16 Lean Management jobs in South Africa

Job Title:

Continuous Improvement Manager

Job Description

We're looking for a highly motivated Continuous Improvement Manager to join our dynamic team. You'll play a vital role in identifying and delivering service improvement activities and embed a culture of improvement to drive our business forward.

This opportunity requires a well experienced and highly organised individual to lead and deliver improvement initiatives by using process improvement methodologies and innovative thinking ensuring that improvements are not just temporary but lasting

If you have a critical eye for detail, a strategic way of thinking with persuasive communication skills and have a proven track record of achieving positive results in the Customer Experience sector, then take this moment to apply today

What you'll be doing

• Identifying process and policy improvements to improve customer experience

• Identifying opportunities to drive efficiency gains

• Ensuring optimisation of best practice to deliver a best in class operation in all work streams

• Identifying opportunities to exceed on delivery of operational objectives, maximise revenue and achieve business objectives

• Ensuring change control framework is adhered and reported

• Ensuring compliance framework standards and policies are met and adhered to

• Growing and developing your people

• Communicating key messages within the campaigns by working with the management team and our ambassadors

• Acting as a lead and working closely with clients, key internal and external stakeholders across regions and other support areas to ensure alignment of plans and initiatives

What you'll need

• 5 years' experience in a senior Operations Manager position

• Previous CX and CI experience

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills

• Experience in shaping and formulating operational strategic plans

• Demonstrable experience of senior stakeholder management

• Ability to deliver agreed programmes of work and embed initiatives for improvement

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel working within this job title.

Concentrix is an equal opportunity employer, We're proudly united as one team, one company, globally. We're committed to equal employment opportunities for all candidates and a work environment free from discrimination and harassment. All our recruitment practices are based on business needs, job requirements, and professional qualifications, without regard to race, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, family or parental status, national origin, disability, or any other classification protected by applicable national laws.

Location:

ZAF Cape Town - 10 Rua, Da Gama St, Foreshore, Cape Town

Language Requirements:

Time Type:

Full time

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Function: Supply Chain

Work Level: 2B

Reports to: Head of Performance Delivery – Africa & NAMET

Scope: Africa & PTAB

Location: Southern Africa, East/West Africa, Turkey or India

Terms & Conditions: Full time

ABOUT UNILEVER

With 3.4 billion people in over 190 countries using our products every day, Unilever is a business that makes a real impact on the world. Work on brands that are loved and improve the lives of our consumers and the communities around us. We are driven by our purpose: to make sustainable living commonplace, and it is our belief that doing business the right way drives superior performance. At the heart of what we do is our people – we believe that when our people work with purpose, we will create a better business and a better world.

At Unilever, your career will be a unique journey, grounded in our inclusive, collaborative, and flexible working environment. We don't believe in the 'one size fits all' approach and instead we will equip you with the tools you need to shape your own future.

CATEGORY/FUNCTION INTRODUCTION

UniOps is focused on transforming the way we work to create exceptional experiences across Unilever's wider ecosystem encompassing markets, customers, employees and Partners. Through leveraging connected technology, third-party Partner skills and expertise and reimagining our processes we will ultimately unlock growth and ensure a superior customer and employee experience.

As the scale and pace of our transformation increases, we are establishing a new team to drive capabilities with our partners and ensure excellence in service delivery to markets.

This is a new and exciting opportunity to play a role in delivering performance for Customer Operations to Southern Africa markets & categories. The CI & TIO Manager role sits within the Performance Delivery Team which will work with our Southern Africa Markets & Categories and selected Partners (including Genpact and / or Capgemini) to deliver value across all customer operations activities from deliver, planning, CD Excellence through to collection of cash. The- team will focus on ensuring end to end processes, enabled by key technologies and ways of working across this eco-system to deliver value and better business outcomes.

JOB PURPOSE

Find your purpose at Unilever. You will lead innovations, big and small, that will make our business win and grow. You will learn from brilliant business leaders and colleagues in a truly global and diverse culture to ultimately become a better you.

