Principal Consultant - Operations Excellence

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,900,000 - 2,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive level compensation

Professional development programs

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Impactful projects in Durban-area

Supportive, learning-focused culture

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a distinguished Principal Consultant focused on Operations Excellence to bolster its Durban team. You will lead major operational transformation programs, optimize processes and supply chains, and deliver measurable improvements in productivity, cost, and quality for diverse clients.

The role requires 10+ years in operations management or consulting, deep Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen expertise, and strong leadership to guide high-performing teams and executive engagements

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a quantitative field or related discipline.
• 10+ years in operations management, supply chain, or operations consulting.
• Proven track record leading large-scale operational improvements.
• Expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and process re-engineering.
• Strong leadership, negotiation, and client relationship skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead engagements to boost operational efficiency and supply chain performance.
• Diagnose bottlenecks using data-driven analysis and lean methods.
• Develop and execute strategic initiatives to raise productivity and cut costs.
• Manage executive-level client relationships and ensure project success.
• mentor client teams on continuous improvement and best practices.
• Contribute to thought leadership and business development in Operations Excellence.

Skills

Lean & Six Sigma expertise

Data-driven problem solving

Leadership & stakeholder management

Process re-engineering

Kaizen & continuous improvement

Education

Advanced degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or Business Administration

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a respected name in management consultancy, is seeking a distinguished Principal Consultant focused on Operations Excellence to bolster their team in Durban . This senior position requires a strategic thinker with deep expertise in optimizing business processes, supply chains, and operational efficiency for clients across diverse sectors. You will be responsible for leading major operational transformation programs, driving measurable improvements in productivity, cost reduction, and quality. This role is ideal for a seasoned professional who excels at diagnosing complex operational issues, developing innovative solutions, and guiding organizations toward superior performance, contributing to the firm's reputation for delivering tangible results.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead engagements focused on enhancing operational efficiency, streamlining processes, and implementing best practices in supply chain management and manufacturing.
• Diagnose operational bottlenecks and inefficiencies using data-driven analysis and lean methodologies.
• Develop and oversee the execution of strategic initiatives to improve productivity, reduce costs, and enhance quality control.
• Manage client relationships at the executive level, building trust and ensuring successful project outcomes.
• Mentor and coach client teams on continuous improvement techniques and operational best practices.
• Contribute to thought leadership and business development efforts within the Operations Excellence domain for the firm.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related quantitative field.
• Over 10 years of progressive experience in operations management, supply chain, or operations consulting.
• Demonstrated success in leading and implementing large-scale operational improvement projects.
• Expertise in methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and process re-engineering.
• Strong leadership, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in building and managing high-performing consulting teams and client relationships.

Benefits

• An executive-level compensation package, including a substantial base salary and performance bonuses.
• Access to professional development programs and opportunities for leadership growth.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Work on impactful projects that drive significant operational change for prominent Durban -based organizations.
• A supportive and collegial work environment focused on continuous learning and professional excellence.