Head of Operational Excellence

Placements24; Randfontein; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Retirement plan

Paid leave

Professional development

On-site parking

Employee assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting for a Head of Operational Excellence to lead the company’s continuous improvement efforts in Rustenburg. The role focuses on embedding a culture of excellence, implementing Lean Six Sigma methodologies, and driving efficiency and quality across all departments on-site.

The successful candidate will develop strategies, mentor a team of specialists, and partner with department heads to achieve strategic business objectives.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or related field.
• 8+ years in operational excellence with proven implementations.
• Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma is essential.
• Strong grasp of manufacturing processes and supply chain.
• Excellent analytical and strategic thinking skills.
• Proven leadership, communication, and facilitation abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of the operational excellence strategy.
• Champion Lean, Six Sigma across all departments.
• Identify and prioritize process improvement opportunities.
• Facilitate workshops to build internal capabilities.
• Develop and monitor KPIs for efficiency and quality.
• Mentor a team of improvement specialists.
• Collaborate with department heads to implement changes.
• Conduct regular process audits and performance reviews.
• Drive continuous improvement culture and problem solving.
• Report progress to senior management.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Change management

Data analysis

Project management

Facilitation

Stakeholder management

Education

Master's degree in Engineering/Operations/Business

Tools

Process mapping software

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a well-established entity in the manufacturing sector, is seeking a distinguished Head of Operational Excellence to join their leadership team in **Rustenburg**. This role is paramount to driving continuous improvement initiatives, optimizing workflows, and embedding a culture of excellence throughout the organization. The successful candidate will be responsible for identifying, developing, and implementing strategies that enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall operational performance. You will leverage your expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and other process improvement methodologies to deliver tangible results. This position is based on-site to ensure close collaboration with operational teams and hands-on implementation of initiatives. Your leadership will be crucial in transforming our operational capabilities and achieving strategic business objectives. We are committed to fostering a culture where innovation in operational processes is encouraged and rewarded. The ideal candidate will be a forward-thinking leader with a passion for driving positive change and achieving sustainable improvements. This role presents a significant opportunity to influence the operational trajectory of a key player in the industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of the company's operational excellence strategy.
• Champion Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies across all departments.
• Identify and prioritize opportunities for process improvement and efficiency gains.
• Facilitate workshops and training sessions to build internal capabilities in operational excellence.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to operational efficiency and quality.
• Manage and mentor a team of operational improvement specialists.
• Collaborate with department heads to implement process changes and ensure buy-in.
• Conduct regular process audits and performance reviews.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement and problem-solving throughout the organization.
• Report on progress and outcomes of operational excellence initiatives to senior management.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in operational excellence, continuous improvement, or a related field, with a proven track record of successful implementation.
• Black Belt certification in Lean Six Sigma is essential.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and supply chain management.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and facilitation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to drive change and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience in project management and leading cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and process mapping software.
• Ability to work collaboratively and build strong relationships within the organization.

Benefits

• A competitive salary of ZAR per annum.
• Annual bonus based on performance and company achievements.
• Comprehensive medical insurance plan.
• Retirement annuity with employer contributions.
• Generous annual leave and public holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, certifications, and further training.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and technologies.
• Significant influence on the company's operational strategy.
• A challenging and rewarding work environment.
• On-site parking and employee assistance programs.