This role will work closely with the Performance Delivery Lead, Manager and Partner; accountable for the delivery of continuous improvement across all pillars. Focal point to lead continuous improvement on the performance management of day-to-day delivery at scale in collaboration with our Partners. This role is responsible to connect with both the L3 UniOps team and market Customer Operations team to drive the adoption, execution and continuous improvement of iOps capabilities/enablers

WHAT WILL YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES BE

Owns execution and adoption of capabilities & enables roadmap across pillars within the geography in coordination with global PEX, IT, Country Performance Delivery Manager, and Country iOPS team

• Address adoption issues and outside system work-arounds
• Work with global PEX, and IT teams for any CR requirements
• Benchmark usage and effectiveness relative to other sites / markets
• Drives process-based / capability-based governance and benchmarking within geography
• Ensure assets are maximized before any small tech or auxiliary automations are developed to support operations

Owns continuous improvement agenda in collaboration with partners & country

• Drives governance to ensure right prioritization of initiatives across markets
• Ensures CI agenda of partners is aligned to UL priorities, roadmap, framework
• Cross pollinate learnings / experience from within organization into our partner operations
• Identify Best Practices - External and Internal. Explore emerging trends and actively seek
• opportunities to - SIMPLIFY, ELIMINATE, AUTOMATE, CONSOLIDATE, CENTRALISE.

SPOC for global process excellence team into the geography

• Drives prioritization of C&E execution within the geography in alignment with global team
• Represents markets within geography in global process / capability discussions and community of practices

Drive effectiveness and consistency of operating model (governance, gatekeeping, etc).

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO SUCCEED

Experiences & Qualifications

• Degree : Supply Chain, IT, Finance
• Business acumen and customer centric mindset
• E2E function agnostic integrator (non-silo mentality)
• Holding people accountable (peers, leaders and external stakeholders) and strong personal accountability for delivery
• Team leadership experience
• Experienced in leading/working with virtual teams and driving performance across diverse mixture of culture

Skills

• Demonstrable Agile mindset and capabilities
• Ability to drive change
• Ability to work effectively in both independent and diverse multi-task team environments

Leadership

• You are an inclusive motivator of people. Your team deliver with real passion, growing and learning from each other whilst delivering quick wins.

• You are still responsible for your own results and as a manager, you also need to motivate others to deliver with passion, creating an inclusive and engaging climate around you. You can balance challenge with support and coaching. You understand the wider business context and you are emotionally intelligent enough to motivate people to deliver what is needed

• Unilever Behaviours

• Focus on What Counts: We ruthlessly prioritize what really, really matters, and so do fewer things brilliantly.
  
• We set clear & stretching goals and recognize maximum performance impact
  It is not about reducing ambition or effort; or running after the 'new & shiny'.
  • Care Deeply: We care deeply about how consumers experience our brands every day, everywhere; our people's growth and development, our impact on the planet.
    
  • We care about our performance, to a point where it hurts when we don't win.
    
  • Stay Three Steps Ahead: We think boldly and creatively to make breakthroughs in performance.
    
  • We are always curious and confident - anticipating and staying ahead of consumer needs and external trends to beat the competition.
    
  • Deliver with Excellence: We deliver everything we do, with excellence and pace.
    
  • We take personal ownership and hold each other to account - always finding a way to do what we said we will do.
    

Unilever embraces diversity and encourages applicants from all walks of life This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants and continuing development of all employees regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity.

Unilever is an organisation committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our diverse employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. At Unilever we are interested in every individual bringing their 'Whole Self' to work and this includes you Thus if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.

As a Continuous Improvement Specialist you will pioneer process standardisation and improvement, transforming our flavor business. You will be part of a team, collaborate with stakeholders, and foster continuous improvement and implement Lean methodologies. Leverage Six Sigma, Lean, and value stream mapping expertise to enhance efficiency.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with key business stakeholders and 'LEAN champions' across departments to cultivate a culture of continuous improvement.
• Lead and facilitate LEAN/process improvement workshops to generate ideas and solutions.
• Eliminate waste
• Monitor and analyze process trends and variations to establish a robust continuous improvement tracking system.
• Gather requirements and drive process changes through various methods, including interviews, document analysis, workshops, and surveys.
• Work with team members and business service departments to create new support materials like training, reporting, and systems enhancements.

We Offer

• Growth that keeps up with you – you join an industry leader that will develop your expertise and leadership
• A culture that lifts you up – with collaborative teams, shared wins, and people who cheer each other on.

You Bring

• A strong sense of accountability – you take initiative, speak up, and see things through. You are responsible and focus on what matters
• A collaborative spirit – you're at your best when working across teams, functions and countries.

About Dsm-firmenich
At dsm-firmenich, we don't just meet expectations – we go beyond them.

Join our global team powered by science, creativity, and a shared purpose: to bring progress to life.

From elevating health to making fortified food and sustainable skincare, the impact of your work here will be felt by millions – every single day. Whether it's fragrance that helps you focus, alternative meat that's better for the planet, or reducing sugar without losing flavor, this is where you help shape the future of nutrition, health, and beauty for everyone, everywhere.

