Operations Excellence Engineer — Lean Process Improvement

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and bonuses

Medical and retirement benefits

Professional development and training

Flexible working options

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Operations Process Engineer to drive efficiency at our Stellenbosch site. You will analyze current workflows, identify bottlenecks, and design improved processes to boost productivity while reducing waste.

You will lead Lean initiatives and help standardize ways of working across functions. The role requires a strong background in process analysis, plus proven Lean Six Sigma experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in operations, process engineering, or similar within manufacturing/industrial setting.
• Proven experience applying Lean Manufacturing principles and tools (5S, VSM, Kaizen).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to interpret complex operational data.

Responsibilities

• Analyze current operational processes to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement using data analysis and process mapping techniques.
• Design and implement new or improved processes, workflows, and system layouts to maximize efficiency and minimize waste.
• Lead and participate in continuous improvement initiatives, such as Kaizen events and Lean Six Sigma projects.
• Develop and document SOPs, work instructions, and best practices for all operational processes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including production, maintenance, and quality assurance to ensure seamless implementation and adoption of process changes.
• Monitor KPIs to track effectiveness of process improvements and identify further optimization opportunities.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

5S

VSM

Kaizen

Job description

Placements24 seeks an experienced Operations Process Engineer to drive efficiency at our Stellenbosch site. You will analyze current workflows, identify bottlenecks, and design improved processes to boost productivity while reducing waste.

You will lead Lean initiatives and help standardize ways of working across functions. The role requires a strong background in process analysis, plus proven Lean Six Sigma experience.