Regional Head of Standardization & Ops Excellence IMEA

Maersk SA (Pty) Ltd; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 2,400,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Maersk is seeking a Regional Head of Operations Excellence and Standardisation to shape and drive a rigorous CI framework across multiple sites in IMEA. The role embeds standardisation, delivers large-scale process improvements, and equips on-site engineers with the tools and training to execute CI effectively.

The candidate will translate global initiatives into locally feasible programs, lead governance, and collaborate with global and regional stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent; experience with CI methodologies.
• Stakeholder management proven; translate strategy into operational plans.
• Willingness to travel regularly across the region.

Responsibilities

• Represent regional and global CI initiatives and adapt rollouts locally.
• Collaborate with area, regional and global stakeholders to fit initiatives for local facilities.
• Design and deliver tools, training, and coaching for on-site engineers.
• Define and enforce a standard CI framework with clear problem statements and measurable criteria.
• Ensure adherence to standards; conduct audits and governance checkpoints.
• Identify opportunities using automation, AI, and digital analytics to scale improvements.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

CI methodologies (Lean Kaizen DMAIC)

Automation & AI in operations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Regional Head of Operations Excellence and Standardisation A senior regional role responsible for shaping, driving, and embedding a consistent, measurable approach to continuous improvement across multiple facilities and product families. This leader represents IMEA in regional and global forums, translates global initiatives into locally feasible programs, equips on-site industrial engineering teams with the right tools and skills, and delivers large-scale process improvements through standardisation and technology.

Role Summary

Purpose: Ensure continuous improvement (CI) is delivered through a single, rigorous framework that produces provable, measurable outcomes and scalable standardisation across sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Regional and Global Representation RepresentIMA in regional and global conversations; advocate for local needs and operational nuances when new operations excellence initiatives are designed and approved.
• Stakeholder Collaboration and Initiative Fit Work with area, regional and global stakeholders to review, refine, and adapt rollouts so initiatives are fit for purpose and feasible for local facilities.
• Capability Building for Industrial Engineering Teams Design and deliver tools, training, and coaching to equip on-site industrial engineers with the methods and skill sets needed to execute CI effectively.
• Standard CI Framework Ownership Define, maintain, and enforce a standard CI framework that requires a clear problem statement, root-cause analysis, hypothesis testing, and measurable success criteria.
• Governance and Compliance Ensure industrial engineers and local teams apply the agreed standards; run audits, reviews, and governance checkpoints to maintain consistency and quality.
• Scale Improvements with Technology Identify and prioritise opportunities for large-scale process improvements leveraging automation and technology, including AI, robotics, and digital analytics.

Classification: Internal

• Standardisation Implementation Partner with local operations to implement and sustain standardised processes, work instructions, and performance metrics across sites.
• Change Management and Adoption Lead change management efforts to secure buy-in, measure adoption, and remove barriers to sustained improvement.

Required Experience and Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Technical Skills: Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent; experience with CI methodologies (Lean, Kaizen, DMAIC); familiarity with automation, AI use cases, and digital transformation in operations.
• Stakeholder Management: Proven track record influencing regional and global stakeholders and translating strategy into operational plans.
• Language and Travel: Strong communication skills; willingness to travel regularly across the region.

Core Competencies and Behaviours

• Strategic Thinking: Translate global strategy into practical, locally feasible initiatives.
• Coaching and Development: Build capability through training, mentoring, and hands-on support.
• Analytical Rigor: Use data to define problems, test hypotheses, and prove impact.
• Change Leadership: Drive adoption through clear communication, stakeholder engagement, and measurable milestones.
• Technical Curiosity: Evaluate and pilot automation and AI solutions that scale.
• Collaboration: Work effectively across functions - operations, engineering, IT, HR, and procurement.

Success Metrics and KPIs

• CI Project Delivery: Number of CI projects completed to standard per quarter; percentage meeting defined success criteria.
• Standardisation Coverage: Percentage of sites with implemented standard processes and documented work instructions.
• Impact Measures: Aggregate cost savings, throughput improvements, quality gains attributable to CI and automation initiatives.
• Capability Development: Training hours delivered; percentage of industrial engineers certified in the standard framework.
• Adoption and Compliance: Audit scores for CI framework adherence; rate of sustained improvements at 3- and 6-month checkpoints.
• Innovation Pipeline: Number of automation/AI pilots initiated and scaled.

Maersk is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we embrace different styles of thinking.

Maersk is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants without regard to race, colour, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy or parental leave, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all legal requirements. We are happy to support your need for any adjustments during the application and hiring process.

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A.P. Moller - Maersk is an integrated container logistics company working to connect and simplify its customer's supply chains. As the global leader in shipping services, the company operates in 130 countries and employs roughly 100,000 people. With simple end-to-end offering of products and digital services, seamless customer engagement and a superior end-to-end delivery network, Maersk enables its customers to trade and grow by transporting goods anywhere - all over the world. For more information All the way.