Director: Operating Excellence (P5) (Office of the Chief Operating Officer)
Position Summary
Introduction
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant and cosmopolitan institution, guided by its bold UJ Strategy 2035, which emphasises Societal Impact and Sustainability, Global Footprint and Partnerships, and Technology for the Future. Committed to transformative change, UJ’s mission is “To transform and serve humanity through innovation and the collective and collaborative pursuit of knowledge.” The University is guided by the vision of building “An international university of choice, anchored in Africa and the global south, dynamically shaping a sustainable future".
Job description
- Lead the development and execution of the business efficiency strategy within the COO domain that aligns with the university’s long-term goals.
- Identify key areas for improvement in operational efficiency and resource management within the divisions.
- Ensure that all improvement initiatives are managed using best practices in project management, driving accountability and results.
- Collaborate with the One PMO Manager in ensuring that business improvement projects are managed through OnePMO.
- Implement tools and methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, Agile) to optimise productivity and minimise waste in business processes.
- Conduct benchmarking studies to identify and implement industry best practices for business improvement initiatives.
- Develop and maintain knowledge networks and communities of practice in areas relevant to the domain (e.g. maintenance, capital project management, leadership, cyber security, etc.).
- Identify opportunities for cost-saving measures through improved resource allocation, technology integration, and administrative efficiency.
- Work with the Finance Department to ensure that financial resources are aligned with business efficiency goals, optimising operational budgets and expenditures.
- Support the COO Team is creating a high-performance and continuous improvement culture across the domain.
- Collaborate with stakeholders across the domain to ensure business efficiency projects are aligned with institutional priorities.
- Develop and maintain systems for tracking performance metrics related to operational efficiency and report progress to the COO and ELG members within the COO’s domain.
- Use data analytics and performance dashboards to monitor the success of implemented business efficiency initiatives.
- Lead change management efforts to ensure staff members embrace new efficiency measures, focusing on training and communication to foster buy-in.
- Identify and manage risks associated with changes to operational processes, ensuring that process improvements comply with university policies and external regulations.
- Support the university’s digital transformation efforts by promoting the integration of technology solutions that improve operational efficiency (e.g., automated workflows, data-driven decision-making).
Minimum requirements
- A technical or commercial Masters degree (NQF9).
- At least 5 to 8 years of relevant experience in operations of a medium to large organization.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in operational management, cost control, or business process optimization
- Extensive experience in managing diverse teams of at least 5 to 10 specialists, professionals or management.
- Extensive experience in stakeholder engagement with demonstrated capability to engage across multiple stakeholders both internally and externally.
- Must be familiar with theories and practice around business improvement e.g. six sigma, etc.
- Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects across departments.
- Ability to focus on long-term business goals while balancing immediate operational needs.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders.
- A drive to continuously improve operational processes and implement new technologies.
- Ability to manage pressure, adapt to change, and handle setbacks constructively.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen eye for identifying inefficiencies.
- Excellent project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Proficient in financial analysis and budgeting.
- Strong leadership and communication skills, capable of driving change across all levels of the organisation.
- Technologically proficient, with experience implementing automation tools, ERP systems, or other relevant technologies.
- Postgraduate Business Management qualification.
- Business Improvement certification eg Six Sigma, 5-S etc.
Your application, comprising of a detailed Curriculum Vitae as well as the names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least three traceable and credible referees must be uploaded before or on the closing date of the advertised post. Please also attach the following: a copy of your highest academic qualification, proof of registration with professional bodies you might belong to and if applying for an academic position, a list of accredited research output and/ or a portfolio of your creative output.
If you require technical support / assistance on the UJ e-recruitment website, please contact our service provider PNET on the following contact details: 0861 227337/010 140 3099 or email ujsupport@pnet.co.za.
Candidates may be subjected to appropriate psychometric testing and other selection instruments.
In conjunction to merit on the basis of qualifications, experience and proven achievements the University of Johannesburg is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and those individuals from the historically disadvantaged groups. As necessitated by operational requirements the University reserves the right not to make an appointment to positions advertised. If you have not received a response from the University within 8 weeks of the closing date, you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful.
