Job Description

Vacancy

APSYS AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT MANAGER

Appointments will be made in line with the company's employment equity plan. People with Disability are encouraged to apply.

Gibela’s journey is intrinsically tied to a vision of socio-economic transformation, one that recognises the central role of passenger rail in propelling the South African economy forward. As we embark on this mission, we stand at the crossroads of opportunities and progress, where the revitalisation of commuter rail serves as a cornerstone for building a brighter future.

Gibela stands as Africa’s largest train manufacturing and passenger trains maintenance company, holding steadfast to its commitment to spearheading the revival of the South African railway sector. With a transformative vision, Gibela endeavoured to catalyse the shift towards commuter rail as the preferred mode of transport for urban communities.

We invite suitably qualified candidates to apply for the APSYS and CI Manager position under TSSSA. The position will report to the Services Executive and is based at the Service Centre, Randjespark, Midrand.

Job Purpose

Lead and drive end-to-end performance improvement, Lean transformation, innovation, and standardization across all PRASA and TSSSA sites, ensuring delivery of Safety, Quality, Cost and Delivery (SQCD) objectives.

The role is responsible for deploying APSYS frameworks, performance governance, digital transformation, and innovation programmes, while embedding a continuous improvement and knowledge-sharing culture that enhances operational efficiency, asset reliability, and long-term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Performance Management

• Define and deploy SQCD performance framework across all sites
• Monitor, analyze, and report on site performance dashboards (including productivity)
• Lead structured problem-solving (A3, QRQC, DMAIC)
• Align operational performance with business strategy and PRASA requirements

Continuous Improvement and Lean Deployment

Lead deployment of the APSYS roadmap across PRASA and TSSSA sites

• Standardize Lean tools:
• DLSB (Digital Line Side Boards)
• Govern and drive Kaizen pipeline and ensure sustainability of improvements.

APSYS Maturity and Best Practice Management

• Assess and monitor APSYS maturity across all sites using standard audit frameworks
• Conduct regular APSYS audits, gap analyses, and benchmarking exercises
• Develop and execute action plans to improve maturity levels
• Ensure alignment and consistency in Lean deployment across all locations
• Identify, document, and promote best practices across depots, repair centers, and suppliers
• Facilitate knowledge sharing forums, workshops, and communities of practice
• Drive standardization and replication of successful initiatives across sites

Operational Excellence in Maintenance

• Improve maintenance processes, exam / regimes, and workflows
• Optimize resource utilization and workshop layouts
• Reduce downtime and improve fleet availability and reliability

Life Cycle Cost (LCC) and Engineering Improvement

• Identify initiatives to reduce life cycle costs and operational inefficiencies
• Collaborate with Services Engineering and Warranty on reliability and design improvements

Digital Transformation

• Drive adoption of digital tools, performance dashboards, and analytics
• Enable data-driven decision-making across operations

Innovation and Research Development

• Lead and support Innovation Programmes across all sites
• Develop structured pipelines from idea generation to implementation
• Collaborate with Research Chairs (universities and partners) to:
• Promote a culture of innovation and continuous learning

Leadership and Capability Development

• Lead and coach CI teams and operational teams
• Build Lean and problem-solving capability across all levels
• Identify and address training needs
• Support graduate development programmes

Governance, Compliance and Audits

• Ensure adherence to EHS, Quality, and Operational Standards
• Lead APSYS audits, benchmarking, and continuous improvement tracking
• Ensure closure of:

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as key interface with PRASA leadership and internal stakeholders
• Present:
• Build strong collaboration across sites and functions
• Management, Fleet Management, Services Engineering, Industrialization, Warranty, Operations, Quality, Supply chain, Planning, Sourcing, Human Resources, IT.

Minimum Requirements

• Degree/ BTech Qualification in Industrial or Mechanical Engineering (NQF Level 7)
• Post Graduate qualification (NQF Level 8) would be advantageous.
• Green Belt Certified (Advantageous).
• Certified Facilitator and Assessor (Advantageous).

5 to 10 Years experience in the following:

• Continuous Improvement / Operational Excellence.
• Maintenance / Industrial Environments.
• Lean transformation (APSYS or Equivalent Systems).
• Multi-Site Performance Management.

Advantageous:

• Maturity Assessment Environments (Advantageous).
• Innovation programmed or R&D Collaboration (Advantageous).

Special Requirement

The incumbent is required to engage with all employees across from senior management to general employees and is required to manage cross-functional networks to deliver results. Projects range from a few weeks up to a few months

Closing Date

30 September 2026

Should you not hear from us in 30 days, consider your application as unsuccessful.

Gibela Rail Transport Consortium (Pty) Ltd offers equal employment opportunity and subscribes to the Affirmative Action policy.