Senior Business Analyst - Production

Agri Technovation; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agritech company in South Africa is seeking a Senior Business Analyst - Production to lead the design and optimisation of digital production systems. This role emphasizes improving efficiency and operational visibility through integration of tools like DDMRP, ERP, MES, and preventative maintenance solutions. The ideal candidate will have a degree in engineering and at least 5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment. Strong analytical and project management skills are essential for this position.

Qualifications

• 5 years' experience in a manufacturing or processing environment.
• Experience with digitalisation platforms including DDMRP, ERP, MES, CMMS, and SCADA.

Responsibilities

• Lead digital production projects from scoping through implementation and adoption.
• Identify and implement digitalisation initiatives that simplify workflows.
• Support integration across ERP, MES, CMMS, SCADA, and other production platforms.
• Analyse downtime and equipment performance data for maintenance strategies.

Skills

Analytical capabilities

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Project leadership

Education

Degree in relevant Engineering

Tools

DDMRP

ERP

MES

CMMS

SCADA

Job description

Overview

The Senior Business Analyst - Production is responsible for leading the design, rollout, and continuous optimisation of digital production systems that support smart factory capability. The role focuses on improving efficiency, traceability, equipment reliability, and operational visibility by enabling digital workflows and connecting systems across the manufacturing environment.

Key focus areas include integration of digital tools across operational platforms including DDMRP, ERP, MES, CMMS, SCADA, tracking systems for materials and production activities, and preventative maintenance digital solutions that support equipment reliability and performance.

Key Responsibilities

Digital Production Systems Development

• Identify and implement digitalisation initiatives that simplify workflows and reduce manual effort.
• Support integration across ERP, MES, CMMS, SCADA, DDMRP, and other production platforms.
• Collaborate with Production, Engineering, Maintenance, and IT to ensure digital tools address operational requirements.
• Support standardisation and governance of digital processes and documentation.

Tracking Solutions

• Develop and optimise digital tracking systems for materials, WIP, finished goods, and equipment identification.
• Standardise tracking workflows, device usage, and data structures across production teams.
• Enable traceability and visibility to support operational control, analysis, and improvement.

Preventative Maintenance (PM) Digital Solutions

• Analyse downtime and equipment performance data to support preventative and predictive maintenance strategies.
• Implement or enhance CMMS systems including scheduling, digital inspections, and automated notifications.
• Develop asset reliability dashboards and track KPIs (e.g., MTBF, MTTR, downtime, completion rates).
• Standardise digital checklists, inspections, and maintenance workflows.

Process Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Conduct process mapping, bottleneck analysis, workflow optimisation, and capacity studies.
• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Improve material flow, operator utilisation, and equipment efficiency.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Analyse operational, tracking, performance, and maintenance data to identify opportunities.
• Build dashboards and KPIs that promote operational transparency and performance improvement.
• Maintain data accuracy and governance across digital platforms.

Project Management

• Lead digital production projects from scoping through implementation and adoption.
• Develop project plans, schedules, and communication frameworks.
• Coordinate internal teams, solution providers, and technology partners.
• Ensure sustainability and ongoing optimisation of digital solutions.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in relevant Engineering
• 5 years' experience in a manufacturing or processing environment.
• Experience with digitalisation platforms including DDMRP, ERP, MES, CMMS, and SCADA.

Key Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
• Ability to convert operational needs into practical, scalable digital solutions.
• Understanding of automation, digital workflows, and maintenance environments.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong planning, documentation, and project leadership ability.