Manufacturing Excellence Lead

Manufacturing Excellence Lead 

Main Purpose: 

• This role is responsible for leading and coordinating the implementation and long-term sustainability of the Product Supply System (onePSS) at the site level. It will drive success through continuous improvement initiatives, leveraging lean practices to embed cultural change
• The role will coordinate implementation and sustainability by working closely with the Site Leadership Team, Implementation Task Force Team, Process Leads - Team Leads, Seed Techs, Seasonal Temps; Regional Implementation Lead, Global Implementation Lead, Continuous Improvement networks and Change Management / HR team ensuring systems are used to drive opportunities and one common standard through employee empowerment and a focus on customer needs. 

Key Tasks & Responsibilities: 

• Drive together with the site to accelerate onePSS implementation across site, working collaboratively to increase maturityand effectiveness.
• Apply a deep understanding of the onePSS implementation methodology, Lean principles, and change-management practices to ensure sustainable adoption at Thobontle.
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Lean practices and lead the site's continuous-improvement journey.
• Provide hands-on support, coaching, and guidance to accelerate onePSS deployment and other continuous-improvement initiatives
• Drive continuous improvement by leveraging expertise to deliver significant operational-excellence gains.
• Lead Quality and Safety initiatives broadly and build a culture to maintain a healthy and safety  Quality Management System (QMS)
• Ensure that change-management requirements are met and coordinate change-related efforts to implement and sustain improvements.
• Develop and review site Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure clear performance tracking and data-driven decision-making.
• Provide oversight of processes related to product quality in cooperation with seed production management and other stakeholders including but not limited to the Bayer Global Quality & Compliance Assurance and Control teams
• Conduct improvement studies to identify opportunities in quality, performance, and cost reduction; analyze process variables; and recommend actions to prevent deviations impacting production, quality, safety, or the environment.
• Facilitate discussions with plant representatives on best practices, performance results, and new technologies; deliver operational training as needed.
• Represent the Optimization team in global studies and lead cross-country projects to exchange best practices.
• Lead and execute Lean & Six Sigma projects, providing direction, prioritization, and support as a project champion for engineers and multidisciplinary teams
• Lead the justification and support the development of capital projects
• Lead HSE efforts according ISO45001 standards focusing on legal compliance and identifying safety risks applying the HIRA methodology.
• Ensure compliance with ISO9001:2015 Quality Management System.
• Actively record safety observation and near misses
• Participate in 5WHY problem solving identifying corrective and preventative actions.
• Adhere to all applicable legislation, Bayer safety policies and procedures
• Adhere to requirements of legal appointments
• Actively promote the Bayer safety culture and best practices

Mission & Squad Connections: 

• Operate in End-to End Mission Squad
• Squad Connections:
• Plant Mission Team
• Advanced Technologies Squad
• Planning Squad
• Data Squad
• One Management System Squad (QMS, HSE, OnePSS)
• Quality Testing
• Production Research
• Field Mission

Qualifications & Competencies: 

• Degree or National Diploma in Industrial Engineering.
• At least 4 years of experience in manufacturing and or seed agricultural industry
• At least 4 years' experience in plant operations / optimization / projects and Operational Excellence
• Qualification in Lean/6 Sigma preferred.
• Experience in leading and developing teams
• Skilled at leading, managing conflict and negotiating with cross-functional teams
• Coaching / mentoring group facilitation skills
• Strong communication skills (written and oral – open, honest and persistent)
• Deliver results in a changing environment
• Problem solving skills 

Application Period:
1-15 December 2025
Reference Code:

Division:
Crop Science  
Location:
South Africa : North West : Lichtenburg  

Functional Area:
Production&Manufacturing  
Position Grade:
VS 1.1  

Employment Type:
Regular 
Work Time:
Standard

Contact Us

Address
Telephone
E-Mail

9 Country Estate Drive, Waterfall City, Johannesburg, 2090.
P O Box 143
Isando, 1600, South Africa

Bayer welcomes applications from all individuals, regardless of race, national origin, gender, age, physical characteristics, social origin, disability, union membership, religion, family status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or any unlawful criterion under applicable law. We are committed to treating all applicants fairly and avoiding discrimination.

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