Operations Improvement Engineer

Placements24; Queenstown; Remote; NZD 93,000 - 131,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private health insurance

Annual leave

Retirement contributions

Professional development

Fully remote role

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an Operations Improvement Engineer to analyze, design, and implement process enhancements across remote South African operations. You will drive efficiency, reduce costs, and boost productivity through data-driven improvements and standardized workflows.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering with 4+ years in CI, strong analytical skills, and experience with Lean, Six Sigma, Excel, Minitab, and Tableau.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• 4+ years of progressive experience in operations improvement or process engineering.
• Proven experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other CI methodologies.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency with data analysis tools (Excel, Minitab, Tableau).

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth assessments of existing operational processes to pinpoint inefficiencies.
• Develop and propose strategies for process optimization, standardization, and workflow enhancement.
• Utilize data analysis tools to measure performance and quantify benefits of changes.
• Design and document improved processes with flowcharts, SOPs, and guidelines.
• Collaborate with on-site teams and management through virtual channels to gather requirements.
• Oversee implementation of improvements and support successful adoption.
• Track impact of changes on key metrics and report findings.
• Stay informed about industry trends and best practices in operations management.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Data analysis

Excel

Minitab

Tableau

Remote collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

Excel

Minitab

Tableau

Zoom

Microsoft Teams

Asana

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic industrial services provider, is seeking a results-oriented Operations Improvement Engineer to join their team, working remotely across South Africa. This position is crucial for analyzing, designing, and implementing enhancements to operational processes that drive efficiency, productivity, and cost savings. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in industrial engineering, coupled with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. You will be responsible for identifying areas for optimization within various operational functions, developing practical solutions, and collaborating with diverse teams to ensure successful implementation. This is a significant opportunity for a self-motivated engineer to contribute to organizational effectiveness through process innovation and data-driven improvements, while enjoying the flexibility of a remote work arrangement.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth assessments of existing operational processes to pinpoint inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement.
• Develop and propose strategies for process optimization, standardization, and workflow enhancement.
• Utilize data analysis tools to measure current performance, identify key drivers of inefficiency, and quantify potential benefits of proposed changes.
• Design and document improved processes, including detailed flowcharts, SOPs, and best practice guidelines.
• Collaborate effectively with on-site operational teams and management through virtual channels to gather requirements, gain buy-in, and facilitate process implementation.
• Oversee the implementation of process improvements, providing guidance and support to ensure successful adoption and integration.
• Track and measure the impact of implemented changes on key operational metrics, reporting findings and recommending further actions.
• Stay informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in operations management and process improvement.
• Prepare comprehensive reports and presentations for stakeholders, clearly articulating analyses, recommendations, and project outcomes.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging feedback and proactively seeking opportunities for operational excellence.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 4 years of progressive experience in operations improvement, process engineering, or a related field.
• Proven experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills, with proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., Excel, Minitab, Tableau).
• Excellent understanding of operational workflows and business processes.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly to remote audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and thrive in a remote work environment.
• Proficiency with virtual collaboration tools (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Asana).
• Experience in change management and facilitating process adoption is highly desirable.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing abilities.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package tailored for remote employees. This includes private health insurance coverage, an annual leave allowance, and contributions towards a retirement savings plan. Professional development opportunities, such as access to online courses and virtual workshops, are readily available. This is a fully remote role, allowing flexibility in location within South Africa, though the operational focus may be driven from Queenstown, Eastern Cape. Employees benefit from a supportive virtual team and a culture that prioritizes work-life balance and individual growth.