Director of Operational Excellence

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 3,001,000 - 4,335,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive bonus potential

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Flexible working hours

Work from anywhere

Job summary

Unknown Client, a global leader in financial services, seeks a Director of Operational Excellence to drive transformative CI initiatives. This remote-first role calls for strategic leadership, Lean Six Sigma mastery, and data-driven process redesign to elevate efficiency and value across the organization.

The successful candidate will guide cross-functional teams, develop performance metrics, and mentor staff in CI methodologies, delivering measurable benefits while operating in a fully remote

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in a relevant field (MBA/Engineering/Operations).
• 8–10+ years in operations, process improvement, or related field with focus on excellence.
• Black Belt or Master Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma required.
• Experience leading large-scale CI projects in financial services.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategy for operational excellence across the organization.
• Lead Lean Six Sigma initiatives and CI projects.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization, automation, and efficiency gains.
• Analyze complex data to identify root causes and implement data-driven solutions.
• Develop metrics and dashboards to track progress and impact.
• Facilitate workshops on operational excellence methodologies for staff.
• Collaborate with leaders to embed a culture of continuous improvement.
• Stay updated on best practices and technologies in financial services.
• Manage timelines, budgets, and resources for projects.
• Communicate progress and challenges to stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

Data analysis

Change management

Project management

Stakeholder communication

Education

Master's degree in Business Administration or related quantitative field

Tools

Process mapping tools

Data analysis software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in the financial services industry, is seeking an innovative and strategic Director of Operational Excellence to spearhead their continuous improvement initiatives. This role is critical in driving efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness across all operational facets of the organization. As a fully remote position, this opportunity allows exceptional candidates to contribute from any location, emphasizing our client's commitment to a modern, flexible work environment. You will be responsible for identifying, analyzing, and implementing best practices, methodologies (such as Lean Six Sigma), and technologies to enhance operational performance and foster a culture of continuous improvement. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of financial operations, strong analytical skills, and a proven ability to lead transformative change. We are looking for a visionary leader who is passionate about optimizing processes and delivering exceptional value to both internal and external stakeholders, all within a remote-first setting. This position offers a unique chance to shape the operational future of a major financial institution.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for operational excellence across the organization.
• Lead and champion Lean Six Sigma initiatives, process re-engineering, and continuous improvement projects.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization, automation, and efficiency gains throughout operational workflows.
• Analyze complex operational data to identify root causes of inefficiencies and develop data-driven solutions.
• Develop and implement performance metrics and dashboards to track progress and measure the impact of improvement initiatives.
• Facilitate workshops and training sessions on operational excellence methodologies for staff at all levels.
• Collaborate with department heads and senior management to embed a culture of continuous improvement.
• Stay abreast of industry best practices and emerging technologies relevant to operational excellence in financial services.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively to ensure successful project delivery.
• Communicate progress, successes, and challenges to stakeholders across the organization.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in operations management, process improvement, or a related field, with a focus on operational excellence.
• Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification in Lean Six Sigma is required.
• Proven experience leading large-scale continuous improvement projects in the financial services industry.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex data, identify trends, and implement effective solutions.
• Exceptional leadership, change management, and influencing skills.
• Strong project management capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.
• Proficiency in process mapping tools and data analysis software.
• Proven ability to thrive and lead effectively in a fully remote work environment.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and executive bonus potential.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and flexible working hours.
• Retirement savings plan with company match.
• Executive-level professional development opportunities.
• Work from anywhere within the specified region.
• Life assurance and disability benefits.
• Access to cutting-edge remote work technologies.