Remote Lean Manufacturing Consultant

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work

Global client exposure

Competitive consulting fees

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Remote Lean Manufacturing Consultant to guide global clients in implementing Lean principles. The role focuses on driving efficiency, quality, and cost reduction through virtual coaching and transformational roadmaps.

You will lead workshops (VSM, Kaizen, 5S, Poka-Yoke), develop training, and analyze performance data to quantify improvements. Travel is occasional, remote work is core.

Qualifications

• 5+ years as a Lean Consultant or senior Lean Manufacturing role.
• In-depth knowledge and practical use of Lean tools (VSM, Kaizen, 5S, Kanban, JIT, Poka-Yoke, SMED).
• Proven track record of leading Lean transformations with measurable results.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and strategic thinking skills.
• Demonstrated ability to coach/train stakeholders, preferably remotely.
• Excellent verbal and written communication with strong presentation skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Operations Management/Business; Lean/Six Sigma cert desirable.
• Ability to work independently on multiple client projects; travel occasionally.

Responsibilities

• Assess client manufacturing processes and identify Lean opportunities.
• Develop customized Lean transformation strategies and roadmaps.
• Lead and facilitate Lean workshops (VSM, Kaizen, 5S, Poka-Yoke).
• Coach client personnel at all levels on Lean principles.
• Develop training materials and deliver virtual Lean sessions.
• Analyze process data and metrics to measure Lean impact.
• Recommend solutions for waste, lead-time, and productivity gains.
• Support clients in sustaining a culture of continuous improvement.
• Prepare reports and presentations on progress, findings and recommendations.
• Stay current with Lean and operational-excellence best practices.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent consultancy firm specializing in operational excellence for the manufacturing sector , is seeking an experienced Remote Lean Manufacturing Consultant. This role is entirely remote, allowing professionals to leverage their expertise across a global client base. The consultant will be responsible for guiding manufacturing companies through the implementation of Lean principles and methodologies to drive significant improvements in efficiency, quality, and cost reduction. We are looking for a visionary leader with a deep understanding of Lean tools and techniques, exceptional analytical skills, and the proven ability to coach and mentor client teams virtually. This is an outstanding opportunity to make a substantial impact on diverse manufacturing operations from a remote setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess current manufacturing processes and identify opportunities for Lean implementation.
• Develop customized Lean transformation strategies and roadmaps for clients.
• Lead and facilitate Lean workshops, including Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Kaizen events, 5S, and Poka-Yoke.
• Coach and mentor client personnel at all levels on Lean principles and continuous improvement practices.
• Develop training materials and deliver virtual training sessions on Lean methodologies.
• Analyze process data, performance metrics, and client feedback to measure the effectiveness of Lean initiatives.
• Recommend and help implement solutions for waste reduction, lead time reduction, and productivity enhancement.
• Support clients in establishing and sustaining a culture of continuous improvement.
• Prepare comprehensive reports and presentations on project progress, findings, and recommendations.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements and best practices in Lean manufacturing and operational excellence.

Requirements

• Extensive experience (5+ years) as a Lean Consultant or in a senior Lean Manufacturing role within diverse manufacturing environments.
• In-depth knowledge and practical application of Lean tools and methodologies (VSM, Kaizen, 5S, Kanban, JIT, Poka-Yoke, SMED).
• Proven track record of successfully leading Lean transformations and delivering measurable results.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively coach, train, and influence stakeholders at all organizational levels, preferably in a remote capacity.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with strong presentation capabilities.
• Experience with data analysis and performance metric tracking.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or a related field; advanced degree or Lean/Six Sigma certification (e.g., Shingo Prize, Master Black Belt) is highly desirable.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple client projects simultaneously, and travel occasionally if required (though primarily remote).
• Familiarity with various manufacturing sectors and ability to adapt Lean principles accordingly for clients in regions like Upington, Northern Cape .

Benefits

• Highly flexible, fully remote work arrangement.
• Opportunity to work with a diverse portfolio of manufacturing clients.
• Competitive consulting fees commensurate with experience and project scope.
• Contribute to significant operational improvements and sustainable success for client companies.
• Continuous learning and professional development in the field of operational excellence.
• Be part of a reputable consultancy known for driving impactful change.
• Access to a network of industry experts and resources.