Donavon Strydom
Manufacturing Manager
Cape Town
Summary
Proactive Manufacturing Manager with 10+ years of Production /Manufacturing/Warehousing supervisory experience. Dedicated to leading by example and ensuring quality products through detail-oriented inspections.
Smoothly direct employees carrying out Production related operations to achieve demanding production goals, schedules and budget targets. Driven leader with excellent analytical, decision-making and project management abilities. Maintain employee focus and achieve quality targets with hands-on supervision.
Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.
Hardworking and passionate job seeker with strong organizational skills eager to grow in position. Ready to help team achieve company goals.
Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
To seek and maintain full-time position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages
Work History
Manufacturing Manager
Cecil Vinegar Works ADO Libstar Foods
09.2019 - Current
- Reduced machine downtime through proactive maintenance and effective troubleshooting techniques.
- Increased output capacity with the optimization of equipment layout and workflow improvements.
- Optimized scheduling processes to maximize resource utilization while minimizing labor costs and overtime expenses.
- Oversaw inventory management, ensuring optimal levels were maintained to meet production demands without excessive stockpiling or shortages.
- Established performance metrics for staff members, enabling effective evaluation of individual contributions and overall team success.
- Improved production efficiency by streamlining manufacturing processes and implementing lean principles.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure on-time delivery of products while maintaining high quality standards.
- Implemented cost-saving measures by identifying areas of waste reduction and negotiating favorable contracts with suppliers.
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations at all times, conducting regular inspections and promoting a culture of safe work practices among employees.
- Managed budget planning and forecasting activities for the manufacturing department, ensuring alignment with corporate financial goals while maintaining operational excellence.
- Managed a team of production staff, fostering a positive work environment and encouraging professional growth.
- Developed and implemented training programs for new hires, resulting in reduced time-to-productivity for all employees.
- Developed long-term strategies for manufacturing operations, aligning with company goals and objectives to drive sustainable growth.
- Enhanced product quality by performing regular audits, enforcing strict adherence to industry standards, and implementing corrective actions when necessary.
- Tracked new material shipments and coordinated flow of materials at different stages of manufacturing to align with procurement expectations.
- Evaluated suppliers to maintain cost controls and improve operations.
- Supervised production team, keeping production schedules on track to meet tight deadlines.
- Applied lean principles to improve workflow and quality and reduce waste.
- Conducted performance reviews each quarter, offering praise and recommendations for improvement.
- Anticipated and addressed production problems, material shortages, equipment malfunctions, and unavoidable delays.
- Evaluated employee skills and knowledge regularly, training, and mentoring individuals with lagging skills.
- Introduced new methods, practices, and systems to reduce turnaround time.
- Coordinated procedures for facility and equipment maintenance, modification or replacement.
- Performed detailed material inventories and ordered more supplies.
- Set product standards, examining samples of raw products and processing tests, to monitor quality of finished products.
- Made sure that products were produced on time and are of good quality.
- Wrote process, employee and production schedules.
- Managed personnel by implementing company policies, procedures, work rules, and disciplinary action.
- Collaborated with technical and administrative teams to develop and implement successful corrective plans.
- Created and oversaw production schedules and adjusted as needed to meet deadlines.
- Coordinated with other departments to align production with customer requirements.
- Scrutinized production output and identified areas for improvement.
- Enforced health and safety protocols to promote safe working environment.
Unit Manager
Instant Trading Company
12.2017 - 08.2019
- Evaluated employee performance regularly for professional growth opportunities, accountability measures, and feedback-driven improvement strategies.
- Ensured compliance with regulations and standards through regular audits, staff education, and policy updates.
- Streamlined daily operations for increased productivity by delegating tasks and supervising production staff.
- Facilitated interdepartmental collaboration through effective communication and coordination of production plans.
- Coordinated discharge planning processes effectively to ensure a seamless transition for product on production lines and facilities.
- Managed team of professionals, ensuring timely completion of projects within allocated budgets.
