Lead Business Optimisation Engineer
FlySafair
2026/07/06   JHB


Job Ref #: LBID_001
Industry: Aviation
Job Type: Permanent
Positions Available: 1
Safair Operations, operating as FlySafair has a vacancy for a Lead Business Optimisation Engineer at our Head Office in Bonaero Park. The successful applicant will report to the Manager: Business Improvement.
Job 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.
Job 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.

 

Personal Attributes:

  • Ability to work in a team and independently;
  • Internal and external networking;
  • Integrity and honesty;
  • Confidence;
  • Passionate;
  • Leadership skills;
  • Communication;
  • Results driven;
  • Interpersonal skills;
  • Strategic thinking skills.

Application guideline:

  • Email applications will not be accepted;
  • Preference will be given to members of under-represented designated groups;
  • Should no feedback be provided within two (2) weeks from the closing date, please consider your application as unsuccessful.

FlySafair reserves the right:

  • Not to proceed with this vacancy;
  • To appoint the selected candidates based on its operational requirements.

Closing date: 13 July 2026