Principal Consultant - Operations Optimization

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement planning

Professional development

Diverse challenges

Collaborative environment

Impactful work

Job summary

Placements24 in Rustenburg, North West seeks a Principal Consultant to drive operational excellence across client engagements. You will diagnose complex challenges, lead large transformation programs and deliver data-driven improvements in supply chains, manufacturing and service delivery.

The role demands strategic leadership and cross-functional collaboration. With a strong background in lean/Six Sigma, you will mentor teams, present actionable recommendations to executives and help shape the

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a quantitative field.
• 8-10 years of progressive experience in operations management or consulting.
• Experience leading large-scale operational transformation projects.
• Expertise in lean, Six Sigma, supply chain management or similar.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and strategic thinking.
• Outstanding communication, negotiation and presentation skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and multiple stakeholders.
• Leadership and team management experience.
• Willingness to travel within Rustenburg, North West and nationally.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of operational improvement strategies for clients.
• Conduct analyses of client operations including supply chain, manufacturing and service delivery.
• Develop and present recommendations for process re-engineering and cost reduction.
• Manage project teams ensuring timely, high-quality delivery.
• Facilitate workshops and training sessions for client staff.
• Build relationships with executive-level client stakeholders.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with operational changes.
• Contribute to development of intellectual property and thought leadership.
• Mentor and coach junior consultants.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Negotiation

Presentation skills

Leadership

Team management

Education

Master's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration or related quantitative field

Tools

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Supply chain management

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished firm in the Management Consultancy arena, is actively seeking a highly experienced Principal Consultant to enhance their esteemed practice located in Rustenburg, North West. This senior role is designed for an individual with a deep understanding of operational excellence and a proven ability to drive efficiency and effectiveness within client organizations. You will lead complex projects focused on optimizing supply chains, improving manufacturing processes, enhancing logistics, and streamlining service delivery. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, combined with strong leadership capabilities and a strategic mindset. You will engage directly with senior management of client companies, diagnosing intricate operational challenges and formulating innovative, data-driven solutions. This is a unique opportunity to leverage your expertise in a challenging yet rewarding environment, shaping the operational future of businesses in the Rustenburg area and beyond. We are looking for a proactive, results-oriented professional who can inspire teams and deliver tangible improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of operational improvement strategies for clients.
• Conduct in-depth analyses of client operations, including supply chain, manufacturing, and service delivery processes.
• Develop and present detailed recommendations for process re-engineering, cost reduction, and efficiency gains.
• Manage project teams, ensuring timely and high-quality delivery of consulting engagements.
• Facilitate workshops and training sessions for client staff on new operational methodologies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key client stakeholders at executive levels.
• Identify and assess risks associated with operational changes and develop mitigation plans.
• Contribute to the development of intellectual property and thought leadership in operations consulting.
• Mentor and coach junior consultants, fostering their professional development.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related quantitative field.
• A minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in operations management or operational consulting.
• Demonstrated experience in leading large-scale operational transformation projects.
• Expertise in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, supply chain management, or other operational excellence methodologies.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking abilities.
• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and multiple stakeholders simultaneously.
• Strong leadership qualities and experience in team management.
• Willingness to travel to client sites as needed within Rustenburg, North West and nationally.

Benefits

• Highly competitive remuneration package.
• Comprehensive benefits including health insurance and retirement planning.
• Significant investment in professional development and continuous learning.
• Exposure to diverse and impactful operational challenges.
• A stimulating and collaborative consulting environment.
• The opportunity to make a substantial impact on client operational performance.