Manufacturing Analyst - Stellenbosch at The Heineken Company

Purpose of the Position:

• The Manufacturing Analyst plays a pivotal role in optimising production workflows, analysing operational data, production processes, and supporting administrative functions to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.
• This hybrid role bridges strategic analysis with hands-on coordination, contributing to both efficiency and organizational effectiveness and also serves as a critical link between operational teams and SA manufacturing leadership.
• The role further supports data-driven decision-making at a Manufacturing Director level by providing insights on performance trade-offs, risks, and improvement opportunities across multiple sites.

Key Performance Area:

Operational Analysis

• Monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams
• Implementing process improvements
• Optimising resource allocation through implementing lean, six sigma or TQM methodologies
• Collect, interpret, and report on production and process data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Develop dashboards, reports and performance metrics to monitor KPIs such as throughput, downtime, and other operational performance indicators.
• Assist in cost tracking and resource utilisation reporting to support strategic decision-making and to enhance operational efficiency.
• Develop standardised work instructions and best practices
• Conduct operational performance analysis across multiple sites, including throughput, losses, efficiencies, variances, yield, and downtime trends
• Perform cross-site comparison and benchmarking to identify best practices and systemic gaps
• Translate data into actionable insights to support problem-solving and highlight root causes
• Provide decision support to the Manufacturing Director by analysing trade-offs, risks, and improvement opportunities
• Improve performance visibility and consistency across sites through structured reporting and analysis
• Identify operational risks and inefficiencies at an early stage through proactive data analysis

Manufacturing Support

• Collaborate with production teams to troubleshoot operational issues and implement process enhancements.
• Perform root cause analysis using techniques like “5 Whys” and Pareto analysis
• Assist in quality control initiatives and ensure compliance
• Support Health & Safety strategy
• Participate in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement projects
• Ensure alignment between S&OP, plant execution, and cost outcomes through operational insight and analysis

Administrative and Coordination Duties

• Prepare and manage South Africa Manufacturing head office budget
• Fully accountable for South Africa Manufacturing Head office administrative duties example:
• Planning, scheduling meetings, strategy sessions etc
• Prepare and submit claims
• Manage audit documentation for audits and reviews
• Develop comprehensive reports for leadership decision-making
• Maintain accurate records and accountable for office governance
• Coordinate meetings, prepare reports, and manage documentation for audits and internal reviews
• Support procurement and vendor communications
• Accountable for SOUTH AFRICAN MANUFACTURING PPE coordination
• Provide budget coordination and control in alignment with operational performance
• Support group-wide PPE governance and compliance

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• liaise internally with Safety, Quality, Engineering, supply chain, and finance teams to align operational goals
• Communicate insights and recommendations to stakeholders through clear, actionable reports
• Interface with multiple plants and central functions to ensure alignment and consistency
• Enable stronger fact-based decision-making at Manufacturing Director level through clear insights and reporting

Cost & Financial Analysis

• Interpret standard costing outcomes in relation to actual operational drivers
• Analyse spend in conjunction with production performance, volumes, and efficiencies
• Identify cost-saving opportunities driven by process improvements rather than cost reduction alone
• Support Capex justification through operational benefit tracking and post-investment reviews

The successful candidate must have the following qualifications, skills and experience:

•  A Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel, ERP systems, and data visualisation tools.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes and operational workflows.
• Excellent organisational and communication abilities.
• Experience with administrative tasks, including scheduling, reporting, and documentation.
• SAP (Advantageous)
• 3-5 years of experience in manufacturing, operations, or business support roles.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Effective communicator with a collaborative mindset.