Lead Business Optimisation Engineer

FlySafair; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Job summary

FlySafair seeks a seasoned Business Optimisation Lead to drive cross‑functional improvement initiatives from concept to benefits realisation. You will guide scoping, data analysis, solution design and implementation planning while ensuring best‑practice methodologies are applied and results are scrutinised for value and relevance.

You will mentor engineers, provide input on architecture and frameworks, and partner with stakeholders to prioritise initiatives that cut cost, speed up delivery, and

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years’ progressive experience within business optimisation, continuous improvement, or operational excellence environments.
• Proven experience leading complex improvement projects end‑to‑end.
• Expert in mathematical modelling, simulation modelling and optimization.
• Expert in agile project management to lead projects that meet strategic goals.
• Stakeholder management experience.
• Experience coaching or mentoring Engineers/Analysts.
• Ability to influence decision‑making and drive strategic outcomes.
• Ability to handle sensitive information and work in a fast‑moving environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee complex, cross‑functional optimisation initiatives from concept through to implementation and benefits realisation.
• Guide project scoping, problem definition, data analysis, solution design, and implementation planning.
• Ensure optimisation and continuous improvement methodologies are applied consistently and in line with best practice.
• Review and challenge project outputs to ensure quality, rigor, and business relevance.
• Mentor junior and graduate engineers, supporting technical, professional, and leadership development.
• Provide hands‑on coaching to engineers on analysis techniques, problem structuring, storytelling, stakeholder engagement, and solution design.
• Provide solution and architectural input to ensure designs align with organisational architecture and technology standards.
• Translate complex analysis into clear, compelling insights and recommendations.

Skills

Mathematical modelling

Simulation modelling

Optimization

Agile project management

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Decision making

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Education

B.Eng Industrial Engineering

Grade 12 or Equivalent

Post Graduate Degree

Job description

DESCRIPTION:

• Lead and oversee complex, cross-functional business optimisation initiatives from concept through to implementation and benefits realisation;


• Guide project scoping, problem definition, data analysis, solution design, and implementation planning;


• Ensure optimisation and continuous improvement methodologies are applied consistently and in line with best practice;


• Review and challenge project outputs to ensure quality, rigor, and business relevance;


• Support team members in unblocking issues, managing risks, and navigating stakeholder complexity;


• Track, analyse, and report on project performance, value delivery, milestones, and risks;


• Identify and drive continuous improvement and automation opportunities that reduce cost, cycle time, and operational risk;


• Serve as technical guidance for optimisation methodologies, tools, frameworks, and standards;


• Provide solution and architectural input to ensure designs align with organisational architecture and technology standards;


• Assist and guide engineers in designing fit-for purpose, scalable, and sustainable solutions;


• Set direction for framework adoption and continuous evolution in alignment with organisational strategy;


• Ensure solutions meet quality standards defined within the Innovation / Business Optimisation environment;


• Provide hands‑on coaching to engineers on analysis techniques, problem structuring, storytelling, stakeholder engagement, and solution design;


• Mentor junior and graduate engineers, supporting technical, professional, and leadership development;


• Assist with Onboarding and accelerating new team members’ effectiveness;


• Identify development needs and support creation of individual development plans;


• Facilitate knowledge‑sharing sessions, training, and internal capability‑building initiatives;


• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, learning, and experimentation;


• Support the Business Optimisation Manager with team planning, prioritisation, and workload balancing;


• Act as first point of escalation for project‑level delivery challenges;


• Contribute to resource planning, project allocation, and skills matching across initiatives;


• Keep track of projects using the organisation’s project management tools;


• Step in for the Manager when required to ensure continuity of delivery;


• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders;


• Translate complex analysis into clear, compelling insights and recommendations;


• Influence decision-making by balancing analytical rigor with practical business realities;


• Drive proactive change management across initiatives;


• Engage with Business Improvement / Optimisation consultants and vendors to ensure alignment to standards and governance;


• Contribute to the development and execution of the Innovation roadmap within assigned areas;


• Provide input into building and maintaining a structured knowledge base for the function;


• Ensure appropriate training and capability development is enabled through modern e‑learning and digital platforms.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Grade 12 or Equivalent (Essential);


• B.Eng Industrial Engineering (Essential);


• Post Graduate Degree (Advantageous);


• Minimum of 8 years’ progressive experience within business optimisation, continuous improvement, or operational excellence environments (Essential);


• Proven experience leading complex improvement projects end‑to‑end (Essential);


• Experience coaching or mentoring Engineers/Analysts (Advantageous);


• Expert in the areas of mathematical modelling, simulation modelling and optimization;


• Extensive knowledge of emerging industry practices when solving business problems;


• Expert in agile project management to lead projects that meet strategic goals;


• Stakeholder management;


• Project Management ;


• Able to handle sensitive and confidential information;


• Ability to keep one’s composure in a fast moving, dynamic environment;


• Problem solving and decision making;


• Strategic decision-making.