Lead Management Consultant - Operations Improvement

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Life insurance

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 in Centurion is seeking a Lead Management Consultant to head operations-improvement initiatives across industries. You will identify inefficiencies, redesign processes, and implement sustainable performance systems.

The ideal candidate has a master's in a quantitative field, 10+ years in operations or consulting with at least 5 in leadership, and proven success in Lean/Six Sigma, change management, and client engagement.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a quantitative field is required.
• 10+ years in operations management or operational consulting, with at least 5 in a leadership role.
• Expertise in process improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma).
• Proven track record leading complex operational transformation projects.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking abilities.
• Strong leadership, team management and client-facing communication skills.
• Experience in project and program management.
• Knowledge of SA industries is advantageous.
• Willingness to travel to client sites as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead engagements focused on operational strategy, process optimization, and performance improvement.
• Conduct operational assessments to identify bottlenecks and opportunities for enhancement.
• Develop and implement tailored solutions, including Lean/Six Sigma and supply chain optimization.
• Manage project teams, ensuring high-quality deliverables and client satisfaction.
• Build and maintain advisory relationships with senior client executives.
• Drive change management to ensure adoption of new processes and systems.
• Develop business cases and financial models to support recommendations.
• Contribute to the firm’s intellectual capital in operations consulting.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Client communication

Program management

Education

Master's degree in Operations Management

Job description

About the Role Our client, a renowned management consultancy, is seeking an accomplished Lead Management Consultant to spearhead initiatives focused on operations improvement for clients across diverse sectors. Based in our Centurion, Gauteng, ZA office, this senior role involves identifying inefficiencies, optimizing business processes, and implementing sustainable operational excellence strategies. You will lead engagement teams, manage complex client relationships, and deliver tangible results that enhance productivity and profitability. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of lean principles, supply chain management, process re-engineering, and performance management. This is a unique opportunity to shape the operational futures of leading organizations and contribute to significant business transformations. We are looking for a strategic thinker with strong leadership capabilities and a passion for driving operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead consulting engagements focused on operational strategy, process optimization, and performance improvement.
• Conduct thorough operational assessments, identifying bottlenecks and areas for enhancement.
• Develop and implement tailored solutions, including lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and supply chain optimization strategies.
• Manage project teams, ensuring high-quality deliverables and client satisfaction.
• Build and maintain trusted advisor relationships with senior client executives.
• Drive change management initiatives to ensure successful adoption of new processes and systems.
• Develop business cases and financial models to support recommendations.
• Contribute to the firm's intellectual capital in operations consulting.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Operations Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related quantitative field.
• 10+ years of experience in operations management or operational consulting, with at least 5 years in a leadership capacity.
• Demonstrated expertise in process improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.).
• Proven track record of successfully leading complex operational transformation projects.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking abilities.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and client-facing communication skills.
• Experience in project and program management.
• Knowledge of relevant industries within the South African context is advantageous.
• Flexibility to travel to client sites as required.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, life insurance, and a generous retirement fund. We provide extensive opportunities for professional growth, including specialized training, executive coaching, and international exposure. You will work in a stimulating, collaborative environment within our modern Centurion, Gauteng, ZA office, with a focus on achieving a sustainable work-life balance. Opportunities for career progression to partner level are available for high-performing individuals.