Durban: Senior Industrial Engineer posted by Abantu Staffing Solutions

Job Description:

To lead, manage and implement Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives across plant processes, equipment, and operational systems to optimise productivity, reduce waste, strengthen team capability, and ensure efficient utilisation of organisational resources. The role requires strong leadership in managing CI teams, driving Lean Manufacturing projects, and ensuring effective execution of production improvement initiatives.

Education and Experience:

• Matric/ Grade 12
• National Diploma/ Degree in Industrial Engineering
• A recognised advanced CAD qualification
• Minimum 57 years experience in a manufacturing CI/production engineering role and project management experience (planning, scheduling, execution & reporting)
• Minimum 3 years experience leading teams (CI/Technical/Engineering)
• Demonstrated experience in Lean principles, OEE improvement, and process optimisation

Key Responsibilities

1. Production & Process Management

• Plan, schedule and monitor production based on sales forecasts, stock levels and maintenance requirements.
• Execute line balancing, process optimisation and reduction of variances in daily production.
• Identify, investigate and resolve manufacturing inefficiencies, equipment and quality-related challenges.
• Ensure optimal utilisation of people, machines, material and manufacturing resources.

2. Project & Portfolio Management

• Lead CI and process improvement projects from initiation to completion.
• Develop project schedules, define action plans and track progress against milestones.
• Manage project budgets, resources, risk plans and stakeholder communication.
• Report on project outcomes, ROI and improvements achieved.

3. Team Leadership & People Development

• Lead, coach and develop Continuous Improvement, CAD and technical staff.
• Set individual and departmental KPIs aligned with production strategy.
• Conduct capability training in Lean, problem solving and process control.
• Improve overall team performance through structured development initiatives.

4. Lean Manufacturing Implementation

• Train and support Lean methodology across the plant.
• Roll out key Lean tools and systems including:
  5S, Standard Work, Kanban, Quick Changeover (SMED), TPM, Visual Management, VSM, Constraints Management
• Facilitate Kaizen workshops and innovation initiatives.

5. Equipment Technology & Innovation

• Research and recommend new process technologies and operational improvements.
• Champion MES implementation and digital CI systems.

6. OEE & Capacity Management

• Develop and implement Live OEE reporting tools.
• Drive first-time-right improvements, reduce rework and increase throughput.
• Create capacity and resource planning tools to manage manpower, overtime and shift strategies.

7. CAD & Technical Data Management

• Manage and control engineering drawings and technical data.
• Maintain CAD documentation ensuring compliance with TISAX, IATF and customer-specific standards.
• Support operations through CAD modifications, version control and structured data access.

8. Quality & Best Business Practice

• Develop Control Plan templates and support quality improvement initiatives.
• Analyse audit findings to eliminate repeated non-conformances.
• Support COPQ (Cost of Poor Quality) reduction initiatives.
• Standardise and roll out Best Business Practices (BBP) between plants.