Operational Excellence Manager

Job Purpose:

The Operational Excellence Manager will lead efforts to identify inefficiencies in business operations and implement cost optimization strategies across the Business Units. This role will analyse processes, benchmark performance, and deploy methodologies like Six Sigma to drive efficiency gains and cost savings, targeting 5–10% cost reductions annually, enhancing the group's agility and profitability.

Key Accountabilities:

Inefficiency Identification & Analysis (30%)

• Operational Diagnostics:
  Conduct detailed assessments of BU operations (sales, service, parts, real-estate, hospitality, oil & gas etc.) to identify inefficiencies, such as redundant processes or high costs.
• Performance Benchmarking
  : Collaborate with the insights team to benchmark operational metrics (e.g., cost-to-revenue ratios, labour productivity) vs best in the industry, identifying gaps.
• Root Cause Analysis
  : Use tools like fishbone diagrams to pinpoint causes of inefficiencies, such as redundant processes, functional overlaps, fragmented or manual processes etc.
• Data-Driven Insights
  : Analyse performance data from balanced scorecards and BU reports to highlight areas with opportunity to optimize and bring efficiencies.

Cost Optimization & Process Improvement (35%)

• Optimization Strategies:
  Develop and prioritize initiatives to reduce costs, such as eliminating redundant steps, centralized job functions, automation, or energy-efficient systems.
• Methodology Deployment:
  Apply Lean, Six Sigma, or similar frameworks to streamline processes.
• Cross-BU Synergies
  :
  Identify opportunities for shared services to achieve economies of scale across BUs.
• Pilot & Scale:
  Design pilot projects for high-impact optimizations and scale successful initiatives across BUs, ensuring measurable outcomes.

Execution & Collaboration (25%)

• Project Implementation:
  Partner with the Strategic PMO to design and execute efficiency projects, defining scope, timelines, and KPIs.
• BU Engagement:
  Work with BU leaders to gain buy-in for optimization initiatives, addressing concerns like operational disruptions or staff retraining needs.
• Change Management
  : Develop training programs and communication plans to drive BU adoption of new processes.
• Reporting:
  Deliver monthly efficiency reports to the leadership, highlighting cost savings, process improvements, and ROI.

Culture & Capability Building (10%)

• Continuous Improvement Culture:
  Champion a culture of operational excellence through workshops, recognition programs, and BU-specific improvement challenges (e.g., "Efficiency Idea of the Month").
• Training Programs:
  Train BU teams on efficiency methodologies (e.g., Lean fundamentals, Six Sigma basics) to build internal capability and sustain improvements.
• Best Practice Sharing:
  Facilitate cross-BU knowledge exchange.
• Metrics Development:
  Establish metrics to track efficiency engagement.

Qualifications, Skills, & Experience:

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• Expertise in efficiency methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, Kaizen) and process mapping tools (e.g., Visio).
• Proficiency in data analysis and visualization platforms for performance diagnostics.
• Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., MS Project) for optimization project oversight.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in operational excellence, process improvement, or management consulting, with 3+ years leading efficiency or cost optimization initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience in multi-sector industries such as Automotive, Real Estate, and Oil & Gas.
• Proven track record of delivering measurable cost savings and process improvements in a multi-unit organization.
• Process Optimization:
  Ability to streamline complex operations to deliver measurable efficiency gains.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making:
  Skill in leveraging data to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Cross-Functional Leadership:
  Proficiency in uniting BU teams around efficiency goals, overcoming resistance to change.
• Change Advocacy:
  Capacity to foster a culture of continuous improvement, embedding efficiency mind-sets across the BUs.