Business Analyst
Listing reference: grind_000639
Listing status: Online
Apply by: 10 March 2026
Position summary
Industry: Freight, Import & Export
Job category: Transport, Logistics and Freight
Location: Durban
Contract: Permanent
Remuneration: Market Related
EE position: No
Introduction
We are seeking a trustworthy, data-driven, and diligent individual to join our Operational Excellence team as a Continuous Improvement Specialist. This role combines data-driven insights, process optimisation, change enablement, Lean coaching, and cross-functional collaboration to improve system data quality, equipment reliability, process performance, and continuous improvement capability. The incumbent will facilitate, guide, and coordinate the design and implementation of solutions that support Grindrod Bulk’s strategic intent by embedding a culture of continuous improvement, operational discipline, and waste elimination. This role will be instrumental in promoting and sustaining ‘The Grindrod Way’ across the organisation.
Job description
Continuous Improvement Specialist’ Key Responsibilities
Data & Insight
- Analyse operational data to identify trends, variances, and waste.
- Build visual dashboards and KPI reports (Power BI/Excel).
- Quantify improvement opportunities and develop benefits cases.
Process, System & Workflow Improvement
- Map and diagnose end-to-end operational processes (value stream mapping, SIPOC).
- Identify bottlenecks, waste, duplication, and systems-related inefficiencies.
- Collaborate with IT/Data teams to optimise system workflows and data integrity.
- Facilitate Kaizen events, Gemba walks, and process redesign workshops.
Lean Training & Capability Building
- Deliver Lean training at foundational and intermediate levels.
- Coach teams in Lean tools (5S, Standard Work, Visual Management, Problem Solving, SMED, Kanban).
- Drive adoption and sustainment of Lean principles in daily operations.
Improvement Design & Implementation
- Support deployment of strategic improvement projects.
- Develop implementation plans, SOPs, and control plans.
- Pilot and scale solutions; monitor impact using data.
- Support change management communications and readiness activities.
Governance & Reporting
- Maintain project charters, A3s, benefits tracking, and RAID logs.
- Report progress, risks, benefits and achievements to leadership.
- Ensure adherence to HSSE standards and POPIA in all process and data work.
Minimum requirements
Skills & Competencies
Strong analytical and critical-thinking capability: strong analytical abilities to assess complex data, identify trends, anticipate potential issues, and propose effective solutions to maintain project timelines.
Excellent facilitation and training ability: Strong ability to lead lean/kaizen sessions effectively and teach others with clarity.
Effective communicator across shop-floor, supervisory, and executive levels: excellent verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively with diverse teams, stakeholders, and clients, ensuring clear understanding and alignment on project objectives and timelines.
Ability to influence and coach others, including resistance management: demonstrate ability to positively influence teams and individuals, provide effective coaching, and guide people through change by addressing concerns, managing resistance constructively, and building commitment to new ways of working.
Project management capability: proficiency in managing and overseeing projects, including planning, scheduling, resource allocation, performance measurement and progress monitoring to ensure timely and successful completion.
Strong attention to detail with ability to see overall value streams: meticulous attention to detail with understanding of how individual processes connect across the entire value stream, enabling ability to identify both granular issues and broader systemic improvement opportunities.
Results-driven, structured, and disciplined: achieve meaningful, measurable outcomes, consistently working in a structured, organized manner and maintaining discipline in planning, execution, and follow‑through to ensure initiatives are completed to a high standard.
Technical proficiency: sound knowledge and expertise in industrial engineering principles such as lean/Six Sigma principles, project management, technical drawing, software and simulation.
Required/Desired Education and Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Business Analytics, or similar
- 3–6 years’ experience in Continuous Improvement, Lean, Operational Excellence, or Business Analysis.
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (essential); Black Belt advantageous.
- Experience in operational environments such as terminals, logistics, manufacturing, or supply chain.
- Strong data analysis and visualization skills (Power BI, Excel, SQL basics).
- Experience designing SOPs, control plans, and performing root cause analysis.
- Exposure to TOS/WMS/ERP systems preferred.