Durban Ops Excellence Lead — Lean & Change Expert

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package

Bonuses

Health insurance

Pension & life

Certifications

Training programs

Travel allowance

Career progression

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Consultant in Durban to drive Operations Excellence. You will lead project teams, map and redesign processes, and implement lean/Six Sigma initiatives to boost efficiency and cut costs. The role blends office strategy with on-site client work throughout KwaZulu-Natal.

The ideal candidate has 6+ years in operational consulting, deep lean, Six Sigma knowledge, and strong communication skills to influence stakeholders across industries. Travel to client sites is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or related quantitative field.
• Master's degree is advantageous.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in operational consulting or related.
• Proven experience leading teams and managing complex projects.
• Lean principles and Six Sigma knowledge; Green/Black Belt preferred.
• Strong analytical and data-driven problem solving.
• Excellent client-facing and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in supply chain, manufacturing, or service operations.
• Willingness to travel to client sites in Durban and surrounding KwaZulu-Natal province.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage consulting engagements focused on operational improvement and efficiency gains.
• Conduct detailed process mapping, analysis, and redesign initiatives.
• Implement lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other operational excellence methodologies.
• Develop and execute strategies for supply chain optimization and cost reduction.
• Facilitate workshops and training sessions for client teams on operational best practices.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and budgets to ensure successful delivery.
• Build strong rapport and collaborative relationships with client stakeholders at all levels.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities within existing and potential client accounts.
• Mentor and guide junior consultants, promoting knowledge sharing and skill development.
• Prepare and deliver high-impact presentations and reports to client leadership.

Skills

Lean principles

Six Sigma

Data-driven

Client-facing

Project leadership

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's preferred

Job description

Placements24 seeks a Lead Consultant in Durban to drive Operations Excellence. You will lead project teams, map and redesign processes, and implement lean/Six Sigma initiatives to boost efficiency and cut costs. The role blends office strategy with on-site client work throughout KwaZulu-Natal.

The ideal candidate has 6+ years in operational consulting, deep lean, Six Sigma knowledge, and strong communication skills to influence stakeholders across industries. Travel to client sites is expected.