Permanent - Business Process Optimization Specialist - Johannesburg (Incl. Northern Suburbs) - South Africa

Seeking an experienced and results-driven Business Process Optimization Specialist to join our Value Realisation team.

The successful candidate will play a key role in driving business process improvement initiatives by analysing existing processes, identifying inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement, and designing streamlined, effective and sustainable processes that enhance operational efficiency and service delivery.

The role will work closely with business stakeholders, IT teams, vendors and other delivery partners to optimise end-to-end processes, support automation and digitisation initiatives, and ensure that business processes are aligned with company's strategic objectives, operational requirements and regulatory obligations.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyse and optimise existing business processes by conducting As-Is and To-Be assessments and identifying opportunities for improved efficiency, productivity and service delivery.
• Facilitate process mapping and improvement workshops with business and process owners. 
• Identify opportunities for process automation, digitisation and continuous improvement. 
• Develop, review and maintain process maps, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions and related documentation. 
• Ensure business processes incorporate appropriate risk, compliance and operational controls.  Conduct process performance analysis and develop relevant measures to monitor efficiency and identify improvement opportunities. 
• Support business transformation, system implementation and change initiatives by assessing and validating proposed process changes. 
• Lead or coordinate process optimisation initiatives, including managing timelines, risks, stakeholder dependencies and deliverables.  Collaborate with business stakeholders, IT, vendors and project teams to investigate process and system issues and implement appropriate solutions. 
• Provide process-related training, guidance and support to business users to ensure effective adoption of improved processes. 
• Maintain alignment between company's business processes, operating model, process architecture and strategic objectives. 
• Prepare reports and recommendations on process performance, improvement initiatives and business value.

Minimum Requirements 

• Relevant Bachelor's Degree in Business, Business Process Management, Information Systems, Computer Science, Industrial Engineering or a related field – NQF Level 7. 
• Minimum 3–5 years' experience in business process optimisation, business process analysis, process implementation or a related field.  Experience in financial services, retirement fund administration, insurance or a similarly regulated environment will be advantageous. 
• Demonstrated experience in business process mapping, analysis and improvement.
• Experience developing and maintaining SOPs, process documentation and workflow models. 
• Experience facilitating process improvement workshops and engaging with multiple stakeholders. 
• Experience supporting business transformation, automation or system implementation initiatives. 
• Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, CBPP, Business Analysis certification or equivalent will be advantageous.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong knowledge of business process analysis, optimisation and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Knowledge of process modelling techniques such as BPMN, EPC or UML.
• Knowledge and practical application of Lean Six Sigma principles.
• Understanding of business process architecture and operating models.
• Knowledge of process automation and digitisation principles.
• Knowledge of retirement fund administration and relevant business processes will be advantageous.
• Understanding of POPIA and relevant regulatory and compliance requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to identify root causes, process gaps and improvement opportunities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Visio, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience with business process management tools such as Business Optix or equivalent.
• Understanding of Agile methodologies and SDLC will be advantageous.
• Strong project coordination and facilitation skills.
• Excellent business writing, presentation and communication skills.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality.