Senior Operations Engineer

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus package

Remote work

Health insurance

Stock options

Professional development

Strategic influence

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a highly experienced Senior Operations Engineer to lead strategic process improvements and operational initiatives in a remote-capable role. You will mentor engineers, drive Lean and Six Sigma-based optimization, and influence cross-functional teams worldwide to deliver measurable efficiency gains and cost reductions.

The role requires a Master's in a related field and 7+ years in operations engineering or manufacturing leadership, with strong data analytics and leadership

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in operations engineering or manufacturing leadership.
• Deep expertise in Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma (Black Belt preferred).
• Proven ability to lead complex cross-functional projects and deliver measurable results.
• Strong analytical, statistical modeling, and data visualization skills.
• Excellent remote collaboration, leadership, and strategic planning abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the analysis and optimization of complex industrial processes and systems to drive efficiency and cost savings.
• Develop and implement strategic operational improvement plans utilizing Lean, Six Sigma, and other methodologies.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and technical development.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including production, supply chain, and R&D, to ensure alignment and successful project outcomes.
• Define, track, and report on key operational performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success and identify further opportunities.
• Present strategic recommendations and project updates to senior management and stakeholders.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma Black Belt

Process Improvement

Data Visualization

Project Leadership

Remote Collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Industrial Engineering or related field

Tools

Minitab

Excel

SQL

Power BI

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Senior Operations Engineer to lead critical process improvement and operational strategy initiatives, operating in a fully remote capacity. This senior role requires a strategic thinker with a proven track record in optimizing complex industrial systems and driving significant gains in efficiency, cost reduction, and quality. You will mentor junior engineers, champion best practices, and collaborate with diverse global teams to implement transformative solutions. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned professional to leverage their expertise in a flexible, remote-first environment, contributing directly to the strategic direction and operational success of the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the analysis and optimization of complex industrial processes and systems to drive efficiency and cost savings.
• Develop and implement strategic operational improvement plans utilizing Lean, Six Sigma, and other methodologies.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and technical development.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including production, supply chain, and R&D, to ensure alignment and successful project outcomes.
• Define, track, and report on key operational performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success and identify further opportunities.
• Present strategic recommendations and project updates to senior management and stakeholders.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in operations engineering, process improvement, or manufacturing leadership.
• Deep expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma (Black Belt preferred), and advanced problem-solving techniques.
• Proven ability to lead complex projects, manage cross-functional teams, and deliver measurable business results.
• Strong analytical, statistical modeling, and data visualization skills.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and strategic planning abilities, with demonstrated success in remote collaboration.

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive-level salary and comprehensive bonus package.
• Fully remote work environment offering significant flexibility and autonomy.
• Premium health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Generous stock options and long-term incentive plans.
• Substantial budget for professional development, conferences, and advanced certifications.
• Opportunities to shape strategic operational decisions and influence company direction.