Operational Excellence Advisor

This position exists to support the Business Improvement Initiatives through driving operational efficiencies by executing tactical and strategic projects. It will ensure that the Fraser Alexander Way of Work (FAWOW) Teams programme which is underpinned by the principles of Mission Directed Work Teams (MDWT) and other systems are supported to enable productivity, high quality of work, safe behavior and problem solving at the lowest level. The role will assist in cascading the organisational strategy and goals to frontline workforce while gathering operational requirements for digital transformation working hand in glove with the Data Analytics & Technology team, and other support departments in the organisation.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Management
- Understands the complete Fraser Alexander’s strategic goals to achieve our purpose.
- Work with the Operational Excellence Principal, Operational Excellence Specialist, Operations Managers and Site Managers on the data strategy implementation plan.
- Support and assist the implementation of systems to monitor Fraser Alexander’s Strategic goals and work with team members to correct any variations.

Digitisation
- Requirements elicitation for manual workstreams to be digitised and automated.
- User journey maps using Business Process Mapping tools for digital solutions.
- Training and Change Management during digitised work implementation.
- Facilitate and maintain UAT for digital solutions at operations.

Operational Performance
- Analyse operational activities, continuously scouting for improvement opportunities.
- Facilitate and support the Continuous Improvement (BI) platform, including FAWOW Teams.
- Assist with setting up of Governance structures for Business Improvement, inclusive of the Standard Operating Model principles and management routines.
- Facilitate and support plans and the calculation the of monthly tracking of Value-at-Stake (VAS).
- Reporting and tracking at project meetings will be on a daily/weekly basis, as required.

Reporting
- Maintain meetings records of KPI tracking dashboards for FAWOW Teams (MDWT)
- Maintain records of Innovation progress and benefits tracking.
- Facilitate production tracking reports as well as tracking effective execution matrices.

Implement a Continuous Improvement (BI) platform, including FAWOW Teams
- Support bottom-up operational excellence implementation.
- Improving shift efficiency together with HR performance.
- Train shift workers on problem solving skills & strategies (including short interval control).
- Train front line supervisors to conduct short to medium term planning in line with the production plan.

Internal Customer Relations
- To share key insights, trends, best practices and benchmarking in Business Improvement.
- Facilitate the processes between key enablers, e.g., Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, HR, Technical and Finance, ensuring that they are aligned to the requirements of the Business in terms of Standard Operating Model, the Business Execution Plans and any other initiatives.

Innovation Management
- Support and facilitate the maintenance of systems to track innovations across the business.
- Maintain constant surveillance of trends in the target markets; technological innovations; changes in customer requirements, which could impact on the company and its services and provide for quick responses to changes.
- Contribute to the implementation of innovative strategies for the company to influence the overall growth, profitability and development of the business.

QUALIFICATIONS
- B.Tech or B.Eng/BSc in Engineering - Metallurgy, Industrial, Civil or Chemical Engineering
- Postgraduate qualification in Business studies, finance or supply chain (desirable)
- Advanced Excel, Power BI & DAX competence
- Lean Six Sigma certification
- Project management
- SA drivers license

EXPERIENCE
- 2-4 years’ experience in mining, minerals & metals processing, manufacturing and technology industries.
- At least one year Experience in Business Improvement, Process Engineering or Production environment.
- Problem solving and troubleshooting skills (including RCA)
- Developing Training material (SOP) and training shift personnel
- Experience in Value Chain Management
- Knowledge or experience of MDWT implementation
- Proven track record of implementing business improvement initiatives
- Experience in contributing to cost-reduction projects

SKILLS, QUALITIES AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
- Strong negotiation skills
- Good communication, conflict handling, interpersonal and quality control skills.
- Computer skills (MS Office). Advantageous skills in SQL, VBA Python, DAX and Power BI
- Strong problem solving and analytical skills.
- Project Management skills and excellent networking skills.
- Knowledge of the Mining Industry and relevant legislation including the Mine Health and Safety Act.
- Abreast of best practices and new technologies
- Knowledge of Business Process Re-engineering and process, chang