Operations Excellence Manager

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement benefits

Bonuses

Professional development

Paid time off

Cutting-edge manufacturing technology

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Operations Excellence Manager to lead continuous improvement initiatives across its Bloemfontein facilities. You will drive efficiency, quality and productivity through Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, guiding cross-functional teams to implement data-driven improvements.

The role requires a strong analytical mindset, exceptional leadership, and deep understanding of manufacturing processes in a Bloemfontein context.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in operations management or process improvement, preferably within the manufacturing sector.
• Proven experience implementing Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies (Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive change initiatives.
• Proficiency in process mapping, data analysis, and performance tracking tools.
• Experience working in a Bloemfontein-based manufacturing environment is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive operations excellence strategy aligned with company goals.
• Lead and facilitate continuous improvement projects using Lean, Six Sigma, and other relevant methodologies.
• Identify operational inefficiencies and bottlenecks, developing data-driven solutions.
• Train and mentor employees at all levels on continuous improvement principles and practices.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for operational excellence.
• Conduct regular process audits and assessments to ensure adherence to standards and identify areas for improvement.
• Drive a culture of quality and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
• Collaborate with department heads to integrate operational excellence initiatives into daily operations.
• Report on progress and outcomes of improvement initiatives to senior management.
• Benchmark best practices and stay abreast of industry advancements in operations excellence.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Leadership

Data analysis

Project management

Cross-functional teams

Process mapping

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Operations Management/Business Administration

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading automotive manufacturing firm, is seeking an experienced Operations Excellence Manager to drive continuous improvement initiatives across its facilities in Bloemfontein. This critical role focuses on enhancing operational efficiency, quality, and productivity through the implementation of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other best-practice methodologies. The ideal candidate will possess a strong analytical mindset, exceptional leadership skills, and a deep understanding of manufacturing processes. You will be responsible for identifying areas of opportunity, developing improvement strategies, and leading cross-functional teams to implement sustainable changes. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on the operational performance of a major player in the automotive industry, based in Bloemfontein. Your expertise will be key to maintaining high standards and driving innovation in a competitive market.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive operations excellence strategy aligned with company goals.
• Lead and facilitate continuous improvement projects using Lean, Six Sigma, and other relevant methodologies.
• Identify operational inefficiencies and bottlenecks, developing data-driven solutions.
• Train and mentor employees at all levels on continuous improvement principles and practices.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for operational excellence.
• Conduct regular process audits and assessments to ensure adherence to standards and identify areas for improvement.
• Drive a culture of quality and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
• Collaborate with department heads to integrate operational excellence initiatives into daily operations.
• Report on progress and outcomes of improvement initiatives to senior management.
• Benchmark best practices and stay abreast of industry advancements in operations excellence.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in operations management or process improvement, preferably within the manufacturing sector.
• Proven experience implementing Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies (Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive change initiatives.
• Proficiency in process mapping, data analysis, and performance tracking tools.
• Experience working in a Bloemfontein-based manufacturing environment is highly desirable.
• A passion for continuous improvement and operational efficiency.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of R .
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement benefits.
• Performance-based annual bonuses.
• Opportunities for professional development and advanced certifications.
• Generous paid time off.
• Exposure to cutting-edge manufacturing technologies.
• A dynamic work environment focused on innovation and excellence in Bloemfontein.