And while you're making a difference, we'll make sure you're growing too. With learning that never stops, a culture that lifts you up and the freedom to move across businesses, teams, and borders. Your voice matters here. And your ideas? They're essential to our future.

Because real progress only happens when we go beyond, together.

Interested in this position? Please send your CV in English via our recruiting link.
Inclusion, belonging and equal opportunity statement
At dsm-firmenich, we believe being a force for good starts with the way we treat each other. When people feel supported, included, and free to be themselves, they do their best work – and that's exactly the kind of culture we're building. A place where opportunity is truly equal, authenticity is celebrated, and everyone has the chance to grow, contribute, and feel they belong.

We're proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we're serious about making our hiring process as fair and inclusive as possible. From inclusive language and diverse interview panels to thoughtful sourcing, we're committed to reflecting the world we serve.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds — no matter your gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or anything else that makes you, you.

And if you have a disability or need any support through the application process, we're here to help – just let us know what you need, and we'll do everything we can to make it work.

Agency statement
We're managing this search directly at dsm-firmenich. If you're applying as an individual, we'd love to hear from you. We're not accepting agency submissions or proposals involving fees or commissions for this role.

Why do we need you?

• Ensure SG EHS Management system is correctly implemented driving the safety culture of the business.
• Ensure all WCM related work is preceded by the required standard of risk assessment.
• Assess plant employees WCM capability and ensure alignment to the delivery of the WCM objectives.
• Ensure the WCM programme is closing the gaps to ensure the delivery of the required level of Customer Service.
• Deliver the Plant annual improvement plan using defined WCM methodologies ensuring the target of 3% total cost reduction is achieved.
• Manage the WCM cost in line with the annual budget.
• Define the plant WCM Budget (1 year).
• Define the plant WCM Long Range Plan (3 year).
• Develop the WCM Route Map and ensure it is adhered to (5 year).
• Audit the WCM programme according to the set protocol to ensure that the WCM methods have been applied correctly.
• Facilitate and lead the Cost Deployment/Focussed Improvement Pillars
• Ensure WCM and other projects are completed as per the annual plan

Is this job for you?
The ideal candidate must have a Bachelor of Engineering or Science Degree in the following areas: Electrical/Mechanical/ Chemical or Industrial. Must have previously been a World Class Manufacturing Instructor, with at least 8 years' experience in a Production or Process discipline in a continuous process manufacturing environment. Candidate must have three years' experience in working with continuous improvement programmes like: World Class Manufacturing, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Process Control. This role calls for a person with the ability to Ability to coach and develop others, the ideal candidate will deliver through influencing others. Good communication skills and Interpersonal skills.

To make sure nothing is forgotten
The purpose of the role would be to deliver and drive the world class manufacturing programme to the required standard, rigour and pace in order to meet plant objectives. The ideal candidate will be required to coach and develop others, must have good communication skills as well as the ability to audit according to the set protocol to ensure the WCM methods have been applied correctly.

Legal Statement
"We value the importance of a diverse workforce as a cornerstone of our business success. Our primary focus in selecting the most suitable candidates for our roles is based on their skills, qualifications, and experience. We wholeheartedly embrace the principle of equal opportunity in our employment processes and are committed to eliminating any unlawful discrimination in our hiring practices"

Overview
We are PepsiCo
PepsiCo is proud to be one of the world's leading food and beverage companies. Every day, we are dedicated to bringing our mission to create more smiles with every sip and every bite to life. Our products are enjoyed more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. Our portfolio — including Lay's, Doritos, Gatorade, Pepsi and Quaker — consists of many iconic brands that generate more than US $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales, helping to deliver more than US $70 billion in net revenue in 2020.

Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with PepsiCo Positive. Through PepsiCo Positive, we are charting a new course to drive positive action for the planet and people. PepsiCo Positive is an end-to-end strategic business transformation with sustainability at the centre of how we will create growth and value by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change.

In South Africa (SA), you will find our products across the region at breakfast, lunch or dinner. At the gym or on the field. In the office or on the go. We refresh, restore and rejuvenate our consumers all day, every day with our key brands including Simba, Lay's, Liqui Fruit and Bokomo range of cereals. PepsiCo SA employs more than 13, 000 people across our three business divisions: Bakeries, Grains, Foods, Fruit, Snacks, Juice & Beverages.

Responsibilities
What we're looking:
The Continuous Improvement Engineer plays a critical role in driving operational excellence across the site by identifying inefficiencies, implementing process improvements, and supporting cross-functional initiatives. This role leverages Lean Six Sigma methodologies to optimize production processes, reduce costs, and enhance overall performance.

