Sphera
CHUMANI NTLALE
Production Team Leader
Centurion,GP
Summary
Competent Production Team Leader with solid background in leading production teams to meet operational goals. Proven ability to optimize workflows and implement process improvements. Demonstrated leadership and problem-solving skills.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
year of post-secondary education
7
7
Certifications
2
2
Languages
Work History
Production Team Leader
DSM-Firmenich
09.2025 - Current
- Lead and supervise a team of 9 production operators, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality manufacturing operations.
- Coordinate daily production activities to meet production targets, quality standards, and operational deadlines.
- Collaborate with Quality, Maintenance, Warehouse, and HR to ensure seamless operations.
- Implemented a revised shift pattern, reducing overtime by 24 hours per person across a team of 36 operators, resulting in significant cost saving.
- Introduced production process log sheets to improve performance tracking, accountability, and shift handovers.
- Enhanced team performance through improved structure, communication, and operational discipline.
SCADA Operator
Bushveld Electrolyte Company
12.2022 - Current
- Operate and monitor SCADA systems in a R100 million Vanadium electrolyte plant.
- Train and supervise new production staff on safe and efficient operations.
- Review and improve SOPs for plant processes.
- Ensure production targets and safety protocols are consistently met.
- Drive process optimization initiatives.
DCS Board Operator
PetroSA
06.2018 - 08.2021
- Monitored and controlled 10 utility processes using SCADA/DCS systems.
- Coordinated plant operations during startups and shutdowns.
- Maintained steam and water quality using LIMS.
- Generated work requests and process reports on SAP PM.
- Liaised with multiple departments for seamless operations.
Senior Process Controller (Power Plant)
PetroSA
01.2012 - 05.2018
- Operated high-capacity boilers and turbines (110MW generation).
- Managed demineralization units and preventative activities.
- Completed daily inspections and tests on plant equipment and documented findings.
Senior Process Controller (Raw Water Treatment)
PetroSA
03.2009 - 12.2011
- Operated water treatment systems including clarifiers, filters, and dosing units.
- Supervised contractors and ensured safety compliance.
Senior Process Controller
PetroSA
01.2008 - 02.2009
- Operated Fischer-Tropsch reactor and managed safe shutdowns and troubleshooting.
Projects Technician
Karbochem Pty Ltd
07.2007 - 12.2007
- Prepared specifications, managed procurement, and coordinated project activities.
Production Team Leader
Karbochem Pty Ltd
10.2004 - 06.2007
- Supervised 8 plant operators and led process improvement initiatives.
Acting Operations Maintenance Coordinator
Karbochem Pty Ltd
04.2003 - 09.2004
- Scheduled and coordinated maintenance activities aligned with production goals.
Education
National Diploma - Chemical Engineering
Peninsula Technikon
BellvilleNo Degree - Generic Management
Apexu
Sandton, South Africa 04.2001 -
Skills
Production planning
Team motivation
Continuous improvements
Incidents management
Work scheduling
Cost reduction strategies
Resource tracking
Teamwork and collaboration
Contamination prevention
Software
SAP ECC
Certification
Assessor (EWSETA)
Timeline
Production Team Leader
DSM-Firmenich
09.2025 - Current
SCADA Operator
Bushveld Electrolyte Company
12.2022 - Current
DCS Board Operator
PetroSA
06.2018 - 08.2021
Senior Process Controller (Power Plant)
PetroSA
01.2012 - 05.2018
Senior Process Controller (Raw Water Treatment)
PetroSA
03.2009 - 12.2011
Senior Process Controller
PetroSA
01.2008 - 02.2009
Projects Technician
Karbochem Pty Ltd
07.2007 - 12.2007
Production Team Leader
Karbochem Pty Ltd
10.2004 - 06.2007
Acting Operations Maintenance Coordinator
Karbochem Pty Ltd
04.2003 - 09.2004
No Degree - Generic Management
Apexu
04.2001 -
National Diploma - Chemical Engineering
Peninsula Technikon
References
Available upon request