IT Operational Excellence Specialist

Aspen Pharma Group

2026/04/02   JHB North

Job Ref #: AP-5668
Industry: Pharmaceutical And Medical/Healthcare
Job Type: Permanent
Positions Available: 1
Applications are invited for the above-indicated vacancy in the IT Department in Gauteng (Woodmead). The successful incumbent will report to the IT Enablement Manager. All applications must be received by 10 April 2026. Aspen is committed to equal employment opportunity, with preference given to Employment Equity candidates in line with its Transformation Agenda.
Job Description

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

We are a global specialty and branded pharmaceutical company, improving the health of patients across the world through our high quality and affordable medicines. Active at every stage of the value chain, we are uniquely diversi?ed by geography, product and manufacturing capability.

Aspen is a dynamic organization built on entrepreneurial strength and forward-thinking minds. We attract high performing individuals who are passionate about their career and have a desire to exceed expectations. At Aspen, not only do we source for the best talent, but we also provide a host of opportunities for continuous development.

The Group’s key business segments are Manufacturing and Commercial Pharmaceuticals comprising Regional Brands and Sterile Focus Brands. We have approximately 9 100 employees at 69 established offices in over 50 countries and we improve the health of patients in more than 150 countries through our high quality, affordable medicines.

OBJECTIVE OF ROLE

The IT Operational Excellence Lead is responsible for embedding disciplined, standardised, and value-driven workflows across IT-enabled initiatives. The role ensures that business and IT processes are clearly defined, optimised, and governed, technology solutions are adopted effectively and sustainably, expected business benefits are realised, tracked, and evidenced, and IT delivery practices are consistent, auditable, and repeatable. This role acts as a bridge between strategy and execution, ensuring that IT investments translate into measurable business outcomes, while strengthening governance, audit readiness, and operational maturity across IT.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Process Excellence & Standardisation:

  • Analyse and document end-to-end IT processes
  • Identify inefficiencies, risks, and improvement opportunities
  • Define and promote standardised, best-practice processes

IT Enablement & Adoption:

  • Ensure IT solutions are effectively adopted by users
  • Support management, training, and communication activities
  • Identify adoption risks early and recommend corrective actions

Benefits Realisation & Value Tracking:

  • Define measurable benefits for IT and digital initiatives
  • Track value realisation against approved business cases
  • Ensure outcomes are reported transparently

Delivery Discipline & Governance Support:

  • Consistent delivery practices across IT initiatives in accordance with GDT frameworks
  • Ensure initiatives follow agreed governance, controls, and standards
  • Work closely with all IT stakeholders to ensure compliance
  • Audit Readiness function for SA Commercial IT (Internal and External Audits)

Continuous Improvement & Capability Building:

  • Promote a culture of continuous improvement within IT and the business
  • Identify repeat issues and systemic weaknesses
  • Embed lessons learned into future initiatives
Job Requirements

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Matric (Grade 12)
  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Information Systems and Business Process Management.
  • Lean, Six Sigma, Agile, or similar methodologies (advantageous)

 KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

  • 5+ years’ experience in process improvement, operational excellence, or IT enablement roles
  • Strong exposure to digital transformation initiatives
  • Experience in organisations

SOFT SKILLS AND COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS

  • Effective planning, organising and co-ordinating
  • Strong systems and end-to-end thinking
  • Ability to influence without formal authority
  • Structured, analytical, and detail-oriented
  • Comfortable challenging the status quo constructively
  • Excellent facilitation and communication skills
  • Pragmatic problem-solver
  • Highly organised with strong follow-through
  • Assertiveness
  • Strategic Demand Management
  • Advanced Negotiation skills
  • Strong capabilities in logical reasoning
  • Results driven
  • Effective problem solving and decision making
  • Commercial and strategic awareness

COMPUTER SKILLS REQUIRED

  • Computer skills: Office 365; ServiceNow

DRIVERS LICENCE

The successful candidate must have a valid driver’s license and be able to travel as per the expectations of the role.

 FEEDBACK

Please note that if you have not heard from the Human Capital department within 30 days of this advert closing, your application has unfortunately been unsuccessful.

INTERNAL APPLICATIONS

Internal Applications must be completed using an Aspen mailing address after applicants have had informed their direct line managers of their application for this specific role.