Accountabilities:

• Process Optimization & Performance Improvement
• Analyze current production processes to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and waste.
• Lead and support Lean Six Sigma (LSS) initiatives, including Kaizen projects.
• Standardize work procedures and promote best practices across operations.
• Productivity - Cost Reduction & Resource Optimization
• Develop and implement productivity-saving projects aimed at reducing manufacturing overhead (MOH) and usage costs.
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) such as True Efficiency, Net Efficiency, Yield, and Waste.
• Collaborate with the LSS Lead to support site-wide productivity initiatives and report on project savings.
• Project Management
• Support the projects team with site-based capital expenditure (Capex) projects.
• Lead internal improvement projects from planning to execution.
• Coordinate cross-functional activities during shutdown periods to ensure smooth operations.
• Cross-Functional Site Support
• Assist the Production Manager with material management (e.g., wheat and packaging).
• Support the Maintenance team with the ReCon agenda.
• Contribute to AIB and FSSC compliance through internal audits and action closures.
• Implement process controls to reduce defects, non-conformance reports (NCRs), and customer complaints.
• Ensure all improvements comply with Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) standards.
• Act as the GEHSMS standard owner for assigned areas.
• Support R&D initiatives, including trials and data collection.
• SLA and SOP development and Training of Associates

Qualifications
What will qualify you for the role:

• Degree/Diploma in Engineering
• Project Management
• Lean Six Sigma
• Kaizen
• Advance Excel and reporting
• 4 - 5 years' experience

"PepsiCo is an Equal Opportunity Employer in line with the Employment Equity Act"

The Continuous Improvement Engineer is a dynamic junior-level role that supports the delivery of strategic business projects and the optimization of internal business processes. This is a multi-functional role that blends project coordination, process analysis and automation/optimization support to improve operational performance across the organisation.

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Process Engineering, Business Management, Project Management or related field (required).
• 1-2 years of experience in business process improvement and/or project coordination.
• Internship and/or exposure to project work and process analysis is advantageous.
• Lean Six Sigma, PMI and/or related qualifications (advantageous).

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Project Coordination

• Assist in planning, tracking, and coordinating strategic projects.
• Maintain project schedules, risk registers, and stakeholder action logs.
• Prepare documentation for project meetings, updates, and presentations.
• Support change management efforts and communication.
• Monitor progress and escalate issues as needed.

Process Mapping & Improvement

• Document and analyze current ("As-Is") business processes.
• Identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement.
• Support the design of future-state ("To-Be") process maps.
• Assist in conducting root-cause analysis and proposing process changes.

Business Automation & Optimization Support

• Help identify opportunities for automation.
• Implement tech-first solutions to business inefficiencies.
• Build process automations (e.g., Excel macros, Power Automate).
• Test and monitor implemented solutions.
• Liaise with cross-functional business departments to ensure smooth implementation and support user adoption.

Ad- Hoc

• Carry out ad hoc duties as required, within reasonable capability and capacity.

KEY ATTRIBUTES:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Basic understanding of project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall).
• Ability to map and model processes using tools like MS Visio
• Proficient with MS Excel (advanced), PowerPoint, and Word.
• Exposure to process automation tools (e.g., Power Automate, MS Power BI)
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Detail-oriented and well-organized.

Role Overview

The Continuous Improvement Engineer is a dynamic junior-level role that supports the delivery of strategic business projects and the optimization of internal business processes. This is a multi-functional position blending project coordination, process analysis, and automation/optimization support to improve operational performance across the organisation.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Process Engineering, Business Management, Project Management, or a related field (required)
• 1–2 years of experience in business process improvement and/or project coordination
• Internship or exposure to project work and process analysis (advantageous)
• Lean Six Sigma, PMI, or related qualifications (advantageous)

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Coordination

• Assist in planning, tracking, and coordinating strategic projects
• Maintain project schedules, risk registers, and stakeholder action logs
• Prepare documentation for project meetings, updates, and presentations
• Support change management efforts and communication
• Monitor progress and escalate issues as needed

2. Process Mapping & Improvement

• Document and analyse current ("As-Is") business processes
• Identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement
• Support the design of future-state ("To-Be") process maps
• Conduct root-cause analysis and propose process changes

3. Business Automation & Optimization Support

• Identify opportunities for automation
• Implement technology-first solutions to business inefficiencies
• Build process automations (eg, Excel macros, Power Automate)
• Test and monitor implemented solutions
• Liaise with cross-functional departments to ensure smooth implementation and user adoption

