Lead Business Optimisation Engineer

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee complex, cross‑functional business optimisation initiatives from concept through to implementation and benefits realisation;
• Guide project scoping, problem definition, data analysis, solution design, and implementation planning;
• Ensure optimisation and continuous improvement methodologies are applied consistently and in line with best practice;
• Review and challenge project outputs to ensure quality, rigor, and business relevance;
• Support team members in unblocking issues, managing risks, and navigating stakeholder complexity;
• Track, analyse, and report on project performance, value delivery, milestones, and risks;
• Identify and drive continuous improvement and automation opportunities that reduce cost, cycle time, and operational risk;
• Serve as technical guidance for optimisation methodologies, tools, frameworks, and standards;
• Provide solution and architectural input to ensure designs align with organisational architecture and technology standards;
• Assist and guide engineers in designing fit‑for‑purpose, scalable, and sustainable solutions;
• Set direction for framework adoption and continuous evolution in alignment with organisational strategy;
• Ensure solutions meet quality standards defined within the Innovation / Business Optimisation environment;
• Provide hands‑on coaching to engineers on analysis techniques, problem structuring, storytelling, stakeholder engagement, and solution design;
• Mentor junior and graduate engineers, supporting technical, professional, and leadership development;
• Assist with onboarding and accelerating new team members’ effectiveness;
• Identify development needs and support creation of individual development plans;
• Facilitate knowledge‑sharing sessions, training, and internal capability‑building initiatives;
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, learning, and experimentation;
• Support the Business Optimisation Manager with team planning, prioritisation, and workload balancing;
• Act as first point of escalation for project‑level delivery challenges;
• Contribute to resource planning, project allocation, and skills matching across initiatives;
• Keep track of projects using the organisation’s project management tools;
• Step in for the Manager when required to ensure continuity of delivery;
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders;
• Translate complex analysis into clear, compelling insights and recommendations;
• Influence decision‑making by balancing analytical rigor with practical business realities;
• Drive proactive change management across initiatives;
• Engage with Business Improvement / Optimisation consultants and vendors to ensure alignment to standards and governance;
• Contribute to the development and execution of the Innovation roadmap within assigned areas;
• Provide input into building and maintaining a structured knowledge base for the function;
• Ensure appropriate training and capability development is enabled through modern e‑learning and digital platforms.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 or Equivalent (Essential);
• B.Eng Industrial Engineering (Essential);
• Post Graduate Degree (Advantageous);
• Minimum of 8 years’ progressive experience within business optimisation, continuous improvement, or operational excellence environments (Essential);
• Proven experience leading complex improvement projects end‑to‑end (Essential);
• Experience coaching or mentoring Engineers/Analysts (Advantageous);
• Expert in the areas of mathematical modelling, simulation modelling and optimisation;
• Extensive knowledge of emerging industry practices when solving business problems;
• Expert in agile project management to lead projects that meet strategic goals;
• Stakeholder management;
• Project Management;
• Able to handle sensitive and confidential information;
• Ability to keep one’s composure in a fast moving, dynamic environment;
• Problem solving and decision making;
• Strategic decision‑making.

Personal Attributes

• Ability to work in a team and independently;
• Internal and external networking;
• Integrity and honesty;
• Confidence;
• Passionate;
• Leadership skills;
• Communication;
• Results driven;
• Interpersonal skills;
• Strategic thinking skills.

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