Head of Department - Process Improvement

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 2,500,000 - 4,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical coverage

Life insurance

Pension fund

Annual bonus

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a strategic Head of Department for Process Improvement to lead the Process Improvement department near Rustenburg, North West. This senior role drives efficiency, optimizes workflows, and champions Lean Six Sigma and operational excellence across manufacturing operations.

You will spearhead the transformation of our operational processes, guide cross-functional teams, develop KPIs, and mentor staff to achieve measurable improvements in quality and productivity.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or related field.
• Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt.
• 5+ years in process improvement or related roles with leadership experience.
• Proven track record of large-scale improvement projects and cost savings.
• Experience with Lean and Six Sigma methodologies and continuous improvement tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Process Improvement department, setting strategic direction and objectives.
• Develop and implement strategies for operational efficiency and process optimization.
• Champion Lean Six Sigma methodologies, identify opportunities for waste reduction and quality enhancement.
• Oversee design and implementation of new processes and workflows to be efficient and scalable.
• Lead cross-functional project teams to deliver process improvement initiatives.
• Develop and monitor KPIs for operational efficiency and process effectiveness.
• Provide training and coaching on process improvement tools and techniques.
• Collaborate with senior management to align improvement efforts with business strategy.
• Analyze complex operational data to identify trends and root causes.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Data analysis

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Education

Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering or related field

Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt

Tools

Statistical software

Process mapping

Data visualization tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in industrial manufacturing, is looking for an innovative and strategic Head of Department for Process Improvement to join their dynamic team, initially focusing on operations near Rustenburg, North West . This senior leadership role is critical for driving efficiency, optimizing workflows, and implementing advanced methodologies across all manufacturing and operational processes. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of Lean Six Sigma, process re-engineering, and operational excellence. This is a key position for an individual passionate about transforming business processes, reducing waste, and enhancing overall productivity. You will have the autonomy to shape the future of operational efficiency within the organization, leading cross-functional teams and championing a culture of continuous improvement. The role demands a forward-thinking mindset and the ability to translate strategic goals into tangible operational results.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Process Improvement department, setting strategic direction and objectives.
• Develop and implement comprehensive strategies for operational efficiency and process optimization across the organization.
• Champion Lean Six Sigma methodologies, identifying opportunities for waste reduction and quality enhancement.
• Oversee the design and implementation of new processes and workflows, ensuring they are efficient, scalable, and aligned with business goals.
• Lead cross-functional project teams to deliver on process improvement initiatives.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for operational efficiency and process effectiveness.
• Provide training and coaching to staff on process improvement tools and techniques.
• Collaborate with senior management to integrate process improvement efforts with overall business strategy.
• Analyze complex operational data to identify trends, root causes of issues, and opportunities for innovation.
• Ensure that all process improvements adhere to industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in process improvement, operational excellence, or related roles, with at least 5 years in a leadership capacity.
• Proven track record of successfully leading large-scale process improvement projects and achieving significant cost savings and efficiency gains.
• Extensive experience with Lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and other continuous improvement tools.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Experience in managing departmental budgets and resources effectively.
• Ability to influence and drive change across different levels of the organization.
• Proficiency in process mapping, data analysis, and statistical software.

Benefits

Our client offers an industry-leading salary commensurate with experience, a substantial annual bonus, and a comprehensive executive benefits package including private medical coverage, life insurance, and a generous pension fund. Opportunities for continuous professional development, including advanced certifications and international conferences, are provided. This is a fully remote position, allowing for excellent work-life balance and the flexibility to work from anywhere. The company is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and offers a stimulating environment for career growth and innovation. Join us in driving operational excellence on a global scale.