Winery Operations Engineer – Lean & Six Sigma (Stellenbosch)

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Performance-based incentives

Professional growth opportunities

Travel opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Industrial Engineer to optimize winery operations in Stellenbosch. You will lead process improvements across grape reception, crushing, fermentation, aging, bottling and packaging, delivering higher productivity and quality.

Applicants should have 5+ years in industrial engineering, with Lean/Six Sigma expertise, strong data analysis skills, and the ability to work cross-functionally with viticulture, cellar operations, quality control and logistics teams.

Qualifications

• Min 5 years in industrial engineering with process optimization in manufacturing.
• Experience in wine/beverage industry is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to apply Lean and Six Sigma to measurable results.
• Strong production planning, quality, and supply chain knowledge.
• Proficient with process mapping, data analysis (Excel, Minitab).

Responsibilities

• Analyze and optimize stages of winemaking: grape reception to packaging.
• Identify inefficiencies and bottlenecks in workflow and equipment use.
• Lead process improvement projects using Lean/Six Sigma.
• Design facility layouts and equipment configurations for optimal flow.
• Develop SOPs for all processes.
• Collaborate with viticulture, cellar ops, quality control, and logistics.
• Conduct time studies, cost analyses, feasibility studies for new tech.
• Track KPIs on production efficiency, quality, yield, cost.
• Ensure HACCP and environmental compliance.
• Train staff on new processes and safety.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Production planning

Quality management

Data analysis

Project management

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

Excel

Minitab

Process mapping software

Job description

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Industrial Engineer to optimize winery operations in Stellenbosch. You will lead process improvements across grape reception, crushing, fermentation, aging, bottling and packaging, delivering higher productivity and quality.

Applicants should have 5+ years in industrial engineering, with Lean/Six Sigma expertise, strong data analysis skills, and the ability to work cross-functionally with viticulture, cellar operations, quality control and logistics teams.