Industrial Engineer

SUMMARY:
Our Food Manufacturing client is seeking an Industrial Engineer to lead, develop, and optimise manufacturing processes and systems across operations, with a strong focus on high-speed packing lines, process standardisation, continuous improvement, and data-driven decision-making.

This role plays a key part in driving operational efficiency, improving yield, reducing waste, and achieving cost optimisation, while ensuring full compliance with Food Safety, Quality, and HSE standards. The Industrial Engineer will directly impact plant performance by enhancing Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), increasing throughput, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

The successful candidate will report directly to the CEO and will be expected to provide both strategic direction and hands-on operational leadership across the business.

POSITION INFO:
Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering
• Relevant certifications in Lean, Six Sigma and/or Operations Management (advantageous; Green/Black Belt preferred)
• Minimum 4–5 years’ experience in industrial engineering, process optimisation or continuous improvement, ideally at a senior/lead level
• Proven experience in FMCG manufacturing and/or food processing, abattoir or meat processing environments is highly advantageous
• Certification in Food Safety Systems (e.g. HACCP, ISO 22000) – highly advantageous
• Project Management certification (e.g. PMP or equivalent) – advantageous
• Training/experience with Advanced Excel and data analysis/visualisation tools
• Demonstrated track record of implementing systems, improving efficiency and delivering measurable cost and performance improvements

• Develop, implement and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions and process documentation across all production
• Conduct time and motion studies across high-speed packing lines
• Ensure processes are standardised, controlled and consistently followed, updating them as products, technologies and regulations evolve
• Optimise line balancing, labour deployment and material flow
• Identify process bottlenecks, inefficiencies and risks, and implement sustainable corrective and preventive actions
• Support and optimise manufacturing systems (e.g. ERP, MES) to enhance data integrity, traceability and decision-making

• Lead Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma and continuous improvement initiatives across the plant and similar methodologies
• Lead time-and-motion studies, line balancing and layout optimisation to maximise labour and equipment utilisation
• Drive waste reduction (materials, time, energy) and cost-saving projects with clear ROI
• Facilitate Kaizen events, root cause analyses (5 Why, Fishbone) and structured problem-solving workshops
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, coaching teams on tools, methods and mindset

• Ensure processes align with relevant food safety and quality standards (e.g. HACCP, ISO 22000, ISO standards where applicable)
• Support the design and maintenance of traceability systems and audit readiness
• Work closely with Quality Assurance and Food Safety teams to reduce rework, rejects and customer complaints and support initiatives that reduce product loss
• Support and promote Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) compliance in line with company and statutory requirements

• Collect, analyse and interpret operational data (e.g. OEE, yields, downtime, scrap, changeover times) to guide decisions
• Develop and manage KPIs and performance dashboards using Advanced Excel and, where applicable, tools such as Power BI
• Provide clear, data-backed reports and presentations to management, highlighting trends, issues and opportunities
• Recommend and track improvement actions based on data insights; ensure benefits are quantified and sustained

• Support production scheduling and capacity planning, including scenario modelling for future demand and product mix changes
• Align operational capacity and output with demand forecasts and business plans
• Identify and address capacity constraints through process changes, layout improvements and/or capital recommendations
• Help improve throughput, service levels and on-time delivery without compromising quality or food safety

• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, QA, Logistics/Supply Chain and Engineering to achieve operational and strategic targets
• Provide technical support in resolving process and performance issues
• Participate in new product introductions, trials and process validations, ensuring robust, scalable processes
• Train and coach staff on systems, SOPs, process adherence and continuous improvement tools
• Support change management initiatives to ensure adoption and sustainability of new systems and processes

• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability with a rigorous, data-driven approach
• Solid working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma tools
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills; able to influence and drive change across levels and functions
• Strong project management, planning and prioritisation skills; able to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
• High attention to detail, structured working style and a continuous improvement mindset
• Ability to work both independently and in cross-functional teams in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment