Operational Excellence Manager

Job Purpose

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.