Head of Operational Excellence

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement fund contributions

Professional development opportunities

Generous annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Head of Operational Excellence in Welkom, Free State to drive continuous improvement across the organization. You will champion Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, identify bottlenecks, and implement SOPs to enhance efficiency and service delivery.

This role combines hands-on process optimization with strategic planning in a hybrid work environment. The ideal candidate holds a Master's degree in a relevant field, at least seven years in operations management, and a Lean

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Operations Management, Business Administration, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in operations management with a focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of the company's operational excellence strategy.
• Champion Lean and Six Sigma methodologies across the organization.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and efficiency gains in all operational areas.
• Develop and implement standardized operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices.
• Train and mentor staff on operational excellence principles and tools.
• Measure and report on the impact of continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with departmental managers to integrate excellence into daily operations.
• Conduct process audits to identify bottlenecks and enhancements.
• Manage cross-functional projects focused on improving service delivery and performance.
• Foster a culture where employees contribute to continuous improvement.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Project management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Training

Education

Master's degree in Operations Management or MBA

Tools

Lean Six Sigma

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic leader in the service industry, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Head of Operational Excellence to join their team in Welkom, Free State . This role is pivotal in driving continuous improvement initiatives, optimizing processes, and embedding a culture of excellence throughout the organization. The position operates under a hybrid model, requiring a balance of on-site presence for team collaboration and strategic planning, alongside remote flexibility. You will be responsible for identifying and implementing best practices that enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve customer satisfaction. This is an exceptional opportunity for a dedicated professional to shape operational strategies and make a tangible impact on business performance in a growing enterprise.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of the company's operational excellence strategy.
• Champion Lean and Six Sigma methodologies across the organization, driving process improvements.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and efficiency gains in all operational areas.
• Develop and implement standardized operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices.
• Train and mentor staff on operational excellence principles and tools.
• Measure and report on the impact of continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with departmental managers to integrate excellence principles into daily operations.
• Conduct process audits and analysis to identify bottlenecks and areas for enhancement.
• Manage cross-functional projects focused on improving service delivery and operational performance.
• Foster a culture where employees are empowered to contribute to continuous improvement efforts.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in operations management, with a strong focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt preferred.
• Proven experience in implementing successful operational excellence programs in a service-oriented environment.
• Excellent understanding of Lean, Six Sigma, and other process improvement methodologies.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Exceptional communication, facilitation, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Experience working within a hybrid work environment, fostering collaboration across dispersed teams.
• Ability to drive change and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to train and mentor teams on process improvement techniques.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive health insurance plan.
• Retirement fund contributions are provided.
• Opportunities for professional development, including advanced certifications and leadership training, are readily available.
• Generous annual leave and flexible working arrangements are part of our employee-focused culture.
• Join a forward-thinking company committed to fostering innovation and employee growth.
• Be part of a supportive team dedicated to achieving operational excellence.
• Ample scope for career advancement within a growing organization.