Senior Project Manager - Operational Excellence

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Project Manager to drive operational excellence initiatives from Bloemfontein with remote flexibility. You will lead cross-functional teams to optimize workflows, reduce waste, and implement best practices across the organization, leveraging Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in project management focused on process improvement, strong leadership, and proficient use of PM software and process-mapping tools.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of project management experience in operational excellence.
• Lean Six Sigma knowledge or certification.
• Proven track record of efficiency, cost reduction or quality improvements.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Experience managing remote teams is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional project teams to identify and implement operational improvements.
• Develop detailed project plans with scope, objectives, deliverables, timelines and resources.
• Utilize Lean, Six Sigma and other methodologies to analyze processes and identify enhancements.
• Manage project execution ensuring quality and timelines are met.
• Develop and implement change management strategies for new processes.
• Track KPI progress and report results to senior management.
• Facilitate workshops and training on operational excellence principles.
• Identify and mitigate project risks and dependencies.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.
• Manage project budgets and ensure cost-effectiveness of solutions.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical skills

Change management

KPI tracking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

PM software

Process mapping tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the manufacturing and supply chain industry, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Project Manager to drive initiatives focused on operational excellence. This role is designed for an individual passionate about process improvement, efficiency, and continuous enhancement. You will lead projects aimed at optimizing workflows, reducing waste, and implementing best practices across the organization. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in process engineering, lean methodologies, and project management, with a proven ability to deliver tangible results. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on operational efficiency and cost reduction. Based out of Bloemfontein, Free State , this role offers remote flexibility, allowing for a blend of focused individual work and collaborative project delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional project teams to identify and implement operational improvements.
• Develop detailed project plans, including scope, objectives, deliverables, timelines, and resource requirements.
• Utilize Lean, Six Sigma, and other methodologies to analyze processes and identify areas for enhancement.
• Manage project execution, ensuring adherence to quality standards and timelines.
• Develop and implement change management strategies to ensure successful adoption of new processes.
• Track project progress and key performance indicators (KPIs), reporting on results to senior management.
• Facilitate workshops and training sessions on operational excellence principles.
• Identify and mitigate project risks and dependencies.
• Contribute to the development of a culture of continuous improvement within the organization.
• Manage project budgets and ensure cost-effectiveness of implemented solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in project management, with a strong focus on operational excellence or process improvement.
• Proven experience applying Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
• Demonstrated success in managing projects that resulted in measurable improvements in efficiency, cost reduction, or quality.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in project management software and process mapping tools.
• Experience managing remote teams and projects is advantageous.
• Certification in Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt or Black Belt) is highly preferred.
• Strong ability to influence stakeholders and drive change.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, including performance-based bonuses and comprehensive benefits such as medical aid and a provident fund.
• We provide significant opportunities for professional growth, including advanced training in Lean Six Sigma and project management methodologies.
• The remote flexibility allows for a great work-life balance.
• Our client fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, encouraging employees to take ownership and contribute to meaningful improvements.
• We invest in our employees' development, offering clear career advancement paths within the operational excellence domain.
• This role provides the chance to significantly impact the company's efficiency and success.