Senior Project Manager - Operational Excellence

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonus

Medical aid and retirement fund

Professional development

Hybrid work model

Generous annual leave

Employee assistance programs

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Project Manager for a Vereeniging-based manufacturing leader. You will lead operational-excellence initiatives, directing cross-functional teams to optimize processes and drive measurable improvements that boost efficiency and profitability.

The role requires 7+ years in manufacturing project management, a Bachelor's in Engineering or Business Admin, and Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt preferred.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of project management experience in manufacturing or operations.
• Proven track record in operational excellence and process improvement.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Business Administration.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution, and delivery of operational excellence projects.
• Develop detailed project plans with scope, timelines, budgets, and resources.
• Manage project teams and coordinate cross-functional collaboration.
• Identify bottlenecks and implement Lean/Six Sigma solutions.
• Monitor KPIs and report outcomes to senior management.
• Manage risks and change management to ensure adoption.
• Document lessons learned and best practices post-project.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Lean Six Sigma

Cross-functional teamwork

Data-driven decisions

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering

Bachelor's in Business Admin

Tools

MS Project

Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the manufacturing sector located in Vereeniging , is seeking a highly skilled Senior Project Manager to champion initiatives focused on operational excellence. This critical role will involve leading projects aimed at enhancing efficiency, optimizing processes, and driving continuous improvement across various operational facets. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in manufacturing operations, coupled with proven project management expertise and a passion for achieving measurable improvements. You will work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to implement best practices and ensure the successful execution of strategic operational projects. This position offers an excellent opportunity to make a tangible impact on the company's productivity and profitability. The role is based in Vereeniging and offers a hybrid work arrangement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and successful completion of projects focused on operational excellence, efficiency improvements, and process optimization.
• Develop detailed project plans, including scope, objectives, deliverables, timelines, budgets, and resource allocation.
• Manage project teams, fostering a collaborative and results-driven environment.
• Identify operational bottlenecks and inefficiencies, and develop effective solutions.
• Implement Lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and other continuous improvement techniques.
• Monitor project progress, track key performance indicators (KPIs), and report on outcomes to senior management.
• Manage project risks and issues, developing and implementing mitigation strategies.
• Ensure effective communication and engagement with all stakeholders, including plant management and operational staff.
• Facilitate change management processes to ensure smooth adoption of new operational procedures.
• Conduct post-project reviews and document best practices and lessons learned.

Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of project management experience, with a significant portion in manufacturing or operations-focused roles.
• Proven experience leading operational excellence, process improvement, or continuous improvement projects.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, or similar), Business Administration, or a related field.
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt) is strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, supply chain, and quality management systems.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Excel for data analysis).
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong analytical skills and data-driven decision-making capabilities.
• Experience in managing change within an industrial environment.
• Must be based in or willing to commute to Vereeniging .

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund.
• Opportunities for professional development and advanced training.
• A challenging and rewarding role within a leading industrial company.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility.
• Generous annual leave.
• Employee assistance programs.