- Enhanced production efficiency by streamlining workflows and optimizing resource allocation.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to achieve seamless integration of new products into existing production lines.
- Established strong relationships with clients through clear communication channels, consistently meeting their needs while balancing internal demands and priorities.
- Maintained high-quality standards through rigorous quality control measures, resulting in consistent customer satisfaction ratings.
- Oversaw daily unit operations, maintaining a safe and productive work environment for all staff members.
- Managed continuous improvement initiatives to drive gains in quality, flow, and output.
- Standardized production procedures, job roles, and quality assurance guidelines.
- Resolved issues quickly to maintain productivity goals.
- Collaborated with department heads to establish and enforce company policies and procedures.
Warehouse Assistant
Instant Trading Company
08.2013 - 12.2017
- Supported timely delivery of orders by efficiently loading trucks according to established procedures and schedules.
- Ensured optimal use of storage space through proper organization, stacking, and labeling of products within the warehouse facility.
- Proactively identified damaged or defective items before shipping, minimizing potential customer dissatisfaction and the need for returns.
- Reduced order processing time by effectively coordinating with team members to pick, pack, and ship products quickly.
- Assisted in formulating warehouse policies and procedures, contributing towards creating a more efficient work environment.
- Maintained a safe work environment by adhering to safety protocols and regularly inspecting warehouse equipment.
- Responded promptly to customer inquiries regarding order status, providing exceptional service while resolving any issues that arose.
- Exhibited excellent problem-solving skills when confronted with logistical challenges or discrepancies in inventory counts.
- Collaborated with team members on special projects as needed, demonstrating adaptability and a strong work ethic.
Assistant Designer
Trad Signs
01.2012 - 03.2013
- Played an integral role in transforming client concepts into tangible design solutions, resulting in increased customer satisfaction and repeat business.
- Improved overall design quality by attentively proofreading and editing materials before final submission.
- Maximized creative output under tight deadlines without sacrificing quality or accuracy.
- Implementing and build of signs and billboards this included assisting in installation and construction of signage.
Education
High School Diploma -
Stellenberg High School
Cape Town 04.2001 -
Skills
Strategic thinker
Health and safety compliance
New Employee Hiring
Production procedures
Priority management
Operations Management
Continuous Improvement
Maintenance Planning
Team Supervision
Extremely quick learner
Safety Protocols
Lean Manufacturing
Internal Auditing
Data Analytics
Manufacturing Resource Planning MRP
Production Planning
Process Improvement
Waste Reduction
Production Reports Maintenance
Process Planning
Decision-Making
Processing Oversight
Processing Operations Review
Production Order Review
Attention to Detail
Time management abilities
Quality Assurance
Problem-solving aptitude
Staff Scheduling
Workflow Management
Accomplishments
- Production - Consistently met production and schedule levels.
- Collaborated with team of 65 members in the development and improvement of the production floor and facilities.
- Supervised team of 65 staff members.
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Achieved 95% service levels by completing production requirement with accuracy and efficiency.
- Safety Audit - Led monthly safety audits to monitor employee behavior and ensure safe compliance with company policies and safety regulations.
- Documented and resolved waste protocal which led to massive decrease in production waste.
Rugby and Soccer - Gym - Playing Games - Swimming - active
I am young energetic and hungry, I am extremely passionate about everything I do and do not allow hardships or others negativity slow me down in what I do. I am very determined and love to take on new challenges. I will always give you my 110% with everything I do.
I love watching Rugby, Soccer and MMA.
I occasionally game on weekends
I Gym and I'm very active and love the outdoors
I enjoy swimming and swam competitively in Highschool and primary school
Timeline
Manufacturing Manager
Cecil Vinegar Works ADO Libstar Foods
09.2019 - Current
Unit Manager
Instant Trading Company
12.2017 - 08.2019
Warehouse Assistant
Instant Trading Company
08.2013 - 12.2017
Assistant Designer
Trad Signs
01.2012 - 03.2013
High School Diploma -
Stellenberg High School
04.2001 -