Operations Excellence Lead

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Life insurance

Professional development

Annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 in Benoni, South Africa, is seeking an analytical Operations Excellence Lead to drive continuous improvement across all functions. You will develop and implement best practices, lead Lean and Six Sigma initiatives, and build a data-driven culture to raise efficiency, quality, and performance.

The role requires a strong background in process improvement, data analysis, and project management, plus excellent leadership and communication skills to partner with cross-functional teams

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related field.
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green/Black Belt) is essential.
• Minimum 6 years in operations management or process improvement.
• Proven track record of delivering CI initiatives with measurable results.
• Expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and related methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with data analysis proficiency.
• Excellent project management and multitasking abilities.
• Outstanding communication and facilitation skills.
• Experience in change management and cultural transformation.
• Ability to work with cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in process mapping and documentation tools.
• Experience in manufacturing or service industries preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the operational excellence strategy.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and cost savings.
• Lead Lean, Six Sigma, and other CI initiatives.
• Develop and track KPIs to measure performance.
• Facilitate workshops on operational excellence.
• Conduct process audits and root cause analysis.
• Promote data-driven decision making.
• Manage cross-functional improvement projects.
• Document SOPs and best practices.
• Collaborate with leaders to embed CI in daily ops.
• Report progress to senior management.
• Stay updated on industry best practices.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Process Improvement

Data Analysis

Project Management

Change Management

Leadership

Cross-functional Collaboration

SOP Development

Communication

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related field

Tools

Excel

Minitab

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a fast-growing international conglomerate with significant operations in Benoni, Gauteng , is seeking an analytical and proactive Operations Excellence Lead . This critical role will be responsible for identifying, developing, and implementing best practices and continuous improvement initiatives across all operational functions to enhance efficiency, quality, and overall performance. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in process improvement methodologies, data analysis, and project management, coupled with excellent communication and leadership skills. You will work closely with operational teams to drive a culture of excellence and innovation. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape and elevate the operational standards of a prominent organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of the company's operational excellence strategy.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, cost reduction, and efficiency gains across various departments.
• Implement and manage Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure operational performance and progress.
• Facilitate workshops and training sessions on operational excellence principles and tools.
• Conduct process audits and root cause analysis to address operational challenges.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making.
• Manage cross-functional projects aimed at improving operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Develop and document standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices.
• Collaborate with operational leaders to embed continuous improvement practices into daily operations.
• Report on the progress of operational excellence initiatives to senior management.
• Stay abreast of industry best practices and emerging trends in operational excellence.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Certification in Lean or Six Sigma (e.g., Green Belt or Black Belt) is essential.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in operations management or process improvement roles, with a strong focus on operational excellence.
• Proven track record of successfully implementing continuous improvement initiatives and achieving measurable results.
• In-depth knowledge of Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other process improvement methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with proficiency in data analysis tools.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Outstanding communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in change management and driving cultural transformation.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams at all levels of the organization.
• Proficiency in process mapping and documentation tools.
• Experience in the manufacturing or service industry is preferred.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, including performance-based incentives. Comprehensive benefits include medical aid, a retirement fund, and life insurance. Opportunities for professional development and certifications in advanced operational excellence techniques. This role provides high visibility and the chance to make a significant impact on the company's performance. Be part of an innovative and supportive team environment. Generous annual leave. The position is based in Benoni , a growing industrial hub.