Operations Excellence Lead

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Professional development opportunities

Certifications support

Job summary

Placements24 in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape seeks an Operations Excellence Lead to drive continuous improvement across manufacturing functions. You will lead Lean and Six Sigma initiatives, identify bottlenecks, and implement best practices to boost efficiency and profitability.

The role requires a strong data-driven mindset, stakeholder management, and experience in SOP development, training, and ROI tracking. A hybrid work arrangement is offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required.
• Minimum 5 years in operations management or continuous improvement roles.
• Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and drive continuous improvement projects across operations.
• Identify bottlenecks, waste, and efficiency opportunities.
• Develop SOPs and best practices for operational departments.
• Train staff on process improvement tools and techniques.
• Establish KPIs and monitor performance across functions.
• Conduct audits and ensure adherence to standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and lead change management.
• Develop business cases and track ROI of initiatives.
• Stay updated on industry best practices and trends.

Skills

Lean

Six Sigma

Analytical thinking

Data-driven

Facilitation

Stakeholder engagement

Process mapping

Education

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

Tools

Process mapping tools

Data analysis software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the industrial sector in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, is seeking a highly analytical and proactive Operations Excellence Lead. This role is pivotal in driving continuous improvement initiatives across all operational functions. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of Lean, Six Sigma, and other process improvement methodologies, with a proven ability to identify bottlenecks, reduce waste, and enhance overall efficiency. You will work closely with various departments to implement best practices and foster a culture of operational excellence throughout the organization. This is an opportunity to make a tangible impact on efficiency and profitability in South Africa's manufacturing heartland.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate continuous improvement projects using Lean, Six Sigma, and other relevant methodologies.
• Analyze operational processes to identify areas for improvement, efficiency gains, and cost reduction.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices across operational departments.
• Train and mentor staff on process improvement tools and techniques.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for operational performance and monitor progress.
• Conduct process audits and assessments to ensure adherence to standards and identify deviations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement solutions and drive change management.
• Develop business cases for improvement initiatives and track their ROI.
• Stay abreast of industry best practices and emerging trends in operations excellence.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in operations management or continuous improvement roles.
• Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated success in leading and implementing process improvement projects.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven approach.
• Excellent facilitation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Proficiency in process mapping tools and data analysis software.
• Experience in the manufacturing or industrial sector within Port Elizabeth or the Eastern Cape is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for professional development and certifications. This role provides a hybrid work arrangement, offering a blend of office-based collaboration and remote flexibility. Employees will contribute to meaningful improvements in a dynamic industrial environment in Port Elizabeth. Our client is committed to fostering a culture of innovation and operational excellence.