Senior Industrial Engineer - Lean Manufacturing; Remote

Position: Senior Industrial Engineer - Lean Manufacturing (Remote)
About the Role

Our client, What Jobs Direct, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Industrial Engineer with a deep expertise in Lean Manufacturing principles for a fully remote position. This role is critical for driving operational excellence and continuous improvement within manufacturing facilities supporting operations near Upington, Northern Cape. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of successfully implementing Lean methodologies to eliminate waste, reduce costs, and improve overall efficiency.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a proactive and strategic thinker to apply their skills and make a substantial impact on operational performance, all within a flexible remote work environment. The position demands strong leadership, analytical capabilities, and excellent remote communication skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of Lean manufacturing strategies across multiple sites.
• Identify and eliminate waste (muda) in all forms, including overproduction, waiting, transport, inventory, motion, defects, and over-processing.
• Implement and sustain Lean tools and techniques such as 5S, Kaizen events, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Kanban, and Poka-Yoke.
• Develop and manage projects aimed at improving production flow, reducing cycle times, and enhancing product quality.
• Conduct detailed process analyses and identify opportunities for significant operational improvements.
• Train and mentor plant personnel, including management and shop floor staff, on Lean principles and practices.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track Lean initiative effectiveness and continuous improvement progress.
• Collaborate effectively with remote teams, plant managers, and engineers to drive Lean culture adoption.
• Develop comprehensive documentation, including VSMs, standard work instructions, and Kaizen event reports.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in Lean manufacturing and operational excellence.
• Facilitate remote workshops and training sessions to promote Lean thinking.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• Master's degree is a plus.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in industrial engineering, with a strong emphasis on Lean Manufacturing implementation and leadership.
• Certified Lean Expert or Six Sigma Black Belt is highly desirable.
• Proven success in leading and facilitating Kaizen events and VSM workshops.
• In-depth knowledge of all major Lean manufacturing principles and tools.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, effective for remote engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change, influence stakeholders, and drive continuous improvement in a distributed setting.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines in a remote work environment.
• Experience with manufacturing execution systems (MES) and ERP systems is beneficial.

Benefits

• An outstanding annual salary of ZAR.
• Fully remote work arrangement, offering unparalleled flexibility and work-life balance.
• Opportunities for significant professional growth, advanced Lean certifications, and global project involvement.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement savings plan.
• Company-provided laptop and necessary software.
• Generous annual leave and paid time off.
• Performance-based bonuses and recognition awards.
• A culture that champions innovation and operational excellence in a remote setting.