Industrial Engineer – Abattoir Systems & Process Optimization

apartmentBright Search Recruitment (Pty) Ltd placeSprings calendar_month 

Job Title: Industrial Engineer (Abattoir Operations)

Job Purpose

To design, optimise, and manage operational systems within an abattoir to improve productivity, reduce waste, ensure food safety compliance, and enhance overall efficiency across the meat processing value chain.

Key Responsibilities
  1. Systems & Process Optimisation
Analyse end-to-end abattoir processes (livestock intake slaughter processing packaging dispatch)
Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in production lines
Improve plant layout, workflow, and material handling systems
Apply lean manufacturing principles to eliminate waste
  1. Continuous Improvement
Lead continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma)
Conduct time-and-motion studies to improve labour productivity
Reduce operational costs and increase yield performance
Drive automation and process standardisation projects
  1. Production Planning & Efficiency
Support production scheduling and capacity planning
Align throughput with demand forecasts
Optimise labour, equipment, and resource utilisation
Monitor downtime, throughput, and line efficiency
  1. Data Analysis & Reporting
Collect, analyse, and interpret operational data

Develop KPIs and performance dashboards

Provide reports on: Yield and waste

Production efficiency
Cost performance
Use tools such as Excel, Power BI, ERP systems
  1. Compliance & Quality Control

Ensure adherence to: HACCP (food safety)

ISO standards (e.g., ISO 22000)
South African meat safety regulations
Maintain traceability systems
Support audits and inspections
Collaborate with QA and food safety teams
  1. Health, Safety & Environmental Management
Improve workplace ergonomics and safety conditions
Identify and mitigate operational risks
Ensure compliance with OHS Act (South Africa)
Work in cold-chain and regulated environments
  1. Project Management
Manage engineering and process improvement projects
Develop budgets, timelines, and ROI analyses
Implement capital expenditure (CAPEX) projects
Coordinate with contractors and suppliers
  1. Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work with: Operations

Maintenance
Quality Assurance
Logistics & Supply Chain
Train staff on systems and process adherence

Support change management initiatives

Minimum Requirements
Qualifications
Bachelors Degree in Industrial Engineering or related field

Registration with Engineering Council of South Africa (advantageous)

Experience

35+ years in: FMCG / food processing / abattoir environment

Proven experience in: Process optimisation

Production environments

Continuous improvement projects

Certifications (Advantageous)
Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt / Black Belt)
HACCP / Food Safety certification

Project Management (PMP or similar)

Key Skills & Competencies
Technical Skills
Process mapping & workflow analysis
Data analysis and statistical modelling
ERP systems and production planning tools
Knowledge of meat processing operations
Behavioural Skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
Attention to detail
Communication and stakeholder engagement
Leadership and project management

Ability to work in high-pressure, regulated environments

Working Conditions

Based in an abattoir / meat processing plant

Exposure to: Cold storage areas

Wet and high-risk environments

May require overtime, shift work, or weekend work

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Production efficiency & throughput
Waste reduction and yield improvement
Cost savings achieved
Compliance audit results
Downtime reduction

Process improvement implementation rate

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