Industrial Engineer

The Industrial Engineer drives operational efficiency and productivity across the quick-service restaurant (QSR) network by applying industrial engineering principles to optimise processes, labour deployment and capacity planning. The role analyses workflow, service times and resource utilisation to design and implement standardised operating procedures, reduce waste, and improve throughput, cost and customer experience across restaurant operations. Working closely with Operations and store teams, the Industrial Engineer leads continuous-improvement initiatives and translates data-driven insights into practical, measurable performance gains.

Responsibilities :

• Process analysis & optimisation – map and analyse restaurant, kitchen and service workflows to identify bottlenecks, eliminate waste and improve flow.
• Labour & capacity modelling – develop labour standards, staffing models and capacity plans that match demand patterns and optimise workforce deployment.
• Work measurement & standards – conduct time-and-motion studies and establish standard operating procedures and productivity benchmarks.
• Continuous improvement – lead improvement initiatives to reduce cycle time, equipment downtime, cost and variability while maintaining quality, safety and food-safety standards.
• Layout & equipment optimisation – design and evaluate restaurant and kitchen layouts and equipment configurations to maximise efficiency and speed of service.
• Data analysis & reporting – collect, analyse and report operational data (service times, throughput, waste, labour) to inform decision-making.
• Project management – manage improvement projects from feasibility and cost-benefit analysis through to implementation and hand-over.
• Stakeholder collaboration & training – partner with operations teams to roll out new standards and train store teams on optimised processes.

Requirements :

• A minimum of 2–3 years' experience as an Industrial Engineer, preferably within a quick-service restaurant (QSR), retail, hospitality or other high-volume operations environment.
• Demonstrated experience in process optimisation, work study, labour and capacity modelling, and continuous improvement (Lean / Six Sigma).
• Practical experience managing improvement projects end-to-end and partnering with operational stakeholders to implement and sustain change.
• Bachelor's Degree – BEng / BSc (Eng), NQF Level 7 (required)
• Lean Six Sigma certification – Green or Black Belt (advantageous)
• Project Management certification (advantageous)
• Experience with Industrial engineering principles, methods and tools , time-and-motion and work-measurement techniques, and workforce/demand modelling, Process mapping, simulation and layout design.
• Data analysis and statistical tools (e.g. Excel, Power BI)
• Experience with Health, safety and food-safety standards (advantageous)
• Own vehicle and a valid driver's license.
• Willing to travel throughout South Africa.