Senior Project Manager - Operational Efficiency

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Performance-based bonuses

Health and retirement benefits

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency in the Nelspruit area. The role combines on-site collaboration with remote work flexibility, reporting to senior operations leadership.

The ideal candidate will have 7+ years of experience managing complex cross-functional projects, strong analytical abilities, and a solid background in operations, supply chain, or manufacturing. Lean/Six Sigma or PMP certification is highly desirable.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of project management experience with focus on operational efficiency.
• Proven track record leading complex cross-functional operational projects.
• Strong understanding of operational processes, supply chain, or manufacturing.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Proficiency with project management software (MS Project, Smartsheet).
• Bachelor's degree in related field.
• PMP or Lean Six Sigma Belt desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution, and completion of projects to improve efficiency and productivity.
• Define scope, objectives, deliverables, and success criteria with operations leaders.
• Develop detailed project plans with timelines, resources, and budget.
• Manage project teams, foster collaboration, and ensure clear communication among stakeholders.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate operational risks and impediments with proactive solutions.
• Monitor progress against KPIs and report to senior management.
• Implement best practices in operational management and project execution.
• Analyze data to identify improvements and drive data-informed decisions.
• Ensure efficient use of resources and budget adherence.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Critical thinking

Education

Ops Management degree

Industrial Engineering

Business Administration

Tools

MS Project

Smartsheet

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading company in the agricultural technology sector based in Nelspruit, is looking for a highly experienced Senior Project Manager to lead initiatives focused on improving operational efficiency. This hybrid role involves overseeing projects that enhance productivity, streamline workflows, and implement new operational strategies across various business units. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of operational processes, excellent analytical capabilities, and a proven track record in managing complex projects. You will work closely with operations teams, engineers, and management to drive significant improvements. This position offers a balance of on-site collaboration and remote work flexibility, supporting a dynamic and productive work environment in the Nelspruit region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and successful completion of projects aimed at improving operational efficiency and productivity.
• Define project scope, objectives, deliverables, and success criteria in collaboration with operational leaders.
• Develop detailed project plans, including work breakdown structures, timelines, resource allocation, and budget management.
• Manage project teams, foster collaboration, and ensure effective communication among all stakeholders.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate operational risks and project impediments, developing proactive solutions.
• Monitor project progress against key performance indicators (KPIs), providing regular status updates and comprehensive reports to senior management.
• Implement best practices in operational management and project execution.
• Analyze operational data to identify areas for improvement and drive data-informed decision-making.
• Ensure the efficient use of resources and adherence to project budgets.

Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of project management experience, with a significant focus on operational efficiency, process improvement, or lean/six sigma projects.
• Demonstrated success in leading complex, cross-functional operational projects from initiation to completion.
• Strong understanding of operational processes, supply chain, manufacturing, or related fields.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet) and operational analysis tools.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• A Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• PMP or Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt certification is highly desirable.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, with scheduled on-site presence in Nelspruit and remote work flexibility.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, performance-based bonuses, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, and opportunities for professional development.
• The hybrid work model in Nelspruit promotes a healthy work-life balance.
• You will join a dynamic team and contribute to meaningful operational improvements within a leading agricultural technology company.
• This role provides the chance to make a tangible impact on the company's success.