Lead Business Optimisation Engineer

FlySafair • Full-time • Kempton Park, ZA • 6h ago

DESCRIPTION:

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.

REQUIREMENTS:

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 optimization;
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.