Process Improvement Engineer

Job Purpose

The Process Improvement Engineer is responsible for driving operational efficiency, process optimisation, productivity improvement, and continuous improvement initiatives across the business, as well as supporting the planning and execution of CAPEX projects, as required. The role focuses on identifying inefficiencies, reducing waste and operational costs, improving throughput, and implementing sustainable process improvements aligned to operational and strategic objectives.

The incumbent will lead and coordinate improvement projects across manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, support services, and administrative functions to improve productivity, quality, cost control, and operational performance within the Namibian operating environment.

Key Responsibilities

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Drive a culture of continuous improvement across operations using Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and process optimisation methodologies.
• Identify operational inefficiencies, bottlenecks, waste, and non-value-adding activities.
• Lead efficiency improvement projects focused on productivity, cost reduction, quality enhancement, and throughput optimisation.
• Conduct workflow analysis, process mapping, time studies, and motion studies.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) and process controls.
• Facilitate root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
• Support operational teams in embedding continuous improvement principles into daily operations.

Process & Systems Optimisation

• Analyse operational data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities.
• Optimise plant layouts, workflows, labour utilisation, and operational processes.
• Develop productivity models, labour standards, and efficiency benchmarks.
• Support automation and digital transformation initiatives where applicable.
• Improve inventory flow, warehouse efficiencies, logistics processes, and resource utilisation.
• Assist with operational planning and capacity optimisation.

 Project Management

• Manage efficiency and operational improvement projects from concept to implementation.
• Support the planning and execution of CAPEX projects.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to execute improvement initiatives.
• Develop project charters, timelines, cost-benefit analyses, and implementation plans.
• Monitor project deliverables, budgets, timelines, and expected savings.
• Prepare business cases and recommendations for management approval.
• Ensure sustainability and post-implementation tracking of improvements.

 Performance Measurement & Reporting

• Develop and maintain operational KPIs and productivity dashboards.
• Monitor efficiency metrics such as labour productivity, downtime, waste, throughput, overtime, and cost per unit.
• Conduct variance analysis and recommend corrective interventions.
• Prepare operational improvement reports and presentations for management.
• Track realised savings and operational benefits from implemented projects.

 Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure improvement initiatives comply with Namibian labour, safety, and operational regulations.
• Support safe work practices and operational risk mitigation.
• Ensure process improvements align with company governance standards and policies.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering (preferred) or similar Engineering qualification.
• Registration with the Engineering Council of Namibia (ECN) or South Africa (ECSA) will be an added advantage.
• Lean Six Sigma certification, or similar, will be advantageous.

 Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in industrial engineering, continuous improvement, manufacturing, logistics, or operational excellence environments.
• Experience in FMCG, manufacturing, production, logistics, or processing industries will be advantageous.
• Experience with operational improvement or efficiency projects.
• Experience with data analysis, process optimisation, and productivity improvement initiatives.

Knowledge & Technical Competencies

• Lean Manufacturing principles
• Six Sigma methodologies
• Process mapping and workflow analysis
• Productivity and labour analysis
• Time and motion studies
• Project management principles
• Operational KPI development and reporting
• Advanced Excel and data analysis software capabilities
• Health and safety awareness within industrial environments

Behavioural Competencies

• Analytical and problem-solving ability
• Strong attention to detail
• Results and efficiency driven
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Ability to influence operational teams
• Strong stakeholder engagement capability
• Project coordination and organisational skills
• Innovative and solution-oriented mindset
• Ability to work independently and under pressure