Continuous Improvement Engineer

Continuous Improvement Engineer

Recruiter

K2 Recruit

Job Ref

458444

Date posted

Thursday, July 2, 2026

Location

Cape Town, South Africa

SUMMARY

POSITION INFO

Key Responsibilities Continuous Improvement & Lean Implementation Identify, prioritise, and lead continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations. Implement Lean Manufacturing principles including 5S, Kaizen, Visual Management, and waste elimination. Facilitate continuous improvement workshops and cross-functional improvement projects. Promote a culture of continuous improvement throughout the business. Monitor improvement initiatives to ensure sustainability and long-term success. Process Optimisation Analyse production processes to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and improvement opportunities. Develop practical solutions to improve productivity, quality, throughput, and operational efficiency. Standardise best practices across production processes. Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Drive process optimisation initiatives aligned to operational objectives. Data Analysis & Performance Reporting Collect, analyse, and interpret operational data to identify trends and improvement opportunities. Develop and maintain KPI dashboards and performance reports. Monitor operational performance against key business metrics. Provide meaningful reporting and recommendations to management. Utilise ERP system data to support operational decision-making. Root Cause Analysis & Problem Solving Lead structured root cause investigations using methodologies such as: 5 Why Analysis A3 Problem Solving Fishbone (Ishikawa) Analysis Implement corrective and preventative actions. Monitor the effectiveness of implemented solutions. Project Management Plan, coordinate, and deliver multiple improvement projects simultaneously. Develop project plans, timelines, and success measures. Ensure projects are delivered within agreed timelines and objectives. Engage stakeholders throughout project lifecycles to ensure successful implementation. Compliance & Quality Ensure continuous improvement initiatives comply with GMP, ISO, and company quality standards. Support internal audits and operational compliance initiatives. Maintain accurate process documentation and improvement records. Drive improvements that enhance product quality and operational consistency. Stakeholder Collaboration Partner with Production, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Maintenance teams. Facilitate improvement discussions across departments. Present findings, recommendations, and project updates to management. Influence positive behavioural and process change across the organisation. About You You are analytical, structured, and naturally curious, with a passion for solving problems and improving systems. You thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and enjoy identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, eliminate waste, and optimise operational performance through data-driven decision-making. You are proactive, detail-oriented, and capable of influencing positive change across cross-functional teams. You take ownership of your work, communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, and remain focused on delivering measurable business improvements. Minimum Requirements Qualifications Diploma or Degree in: Industrial Engineering Mechanical Engineering Operations Management Manufacturing Engineering Process Engineering Or a related Engineering qualification Highly advantageous: Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt Certification Lean Manufacturing Certification Kaizen Facilitation Training Experience 3–5 years' experience within a manufacturing or operations environment. Proven experience driving Continuous Improvement initiatives. Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing methodologies. Practical exposure to Six Sigma tools and techniques. Experience conducting process mapping and workflow analysis. Experience working with ERP systems (Odoo or similar advantageous). Experience leading cross-functional improvement projects. Experience developing SOPs and process documentation. Technical Knowledge Manufacturing & Operations Lean Manufacturing Six Sigma Kaizen 5S Methodology Value Stream Mapping Waste Elimination Production Planning Manufacturing Workflows Continuous Improvement Process Mapping Root Cause Analysis A3 Problem Solving 5 Why Methodology Corrective & Preventative Actions (CAPA) Standardisation Continuous Improvement Frameworks Systems & Reporting ERP Systems (Odoo advantageous) Microsoft Excel (Advanced) KPI Reporting Data Analysis Dashboard Reporting Performance Metrics Quality & Compliance GMP Standards ISO Standards Process Documentation SOP Development Quality Management Systems Core Competencies Technical Competencies Continuous Improvement Lean Manufacturing Six Sigma Methodologies Process Optimisation Root Cause Analysis Operational Excellence Manufacturing Process Improvement Data Analysis & Reporting KPI Development & Monitoring SOP Development ERP Systems Production Planning Quality Systems & Compliance Project Management Change Management Behavioural Competencies Analytical Thinking Problem Solving Critical Thinking Results Driven Attention to Detail Structured & Organised Initiative & Ownership Adaptability Collaboration Stakeholder Engagement Influencing Skills Communication Resilience Continuous Learning Accountability Ideal Candidate Profile We are looking for a motivated Continuous Improvement Engineer who enjoys solving complex operational challenges and making measurable improvements within a manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate combines strong analytical ability with practical engineering expertise and has a proven track record of implementing Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives. They are comfortable working with data, engaging stakeholders at all levels, and managing multiple improvement projects simultaneously. You will thrive in a fast-paced production environment where innovation, collaboration, and operational excellence are highly valued. This is an exciting opportunity for an improvement-focused professional looking to make a tangible impact on productivity, quality, and business performance while contributing to the long-term success of a growing manufacturing operation.