferably within the manufacturing sector.
• Proven experience in applying lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies (certification such as Black Belt is highly desirable).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex data sets.
• Excellent project management and leadership skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in process mapping software (e.g., Visio) and data analysis tools (e.g., Minitab, Excel).
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Demonstrated ability to drive change and achieve measurable results in a fast-paced setting.
• Familiarity with automation and Industry 4.0 concepts is advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package with performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and holiday leave.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning, including certifications and further education support.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.
• A dynamic and supportive work environment with a focus on innovation and employee well-being.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and technologies.
• Potential for career advancement within a growing organization.
• Travel allowance for site visits within Midrand, Gauteng and surrounding areas.