Manufacturing Operations Analyst

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work environment

Home office setup support

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Manufacturing Operations Analyst to join a fully remote team. The role focuses on analyzing production data, developing dashboards, and driving cost reductions and quality improvements from South Africa with international collaboration.

You will translate complex data into actionable insights, support strategic planning, and present findings to senior management. A data-driven mindset and strong communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or related quantitative field.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in data analysis or operations analyst role in manufacturing.
• Proficient in Excel, SQL, and statistical software (R, Python, Minitab).
• Experience with dashboards using Tableau or Power BI.

Responsibilities

• Analyze manufacturing data (volume, cycle times, waste, quality) to identify trends.
• Develop and maintain dashboards and KPI reports for production and operations.
• Identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies; propose data-backed optimizations.
• Collaborate with managers and staff to gather info and implement changes.
• Support development and refinement of operational strategies and business plans.
• Conduct cost analyses and identify production cost savings opportunities.
• Assist in forecasting production needs and resource allocation.
• Present findings clearly to stakeholders including senior management.
• Ensure data integrity across all reporting systems.

Skills

Advanced Excel

SQL

Statistical software

Data interpretation

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

Tableau

Power BI

R

Python

Minitab

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in specialized manufacturing, is seeking a sharp and analytical Manufacturing Operations Analyst to join their fully remote team. This pivotal role involves deep dives into production data, identifying trends, and developing actionable insights to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality. You will be a key contributor to strategic decision-making by providing data-driven recommendations. This position is exclusively remote, allowing you to contribute your analytical prowess from South Africa while collaborating with international operations and management teams. If you excel at translating complex data into clear, impactful strategies, this role is for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze manufacturing data, including production volumes, cycle times, waste rates, and quality metrics, to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Develop and maintain dashboards and reports to track key performance indicators (KPIs) for production and operations.
• Identify operational bottlenecks and inefficiencies, proposing data-backed solutions for optimization.
• Collaborate with operations managers and production staff to gather information and implement recommendations.
• Support the development and refinement of operational strategies and business plans.
• Conduct cost analysis related to production processes and identify opportunities for cost savings.
• Assist in forecasting production needs and resource allocation.
• Stay updated on industry best practices in manufacturing analytics and operational improvement.
• Present findings and recommendations clearly and concisely to various stakeholders, including senior management.
• Ensure data integrity and accuracy across all operational reporting systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, Data Science, Business Analytics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in a data analysis or operations analyst role, preferably within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong proficiency in data analysis tools and techniques, including advanced Excel, SQL, and statistical software (e.g., R, Python, Minitab).
• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to interpret complex data sets and translate them into actionable business insights.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, comfortable presenting to diverse audiences.
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) is an advantage.
• Self-directed and highly organized, capable of working independently and managing priorities effectively in a remote setting.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Fully remote work environment with flexibility.
• Opportunities for professional development and advanced training in data analytics.
• Exposure to global manufacturing operations and strategic decision-making.
• Collaborative virtual team environment.
• Contribution to driving operational excellence in a leading company.
• Home office setup support.