Industrial Engineer – QSR Operations

About the role

The Industrial Engineer will drive operational efficiency across a quick‑service restaurant (QSR) network. By applying industrial‑engineering principles, you will optimise processes, labour deployment and capacity planning to enhance throughput, reduce waste and improve the customer experience.

Key responsibilities

• Map and analyse restaurant, kitchen and service workflows to identify bottlenecks and improve flow.
• Develop labour standards, staffing models and capacity plans aligned with demand patterns.
• Conduct time‑and‑motion studies, establish SOPs and set productivity benchmarks.
• Lead continuous‑improvement projects to reduce cycle time, equipment downtime and cost while maintaining safety and food‑safety standards.
• Design and evaluate kitchen layouts and equipment configurations for maximum efficiency.
• Collect, analyse and report operational data (service times, throughput, waste, labour) to support decision‑making.
• Manage improvement projects from feasibility and cost‑benefit analysis through implementation and hand‑over.
• Partner with operations teams to roll out new standards and train store staff.

Required profile

• 2–3 years experience as an Industrial Engineer in QSR, retail, hospitality or other high‑volume operations.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (BEng/BSc Eng) – NQF Level 7.
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green or Black Belt) is an advantage.
• Project Management certification is a plus.
• Own vehicle and a valid driver’s licence; willingness to travel throughout South Africa.

Required skills

• Lean Six Sigma methodology
• Project management
• Industrial‑engineering methods and tools
• Time‑and‑motion and work‑measurement techniques
• Workforce/demand modelling
• Process mapping, simulation and layout design
• Data analysis using Excel and Power BI