Operations Excellence Lead

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Professional growth

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Operations Excellence Lead for Stellenbosch, Western Cape, blending on-site collaboration with focused remote work. The role centers on driving Lean/Six Sigma initiatives, optimizing processes, and embedding best practices to elevate efficiency and quality across the organization.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's in Industrial Engineering or related field, with 5+ years in operations or CI roles and a Lean Six Sigma belt being highly desirable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Minimum 5 years in operations or continuous improvement roles.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt desirable.
• Experience with Lean tools: 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement projects using Lean and Six Sigma.
• Analyze processes to identify inefficiencies and improvements.
• Develop and deploy SOPs across departments.
• Facilitate workshops on operational excellence.
• Monitor KPIs on efficiency, quality and cost.
• Collaborate with department heads to embed improvements.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Analytical thinking

Change management

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or related

Tools

5S

Kaizen

Value Stream Mapping

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a respected leader in the wine and spirits industry, is seeking a proactive and analytical Operations Excellence Lead to join their team in the picturesque region of Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This role focuses on driving continuous improvement initiatives, optimizing operational processes, and fostering a culture of efficiency and quality across the organization. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of Lean principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and process optimization techniques. This hybrid position allows for a balance of on-site collaboration and focused remote work, ensuring flexibility while maintaining operational effectiveness. You will be instrumental in identifying bottlenecks, implementing solutions, and embedding best practices throughout our client’s operations in the heart of the Cape Winelands.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of continuous improvement projects using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Analyze existing operational processes to identify inefficiencies and areas for enhancement.
• Develop and deploy standardized operating procedures (SOPs) across various departments.
• Facilitate workshops and training sessions on operational excellence principles for staff.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to operational efficiency, quality, and cost.
• Collaborate with department heads to integrate operational improvements into daily workflows.
• Champion a culture of problem-solving and innovation throughout the organization.
• Prepare reports and presentations on improvement initiatives and their impact.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in operations management or continuous improvement roles, with a strong emphasis on process optimization.
• Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt is highly desirable.
• Proven experience in implementing Lean tools, such as 5S, Kaizen, and Value Stream Mapping.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex data.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and change management skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team in a hybrid work model.
• Experience in the beverage, agricultural, or manufacturing sectors is a plus for this role in Stellenbosch, Western Cape .

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, complemented by performance bonuses and benefits such as comprehensive health insurance and a contribution towards a retirement annuity. Opportunities for professional growth and advanced training in operational excellence. A dynamic and collaborative work environment within a prestigious South African industry. Enjoy the lifestyle benefits of working in the beautiful Stellenbosch, Western Cape region. This hybrid role provides flexibility for a sustainable work-life balance.