Simone Naidoo Email & Phone Number

Randburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Outline:Oversee production operations, ensuring compliance, cost management, process optimization, team development, and safety across multiple units. Successfully commissioned and sustained a high-performance production facility.Responsibilities:1) Supervised a 200-ton/day dry pet food facility, managing raw material preparation to packaging.2) Led a team of 6 direct and 99 indirect reports, plus 42 contractors, ensuring safety, quality, and service targets.3) Acted as OSH Act 8.2 Compliance Officer, maintaining safety standards.4) Conducted factory tours for stakeholders and drove continuous improvement initiatives.5) Managed inventory, focusing on waste reduction, and implemented Mars Supply Excellence (MSE) strategies.6) Oversaw a monthly budget of R30 million.Achievements:1) Increased productivity by 60%, reduced workforce from 147 to 58, and improved cost-efficiency.2) Reduced employees with only primary education from 73% to 46% through training programs.3) Improved attendance from 83% to 100% with a biometric system and revised policies.4) Elevated kibble quality from 68% to 81% through root cause analysis and preventative measures.5) Saved R4 million annually by optimizing operations.6) Advanced leadership by defining vision, managing change, and enhancing training.

Vereeniging, Gauteng, South Africa

Outline:Oversee production operations, ensuring compliance, cost management, process optimization, team development, and safety across multiple units. Successfully commissioned and sustained a high-performance production facility.Responsibilities:1) Managed 5 production units (Nitro-Phosphate, Liquid Calcium Nitrate, Chlorine), reporting to the SSB Director, with 6 direct and 80 indirect reports2) Implemented key management systems, ensuring safe and sustainable production of NPML, nitro Phos powder, and liquid calcium nitrate3) Oversaw product costing, adherence to legal regulations, and compliance with occupational health, safety, and environmental standards4) Developed operating procedures, oversaw training, and conducted technical evaluations for operational optimization5) Managed a 60 million Rand monthly operating budget, coordinating contractors and ensuring cost efficiency6) Enhanced team accountability through KPI measurement, coaching, and fostering an engaged workforce7) Emphasised lean manufacturing principles to reduce waste and improve efficiency8) Regularly reported plant performance to Executive Management and proposed solutions for challenges.Completed TPM Training and deployed WCM principles, focusing on autonomous maintenance and operator upskillingAchievements:1) Led the team in commissioning a 1500 ton/day Nitro-Phosphate facility in 2019, achieving design capacity in 20202) Successfully decommissioned two older plants (NP1 & LCN1) after 36 years3) Established sustainable management systems, contractor SLAs, and plant infrastructure4) Maintained a record of zero injuries for over 700 days across all production units5) Achieved production targets for NP and LCN with no quality non-conformances, all within budget

Vereeniging, Gauteng, South Africa

Outline:Designed, optimized, and troubleshot production processes to ensure efficiency, quality, and compliance with safety and environmental standards.Responsibilities:1) Reported to the Technical Manager, supporting the Plant/Operations Manager by evaluating raw materials, energy efficiency, production capacity, quality, and cost2) Provided and implemented recommendations for daily operations and optimizations3) Managed optimizations from conceptual design through installation and commissioning4) Conducted R&D and plant-scale trials to explore alternative raw materials and develop new processes5) Evaluated plant performance, troubleshooting quality issues, equipment breakdowns, and production rate challenges6) Led process engineering efforts, including design, planning, feasibility assessments, and scope development7) Conducted risk assessments focused on occupational safety, process safety, and environmental impact8) Ensured compliance with internal and external regulations through thorough documentation9) Applied lean manufacturing principles to reduce waste and enhance production efficiency10) Engaged consultants for equipment review and implemented improvements based on expert recommendationsAchievements:1) Implemented NPML consumption in Granulation Plant 3, reducing costs by R500/ton through equipment modifications and formulation reviews2) Improved raw material usage variance by revising formulations based on plant capability and heat balance3) Completed key projects4) Commissioned GP2 air conditioning unit to prevent moisture transfer to the granular product5) Installed and commissioned GP2 kaolin scale to reduce caking in the final product

Vereeniging, Gauteng, South Africa

Outline:Supported operational efficiency and quality by troubleshooting issues, managing optimizations, and implementing engineering solutions to enhance plant performance and compliance.Responsibilities:1) Reported to the Operations Manager, troubleshooting issues related to availability, quality, and production rate.2) Ensured engineering information was updated and accessible.3) Conducted debottlenecking to address limitations in availability, production rate, and quality.4) Managed optimizations from design through commissioning.6) Updated P&IDs, process flow diagrams, interlock, and alarm lists.7) Collected and interpreted data, preparing reports for operations and maintenance teams.8) Assisted process technicians in troubleshooting quality issues, breakdowns, and production challenges.9) Managed minor project modifications to improve plant availability, production rate, or quality.10) Reviewed nutrient efficiency and coordinated consultant assistance for equipment optimization.Achievements:1) Kalsti Reduction Project: Reduced waste release by 76% through purer raw materials and equipment modifications.2) NOx Scrubber Project: Upgraded the wet scrubber, reducing harmful emissions and meeting NEMA standards.3) NP Pipe Reactor: Enhanced operation and added protection layers, with no major uncontrolled releases since 2015.Availability and Production Capacity Improvements:1) Adjusted chute angles, eliminating 200 hours of annual availability loss due to blockages.2) Optimized operational parameters to reduce equipment strain and enhance production quality.3) Changed piping materials, eliminating 274 hours of annual availability loss.4) Upgraded exhaust fan design, removing 175 hours of annual availability loss.

Master Of Science - Msc, Chemical Engineering

Distinctions received in Maths, Physical Science, Natural Science, Arts & Culture, Advanced Mathematics, Life Orientation Awards Received.

Bachelor Of Science - Bsc, Chemical Engineering

12/Matric