Consultant Team Lead - Process Industry

Opti-Num Solutions Pty Ltd; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Opti-Num Solutions Pty Ltd is seeking a Lead Consultant with a strong background in the process industry. This role involves collaborating with clients to design and implement data-driven solutions that optimize performance across various sectors, including manufacturing and chemicals. The ideal candidate will possess proven leadership skills and a solid technical foundation to drive impactful projects.

Benefits

Cross-industry exposure

Flexible hybrid work

Mentorship opportunities

Funding for external courses and postgraduate studies

Provident fund contributions

Life cover

Extra day off in birthday month

Qualifications

• Experience in the process industry with hands-on work.
• Minimum 3 years programming experience in MATLAB, Python or similar.
• Degrees in chemical, mechanical or electrical engineering preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects and teams to deliver solutions.
• Engage with clients to understand and solve their challenges.
• Implement advanced modeling and optimization solutions in industrial settings.

Skills

Leadership

Client Engagement

Critical Thinking

Programming in Python

Data Analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in a STEM field

Master's degree (or interest in pursuing one)

Job description

We're looking for a Lead Consultant with experience in the process industry to join our team of data scientists and engineers.Opti-Num Solutions has been innovating in the South African technology sector for almost 30 years.

We partner with our clients to develop meaningful, data-driven solutions that support impactful, evidence-based decision making.

Using class-leading tools and a collaborative mindset, we help industry leaders take on their most complex challenges.We're looking for a Lead Consultant with experience in the process industry to join our team of data scientists and engineers.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in technically challenging environments and is excited to work closely with clients to conceptualise, implement and roll out high-impact solutions.Your first project would support one of our clients in the chemical or manufacturing sectors, where you would guide the design and deployment of advanced modelling, monitoring and optimisation solutions.

You would work closely with your project team and senior client stakeholders to develop systems that improve plant performance, process reliability and operational efficiency.You'll see your work go live in the real world—and make a measurable difference.What we're offering : Cross-industry exposure - Collaborate with colleagues across diverse sectors including telecommunications, mining, automotive, and finance.

Our culture encourages cross-pollination through project shares, technical reviews and collaborative problem-solving.Endless learning opportunities - From coding dojos and data science clubs to funding for external courses and postgrad studies, we create space for continuous growth.Flexible hybrid work - Work remotely or from our well-equipped offices—it's your choice.

We support flexibility with a strong culture of trust and accountability.Mentorship - Receive support from experienced consultants and have the opportunity to guide and mentor junior team members.Strong employee value proposition - We contribute to your provident fund, offer life cover, and even give you an extra day off in your birthday month!

Our regular team outings are a highlight—whether it's go-karting, park walks, or just a great lunch together.What we're looking for : Proven leadership - You should be comfortable leading projects and people.

We need someone who can align teams around a shared vision, manage delivery against milestones and budgets, and grow others while delivering exceptional results.Client engagement skills - We're looking for someone who enjoys complex conversations with clients—someone who asks the right questions and helps uncover the core technical and business challenges.Engineering experience in the process industry - You must have hands-on experience working with process data, industrial systems, or operations in sectors such as chemicals, manufacturing, or energy.

Exposure to plant modelling, control systems, or data-driven optimisation is a strong plus.Strong software engineering skills - You should be familiar with object-oriented programming, design patterns, unit testing, and Git-based collaboration.

Experience with deployment into industrial or edge systems is highly advantageous.Self-management and ownership - We need someone who is proactive and independent, capable of managing timelines, deliverables, and scope.

You'll track progress against KPIs and flag risks early.A critical thinker with an eye for detail - Our best work starts by noticing something unexpected in the data.

You should be curious and analytical, always digging into the "why" behind the numbers.Programming experience - At least 3 years of industry experience writing object-oriented code in MATLAB, Python or a similar language.

SQL experience is a plus.Relevant education - Bachelor's degree in a STEM field with strong mathematical foundations (minimum second-year level, ideally third-year).

Degrees in chemical, mechanical or electrical engineering are highly relevant, but we also welcome backgrounds in physics, applied maths, statistics, and computer science.

A Master's degree, or interest in pursuing one, is a bonus—we'll support you if you choose to go that route.Interview Process : If your application passes our screening, you'll be invited to a two-step interview process.

The first interview is conversational and focuses on your interests, experience and fit for the role.

The second step includes a take-home technical task.

You'll present your solution to us twice : once as if we were a client interested in business value, and once as if we were your peers reviewing your code.ApplyConsultant Team Lead - Process IndustryFirst NameLast nameEmail

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I understand that any misrepresentations or false information that I provide, either in this employment application or at any other time during the application and hiring process, may result in the disqualification of my application for employment or, if I am hired, in the immediate termination of employment at any point in the future.I understand and agree that this employment application does not guarantee employment on any terms.I understand that Opti-Num Solutions may seek to verify any or all information listed above or otherwise provided by me during the application and hiring process.

I hereby expressly authorize Opti-Num Solutions to verify that information, without further notice to or consent by me, and I authorize prior employers and others from whom such verification is sought to release relevant information about me.

I further authorize Opti-Num Solutions to investigate all references and secure additional information about me as may be necessary to evaluate my application for employment.I hereby release from liability Opti-Num Solutions and its representatives for seeking such information and all other persons, corporations or organizations for furnishing such information.Opti-Num Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Opti-Num Solutions does not unfairly discriminate in employment and no question on this application is used for the purpose of limiting or excusing any applicant's consideration for employment on a basis prohibited by South African law.

Some positions may indicate a preference for Employment Equity candidates.

This in no way excludes persons of other racial groups from applying for this position.