Operations Excellence Lead

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Competitive salary

Medical benefits

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Polokwane seeks an experienced Operations Excellence Lead to drive continuous improvement across warehousing, logistics and fleet management. You will implement Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, analyze data and lead change initiatives in a dynamic FMCG distribution network.

You will mentor staff, design dashboards, benchmark performance, and contribute to long-term operational strategies. A bachelor’s degree and 6+ years’ experience are preferred, with hybrid work options and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or related field.
• 6+ years in operations management or continuous improvement roles.
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma or similar frameworks.
• Strong analytical, change-management and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement across warehousing, logistics and fleet management.
• Develop and implement operational excellence programs (Lean, Six Sigma).
• Analyze data to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks and improvement opportunities.
• Design and implement process improvements to boost productivity and reduce costs.
• Manage change initiatives with effective communication across teams.
• Develop and maintain dashboards and KPIs to track performance.
• Train and coach staff on best practices in continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with operations managers to ensure standardization.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Project management

Communication

Data analysis

Process mapping

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent national distributor of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), is seeking an experienced and results-driven Operations Excellence Lead to join their team in Polokwane. This role is instrumental in driving continuous improvement, optimizing operational processes, and implementing best practices across the distribution network. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in operational efficiency, process re-engineering, and change management, with a passion for creating sustainable improvements. You will play a key role in enhancing the performance and competitiveness of our client's operations in Limpopo. We are looking for a proactive and analytical leader who can identify and implement solutions that drive significant operational gains.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate continuous improvement initiatives across all operational areas, including warehousing, logistics, and fleet management.
• Develop and implement operational excellence programs and methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).
• Analyze operational data to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement.
• Design and implement process improvements to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve quality.
• Manage change initiatives, ensuring effective communication and adoption by operational teams.
• Develop and maintain operational dashboards and reporting systems to track key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Train and coach operational staff on best practices and continuous improvement techniques.
• Collaborate with operations managers to ensure alignment and consistent application of standards.
• Benchmark operational performance against industry best practices.
• Contribute to the development of long-term operational strategies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in operations management or continuous improvement roles, preferably within the FMCG or distribution sector.
• Proven experience implementing Lean, Six Sigma, or other operational excellence frameworks.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and derive actionable insights.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage change initiatives effectively.
• Excellent problem-solving, project management, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and process mapping software.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams across different operational functions.
• A proactive and results-oriented mindset.
• Experience within the Polokwane region or Limpopo province is advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and certifications.
• Hybrid work model providing flexibility.
• Engaging and collaborative team environment.
• Exposure to national distribution operations.