Operational Excellence Specialist - MCL

Job Description

Would you like to be part of a value-driven, commercially oriented international environment where we enable global trade every day? The Operational Excellence Specialist drives continuous improvement and process optimization across Maersk’s warehousing and distribution sites in West Africa. He/She acts as a change agent identifying inefficiencies, improving operational performance, embedding Lean culture, and ensuring standardization and sustainability of results. This role directly supports Maersk’s transformation towards an integrated logistics model by enhancing process stability, safety, and cost efficiency across multiple warehouse operations.

WHAT WE ARE:

Maersk is a global leader in integrated logistics and have been industry pioneers for over a century. Through innovation and transformation, we are redefining the boundaries of possibility, continuously setting new standards for efficiency, sustainability, and excellence. At Maersk, we believe in the power of diversity, collaboration, and continuous learning and we work hard to ensure that the people in our organization reflect and understand the customers we exist to serve. At Maersk, we are accelerating our logistics & services products to become the global integrator of container logistics and looking for team players to help us execute our process improvement initiative for Contract Logistics services. Join us as we harness cutting-edge technologies and unlock opportunities on a global scale. Together, let's sail towards a brighter, more sustainable future with Maersk.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Process Improvement & Lean Deployment

• Identify performance gaps across inbound, storage, order picking, and outbound processes.

• Lead and execute improvement initiatives (Kaizen events, 5S, VSM, SMED, root cause analysis).

• Apply Lean and Six Sigma methodologies (DMAIC, waste elimination, standard work).

• Support process simplification and drive cost, time, and quality improvements.

Standardization & Process Design

• Develop, document, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Standard Work Instructions.

• Design or review warehouse layouts and material flows using AutoCAD or similar tools.

• Ensure operational standards are aligned with Maersk global frameworks and best practices.

Data Analytics & Performance Management

• Analyze operational data to identify bottlenecks and improvement opportunities.

• Build and maintain performance dashboards (e.g., using Power BI, Excel, or similar tools).

• Measure project impact (productivity, cost reduction, lead time, service level, ROI).

• Support the development of a data-driven performance culture across sites.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Embed HSSE and Quality requirements in all improvement activities.

• Ensure every process improvement enhances ergonomics, compliance, and workplace safety.

• Participate in safety audits and promote zero-incident culture in all Lean initiatives.

Capability Building & Change Management

• Coach and train warehouse teams on Lean, problem-solving, and visual management techniques.

• Promote ownership of improvement actions among supervisors and frontline teams.

• Act as a local change agent communicating clearly, influencing stakeholders, and ensuring adoption of new standards.

Project & Stakeholder Management

• Plan and execute multiple improvement projects simultaneously.

• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, HSSE, IT, and Finance to ensure cross-functional alignment.

• Support regional initiatives and share best practices across countries in the West Africa area (e.g., Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Senegal).

Deliverables / Expected Outputs

• Warehouse Value Stream Maps (as-is / to-be) with action plans.

• Documented standardized work and SOPs for key processes.

• Productivity dashboard and KPI performance review.

• 5S implementation plans with maturity scorecards.

• Minimum 2–3 Kaizen events per quarter successfully completed with measurable gains.

• Quantified improvements (time, cost, space, or quality savings).

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Someone with:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Process Engineering, or related field.

• 0–5 years in warehouse, logistics, or industrial operations. Prior exposure to continuous improvement or process optimization preferred.

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification desirable.

• Proficiency in AutoCAD for layout and flow design.

• Strong analytical and Excel skills; knowledge of Power BI or similar tools.

• Familiarity with WMS/ERP systems and warehouse KPIs.

• Fluent English and French required (bilingual).

• Strong analytical mindset, problem-solving orientation.

• Hands-on, curious, and proactive.

• Excellent communication and influencing skills.

• Ability to lead without authority and collaborate across cultures.

• Open-minded, structured, and resilient.

Additional Information

• Scope: Warehousing & Distribution sites in Nigeria, Cameroon, Togo, Benin (based in Nigeria, with travel).

• This role is field-oriented and requires regular presence on operational sites.

• Reports to the Area Operations Excellence Manager

#LI-LS2

Maersk is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we embrace different styles of thinking. Maersk is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants without regard to race, colour, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy or parental leave, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all legal requirements.

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