Operations Excellence Manager

Placements24; Queenstown (MD); Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Training & certifications

Career growth

Generous leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Operations Excellence Manager for a Queenstown, Eastern Cape facility to lead continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing using Lean Six Sigma and process optimization.

You will identify opportunities, drive strategic projects, track KPIs, and coach teams in a hybrid work setup, balancing on-site execution with remote planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in operations management or continuous improvement in manufacturing.
• Black Belt or Master Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma preferred.
• Proven track record delivering Lean/Six Sigma projects with measurable results.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and project management skills.
• Excellent leadership, coaching and change management capabilities.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and techniques.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to influence stakeholders.
• Experience in Queenstown, Eastern Cape is an advantage.
• Hybrid work environment experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of operations excellence strategies (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.).
• Identify, prioritize, and manage projects to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and improve quality.
• Develop and track KPIs related to performance and project success.
• Facilitate workshops and training on CI tools for staff at all levels.
• Analyze operational data to identify trends and root causes.
• Collaborate with managers to integrate new processes and initiatives.
• Champion continuous improvement culture and empower employee ideas.
• Develop standardized work procedures and best practices.
• Manage change, ensuring smooth transitions and staff buy-in.
• Report progress, results and challenges to senior management.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Change management

Leadership

Data analysis

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Operations Management

Tools

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a well-established manufacturing firm, is seeking an experienced Operations Excellence Manager to drive continuous improvement initiatives at their facility in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. This role is pivotal in enhancing operational efficiency, productivity, and quality across all manufacturing processes. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and process optimization, coupled with excellent leadership and change management skills. You will be responsible for identifying opportunities for improvement, developing and implementing strategic projects, and fostering a culture of operational excellence throughout the organization. This hybrid role requires on-site presence for project execution and team engagement, while allowing for some remote strategic planning and analysis. Your expertise will be crucial in maintaining our client's competitive edge and ensuring sustainable growth in the Queenstown area.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of operations excellence strategies, including Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Identify, prioritize, and manage projects aimed at improving operational efficiency, reducing waste, and enhancing quality.
• Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to operational performance and project success.
• Facilitate workshops and training sessions on continuous improvement tools and techniques for staff at all levels.
• Analyze operational data to identify trends, root causes of issues, and areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with departmental managers to ensure successful integration of new processes and initiatives.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement and empower employees to contribute ideas and solutions.
• Develop standardized work procedures and best practices across the organization.
• Manage change effectively, ensuring smooth transitions and employee buy-in.
• Report on progress, results, and challenges of operations excellence initiatives to senior management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in operations management or continuous improvement roles, preferably in manufacturing.
• Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification in Lean Six Sigma is highly preferred.
• Proven track record of successfully implementing Lean/Six Sigma projects and achieving significant results.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Excellent leadership, coaching, and change management capabilities.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and techniques.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience working in Queenstown, Eastern Cape is an advantage.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing on-site and remote duties.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package.
• Annual performance bonus.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund.
• Opportunities for advanced training and professional certifications.
• Career growth potential within a reputable manufacturing company.
• A challenging and impactful role focused on driving improvement.
• A supportive team environment committed to excellence.
• Generous leave policy.