Head of Operation Excellence

Role Purpose

The Head of Operational Excellence is responsible for driving continuous improvement across all operational processes within the company. This role will lead the strategic development and implementation of operational excellence initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall business performance. She/he is responsible for developing and maintaining globally binding policies, guidelines and standards . The successful candidate will foster a culture of process optimization and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive operational excellence strategy aligned with CSA Group's overall business objectives.
• Lead and manage a portfolio of continuous improvement projects across various departments and business units.
• Establish and maintain a robust framework for identifying, prioritizing, and executing operational improvement opportunities.

Process Optimization

• Conduct detailed process analysis, including mapping, redesign, and optimization.
• Identify and eliminate process bottlenecks, redundancies, and non-value-added activities.
• Implement best practice operational processes and standards across different entities within the Group.

Performance Management & Reporting

• Define and maintain a framework of KPIs to measure, monitor and control performance.
• Develop and present regular reports on operational performance, project progress, and achieved benefits to senior management.
• Utilize data analytics to identify trends, predict future performance, and make data-driven recommendations and drive a continuous improvement process.

Culture & Capability Building

• Champion a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence throughout the organization.
• Lead and mentor cross-functional teams, providing guidance and support in operational improvement methodologies.
• Identify training needs and develop, schedule and deliver training programs on systems, processes and products, including the selection and development of internal trainers.

Candidate Profile

Education & Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in freight forwarding, preferably within a large international logistics organization.
• Master's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification (preferred).
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent certification (desirable).

Technical Skills (Must Have)

• Proven experience (10+ years) in driving operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives in a complex, international environment.
• Deep expertise in process analysis, design, and optimization methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, Value Stream Mapping).
• Strong proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, Tableau).
• Experience with change management principles and their application in large organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage cross-functional projects from inception to completion.
• Familiarity with commodity trading business processes and systems is a significant advantage.

Behavioural Traits

• Strategic thinker with a strong results-orientation and a proactive approach.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills, capable of engaging at all levels.
• Strong leadership and team-building capabilities, with a passion for mentoring and developing talent.
• Highly analytical with exceptional problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Resilient and adaptable, able to navigate ambiguity and drive change in a dynamic environment.
• High level of integrity and professional ethics.