Remote Senior Operations Strategist - Manufacturing

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,482,000 - 2,141,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Global health benefits

Remote-first environment

Continuous learning opportunities

Challenging projects

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Operations Strategist to remotely develop and implement global operational strategies for a leading manufacturing entity. You will analyze complex site data, identify improvement opportunities, and spearhead initiatives to optimize processes, reduce costs, and elevate quality across divisions worldwide.

The role requires a Master's degree and 7+ years in operations management or strategic planning within manufacturing, with expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and MES.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or related discipline.
• 7+ years in operations management, strategic planning, or consulting in manufacturing.
• Proven experience leading large-scale strategies with measurable results.
• Lean, Six Sigma, and Operational Excellence expertise.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine long-term operational strategies aligned with global business objectives.
• Analyze operational performance data from multiple manufacturing sites to identify best practices and areas for improvement.
• Design and lead strategic initiatives focused on process optimization, cost reduction, and quality enhancement.
• Collaborate with site-level operations leaders and cross-functional teams to ensure effective strategy implementation.
• Research and evaluate emerging technologies and methodologies (e.g., Industry 4.0, AI in manufacturing) for potential adoption.
• Develop business cases and financial models to support strategic investment decisions.
• Facilitate virtual workshops and strategic planning sessions with global stakeholders.
• Monitor the execution of strategic plans and report on KPIs to senior leadership.
• Mentor and guide operational teams in implementing strategic changes and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Ensure seamless communication and alignment across diverse and remote operational teams.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Operational Excellence

Analytical thinking

Strategic thinking

Remote leadership

Education

Master's degree in Operations Management / Industrial Engineering / MBA

Tools

MES

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading global manufacturing entity, is seeking an experienced Senior Operations Strategist to join their team in a fully remote capacity. This role is crucial in developing and implementing innovative strategies to enhance operational efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness across our manufacturing divisions worldwide. You will analyze complex operational data, identify strategic opportunities, and lead cross-functional initiatives to drive significant improvements. The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with a deep understanding of modern manufacturing principles and a proven ability to shape and execute impactful strategies from a remote setting. This is an exceptional opportunity to influence global manufacturing operations from anywhere.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and refine long-term operational strategies aligned with global business objectives.
• Analyze operational performance data from multiple manufacturing sites to identify best practices and areas for improvement.
• Design and lead strategic initiatives focused on process optimization, cost reduction, and quality enhancement.
• Collaborate with site-level operations leaders and cross-functional teams to ensure effective strategy implementation.
• Research and evaluate emerging technologies and methodologies (e.g., Industry 4.0, AI in manufacturing) for potential adoption.
• Develop business cases and financial models to support strategic investment decisions.
• Facilitate virtual workshops and strategic planning sessions with global stakeholders.
• Monitor the execution of strategic plans and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to senior leadership.
• Mentor and guide operational teams in implementing strategic changes and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Ensure seamless communication and alignment across diverse and remote operational teams.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in operations management, strategic planning, or consulting within the manufacturing sector.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing large-scale operational strategies with measurable results.
• Expertise in methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Operational Excellence.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesize complex data into actionable strategies.
• Exceptional strategic thinking and foresight capabilities.
• Outstanding virtual communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven ability to lead and influence diverse, globally distributed teams remotely.
• Proficiency in advanced analytics tools and manufacturing execution systems (MES).
• Self-motivated and highly organized, with excellent time management skills for effective remote work.

Benefits

• This fully remote position offers a highly competitive salary and bonus structure, comprehensive global health benefits, and generous retirement planning options.
• You will have the flexibility to work from any location while driving significant impact across our international manufacturing operations.
• Our client is committed to fostering a remote-first work environment that supports employee well-being and professional growth through continuous learning opportunities and challenging projects.
• This is a premier opportunity for a strategic leader to shape the future of manufacturing operations on a global scale.