Remote Manufacturing Process Improvement Lead

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 2,001,000 - 3,001,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Equity options

Professional development support

Home office allowance

Retirement planning

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Manufacturing Process Improvement Lead to drive excellence across its global footprint. This fully remote role targets a seasoned industrial engineer who excels in strategic planning, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration from any location.

You will identify and implement innovative solutions to enhance manufacturing efficiency, product quality, and cost-effectiveness worldwide, leading change with a remote-first mindset and digital tools.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations with a focus on process improvement.
• Extensive experience leading large-scale Lean and Six Sigma initiatives with relevant certifications (e.g., Black Belt).
• Proven ability to analyze complex manufacturing data and drive data-informed decisions.
• Exceptional skills in project management, stakeholder management, and virtual team leadership.
• Proficiency in process simulation software, statistical analysis tools, and data visualization platforms.
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and influencing skills.
• Experience leading remote teams and managing dispersed stakeholders.
• Ability to translate high-level goals into actionable plans.

Responsibilities

• Lead identification and implementation of process improvement initiatives across global manufacturing sites.
• Utilize data analytics, simulation, and advanced tools to diagnose inefficiencies and opportunities.
• Develop strategic roadmaps for manufacturing process optimization focusing on Lean and Six Sigma.
• Collaborate virtually with site engineers, production managers, and quality teams to drive implementation and sustained results.
• Define KPIs and establish metrics for tracking project success.
• Create and present business cases for process improvement investments to senior leadership.
• Share best practices and lessons learned across the organization.
• Facilitate virtual workshops and training on process improvement methodologies.
• Ensure all solutions comply with safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Act as SME in manufacturing process optimization and continuous improvement.

Skills

Data analytics

Lean Six Sigma

Project management

Virtual team leadership

Process optimization

Statistical analysis

Data visualization

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Industrial Engineering / Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Statistical analysis tools

Data visualization platforms

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled and visionary Remote Manufacturing Process Improvement Lead to drive excellence across their global manufacturing footprint. This is a fully remote position, ideal for a seasoned industrial engineer who excels in strategic planning, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration from any location. You will be responsible for identifying and implementing innovative solutions to enhance manufacturing efficiency, product quality, and cost-effectiveness worldwide. This role requires a self-motivated individual who can lead change, influence stakeholders, and deliver measurable improvements through remote engagement and digital tools. We are looking for a leader with a deep understanding of manufacturing principles and a passion for continuous improvement in a remote-first environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the identification and implementation of process improvement initiatives across global manufacturing sites.
• Utilize data analytics, simulation, and other advanced tools to diagnose inefficiencies and opportunities.
• Develop strategic roadmaps for manufacturing process optimization, focusing on Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles.
• Collaborate virtually with site-level engineers, production managers, and quality teams to drive implementation and ensure sustained results.
• Define key performance indicators (KPIs) and establish metrics for tracking the success of improvement projects.
• Create and present business cases for process improvement investments to senior leadership.
• Develop and share best practices and lessons learned across the organization.
• Facilitate virtual workshops and training sessions on process improvement methodologies.
• Ensure all implemented solutions comply with safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Act as a subject matter expert in manufacturing process optimization and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations, with a significant focus on process improvement and optimization.
• Extensive experience leading large-scale Lean and Six Sigma initiatives, with relevant certifications (e.g., Black Belt).
• Proven ability to analyze complex manufacturing data and drive data-informed decisions.
• Exceptional skills in project management, stakeholder management, and virtual team leadership.
• Proficiency in process simulation software, statistical analysis tools, and data visualization platforms.
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and influencing skills.
• Demonstrated experience in leading remote teams and managing projects with dispersed stakeholders.
• Ability to think strategically and translate high-level goals into actionable plans.
• Must be self-disciplined, highly organized, and capable of working independently in a remote setting.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, including substantial performance-based bonuses and equity options. As a fully remote employee, you will enjoy unparalleled flexibility and the ability to work from anywhere. We provide a comprehensive benefits package, including premium health insurance, retirement planning support, and a generous allowance for home office setup and professional development. This is a unique opportunity to drive significant impact on a global scale, shaping the future of manufacturing excellence for our client, all from the convenience of your remote workspace.