Principal Operations Consultant

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Career development

Executive coaching

Training opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks a Principal Operations Consultant to lead engagements that boost operational efficiency, optimize supply chains, and re-engineer business processes across sectors. This senior role requires guiding client teams and delivering innovative, measurable improvements.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in operations management or consulting, with deep lean and Six Sigma expertise, strong analytics, and exceptional stakeholder management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of progressive experience in operations management or operational consulting.
• Proven track record of leading successful operational improvement initiatives.
• Deep understanding of lean principles, Six Sigma, supply chain optimization, and process re-engineering.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and quantitative skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage client relationships and project teams effectively.
• Experience in diverse industries is an advantage.
• Ability to travel within Durban, KwaZulu-Natal and occasionally to other locations as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex operational consulting projects from diagnosis to implementation.
• Analyze current business processes, identifying bottlenecks and areas for improvement in efficiency and effectiveness.
• Design and implement optimized operational strategies, supply chain solutions, and lean methodologies.
• Develop and manage project plans, budgets, and timelines, ensuring successful delivery.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key client stakeholders, including senior management.
• Mentor and guide junior consultants, fostering their professional development in operations consulting.
• Contribute to business development efforts, including proposal creation and client relationship expansion.
• Conduct data analysis to support recommendations and measure the impact of implemented solutions.
• Facilitate workshops and training sessions for client teams on operational best practices.

Skills

Operations management

Lean methodologies

Six Sigma

Supply chain optimization

Process re-engineering

Data analysis

Client relationship management

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Operations Management/Industrial Engineering/Business Administration

Tools

Excel

MS Visio

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier management consulting firm, is seeking an experienced Principal Operations Consultant to join their growing practice in **Durban, KwaZulu-Natal**. This senior role involves leading engagements focused on optimizing operational efficiency, supply chain management, and business process re‑engineering for clients across various sectors. You will be responsible for guiding client teams, developing innovative solutions, and ensuring the successful implementation of operational improvements. The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in operations management, a strategic mindset, and a passion for driving tangible results. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact within the **Durban** business community and contribute to the firm's strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex operational consulting projects from diagnosis to implementation.
• Analyze current business processes, identifying bottlenecks and areas for improvement in efficiency and effectiveness.
• Design and implement optimized operational strategies, supply chain solutions, and lean methodologies.
• Develop and manage project plans, budgets, and timelines, ensuring successful delivery.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key client stakeholders, including senior management.
• Mentor and guide junior consultants, fostering their professional development in operations consulting.
• Contribute to business development efforts, including proposal creation and client relationship expansion.
• Conduct data analysis to support recommendations and measure the impact of implemented solutions.
• Facilitate workshops and training sessions for client teams on operational best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in operations management or operational consulting.
• Proven track record of leading successful operational improvement initiatives.
• Deep understanding of lean principles, Six Sigma, supply chain optimization, and process re‑engineering.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and quantitative skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage client relationships and project teams effectively.
• Experience in diverse industries is an advantage.
• Ability to travel within **Durban, KwaZulu-Natal** and occasionally to other locations as required.

Benefits

Our client provides a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and retirement contributions. You will have access to continuous learning and development opportunities, including executive coaching and specialized training. The firm offers a dynamic and collaborative work environment with a focus on innovation and client success. We promote a healthy work‑life balance and offer generous annual leave. Opportunities for career advancement are substantial. Join a respected consultancy impacting **Durban** businesses.