Senior Operations Excellence Engineer

Placements24; Impendle Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual bonus

Health insurance

Pension plan

Relocation assistance

Professional development

Laptop & phone

Paid annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Operations Excellence Engineer to drive continuous improvement across mining and processing operations. The role emphasizes Lean, Six Sigma, and CI frameworks to analyze, redesign, and optimize processes, and to mentor teams in implementing sustainable improvements.

The ideal candidate will lead cross-functional initiatives, map value streams, and develop SOPs while tracking safety, productivity, and cost KPIs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial, Mechanical, Mining, or related field.
• 7+ years in operations, CI, or industrial engineering—mining/heavy industry preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt is highly preferred.
• Proven track record leading and delivering improvement projects.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and facilitation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and champion operations excellence initiatives across the company.
• Analyze current processes to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
• Develop and implement lean, Six Sigma and CI strategies.
• Conduct process mapping, value stream analysis and root cause analysis.
• Develop SOPs and best practices; train site personnel.
• Monitor KPIs for safety, productivity, cost and quality.
• Facilitate workshops and Kaizen events for rapid improvements.
• Collaborate with management to implement improvement projects.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Process mapping

Root cause analysis

Kaizen events

Leadership

Education

Bachelors in IE

Tools

Minitab

Excel

ERP systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading mining services provider, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Operations Excellence Engineer to join their team in Kimberley . This role is dedicated to driving operational improvements and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across various mining and processing operations. You will be responsible for analyzing existing processes, identifying opportunities for efficiency gains, cost reduction, and enhanced safety performance. Utilizing methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, and other operational excellence frameworks, you will lead initiatives, mentor teams, and implement sustainable solutions. This hybrid role offers a dynamic work environment where you can leverage your expertise to make a significant impact on operational efficiency and productivity in the heart of the Northern Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and champion operations excellence initiatives across the company.
• Analyze current operational processes, identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement.
• Develop and implement strategies using Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Conduct process mapping, value stream analysis, and root cause analysis to drive solutions.
• Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and best practices.
• Train and coach site personnel and teams on operational excellence tools and techniques.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to safety, productivity, cost, and quality.
• Facilitate workshops and Kaizen events to drive rapid improvements.
• Collaborate with site management and operational teams to ensure successful implementation of improvement projects.
• Prepare reports and presentations on improvement initiatives and their outcomes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mining Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in operations, continuous improvement, or industrial engineering, preferably in the mining or heavy industry sector.
• Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt is highly preferred.
• Proven track record of leading and successfully implementing operational improvement projects.
• Strong understanding of mining or related industrial processes.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and facilitation skills.
• Proficiency in process improvement tools and software.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing remote analysis with on-site observations and implementation support.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Kimberley , Northern Cape .

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Performance-based annual bonus.
• Comprehensive health insurance and life cover.
• Generous pension fund contribution.
• Relocation assistance package.
• Opportunities for professional development and further certifications.
• A challenging and rewarding work environment.
• Company laptop and mobile phone.
• Paid annual leave.
• Potential for career advancement within a growing organization.