4. Ad-Hoc Duties

• Carry out ad hoc responsibilities as required, within reasonable capacity

Key Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
• Basic understanding of project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall)
• Ability to map and model processes using tools like MS Visio
• Proficiency in MS Excel (advanced), PowerPoint, and Word
• Exposure to process automation tools (Power Automate, MS Power BI)
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Detail-oriented and well-organized

The Junior Continuous Improvement Coordinator will support the development, coordination, and execution of continuous improvement initiatives across the Vestrel Group. Working closely with the Process Improvement Coordinator and various departmental stakeholders, this role will assist in driving efficiency, consistency, and quality within operational and support processes. The ideal candidate will bring a balance of analytical capability, problem-solving skills, and a hands-on approach to supporting multiple CI and quality-related projects within a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the execution of continuous improvement initiatives using recognized methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, and DMAIC.
• Assist with data analysis, process mapping, and workflow optimization to identify inefficiencies and improvement opportunities.
• Collaborate with various departments to document procedures, implement actions, and track progress through Microsoft Planner and related tools.
• Contribute to reports, dashboards, and performance reviews to support decision-making and ensure visibility of improvement efforts.
• Participate in team workshops, meetings, and improvement sessions to share insights and develop problem-solving skills.
• Ensure that all CI activities are data-driven, well-coordinated, and aligned with organizational objectives.

Qualifications and Experience:

Essential:

• Diploma or degree in Industrial Engineering, Quality Management, Business Improvement, or a related field.
• 2—3 years' experience in process improvement, quality, or operational coordination roles.
• Exposure to Lean, Six Sigma, or any other structured improvement methodologies.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 Suite (Excel, Planner, SharePoint, PowerPoint).
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and communicate efficiently across multiple levels of the organization.

Desirable:

• Certified Lean Six Sigma White, Yellow, or Green Belt.
• Prior exposure to manufacturing, engineering, or industrial environments.

Unleash Your Potential with Adcorp Group: Empowering People, Transforming Futures

Who We Are

At Adcorp Group, we are a leading workforce solutions provider committed to connecting exceptional talent with dynamic opportunities. Our diverse portfolio spans various industries, and we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.

We are seeking a
Continuous Improvement/Operations Graduate
to join our graduate program. The opportunity will allow the successful person to potentially become a manager in the supply chain team after completing the graduate program. You will be trained in the following areas in the Supply Chain of the Distribution Centres Functions will include People Management, Process Management (Receiving, Production, and Dispatch), Planning, Replenishment, Industrial Relations and SHEQ. The basis to become an effective Manager.

You will need

• University Degree in Industrial/Mechanical/Electrical/Production/Process/Operating Engineering
• Computer literacy (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Projects) with intermediate skills
• Be willing to work in Operations inside the Distribution Centre
• Be willing to travel nationally
• Strong numeric and verbal reasoning ability

What you will learn

• Understand the importance of Fill rate and Headcounts and the impact it has on the business
• Introduction and understanding of Performance Appraisals process and the impact it has.
• Understand why KPI's are measured and the impact it has on performance e.g. shift fill rates, throughput, payroll queries and MHE etc.
• Key understanding of Receiving and all its processes.
• Understanding of how production runs and all reporting that goes along with it.
• Understanding of Inventory Management and the importance in the Distribution Centre.
• Key understanding of how Dispatch works, the impact it has on client service and potential claims from stores.
• Operations experience on Shift to assist with Development of on-the-Job training.
• Understand client Volume Planning of Store deliveries, lead times, Delivery frequency etc.
• Impact of Planning on Customer satisfaction and DC KPI's.
• Understand the need for Replenishment of Dc's Inventory and the impact it has on Stores, DC.

Why Join Us?

Impactful Work: Play a crucial role in shaping the workforce of tomorrow by connecting talented individuals with meaningful opportunities.

Professional Growth: Benefit from continuous learning and development opportunities in a dynamic and supportive environment.

Collaborative Culture: Work alongside a team of passionate professionals dedicated to achieving excellence.

Competitive Compensation: Enjoy a rewarding career with attractive remuneration and benefits.

Our Core Values

At Adcorp Group, we are guided by five core values that define our culture and drive our success:

Teamwork: We collaborate as a team to achieve excellence and take responsibility for our own deliverables.

Respect: We respect the feelings, wishes, rights, and traditions of our workforce, candidates, clients, communities, and the environment.

Customer Centricity: We strive to anticipate our customers' needs and deliver excellent customer experiences.

Agility: We act with speed and flexibility to ever-changing conditions.

Diversity & Inclusion: We welcome and embrace a diverse range of people, perspectives, and ideas.

Apply today and be a part of a company that values your potential and is committed to your success.