Gabriel Shivanda
Nairobi
Summary
I am a talented & innovative mechanical Engineer with a proven track record of evaluating mechanical systems & applying the knowledge in a beneficial way. I am adept in carefully diagnosing & assessing issues while offering real viable solutions. I am a fast learner with the ability to work well in a competitive/fast-paced work environment & eager to learn new developments.
Driven by a results-focused approach, I leveraged my problem-solving and leadership skills at British American Tobacco to enhance team performance and operational efficiency, achieving a notable 78% OEE. My adeptness in continuous improvement and interpersonal communication has consistently fostered a culture of excellence and adaptability.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Shift Leader
British American Tobacco
05.2024 - Current
- Collaborated with other shift leaders to maintain consistent standards across all shifts, promoting a cohesive workplace culture.
- Oversees daily operations, manages shift schedules, and ensures workflow efficiency.
- Addresses immediate issues and makes real-time decisions to keep the team on track.
- Coach Shift Team and support resources to comply with established standards and document standards for improvements made. Follow and validate if defects were found and solved, with sustainable countermeasures to avoid recurrence (CIL, CL, MP&S). escalate to line lead on any support needed.
- Deliver Shift Team capability for Changeover execution per Standard Work Practice at target time
- Support EO to implementation countermeasures in equipment area., Supporting Line lead on crew right dimension on your shift.
- Support development and lead portions of loss elimination plans using IWS tools
- Manages performance of the designated shift against targets (Production Plan, Quality, Waste, Safety and Hygiene standards) and continuously seeks for opportunities to improve performance.
- Ensures timely and comprehensive capture and recording of production stops and defects and compliance with GMES.
- Solves all emergency issues arising during the shift and where necessary follow the agreed escalation process.
- Follow Quality / operational Procedures and adhere to Quality & Housekeeping Standards.
Training Coordinator
British American Tobacco
05.2021 - 05.2024
- Maintained accurate records of employee participation in training events, tracking progress towards learning objectives.
- Collaborated with department managers to design customized training plans aligned with organizational goals.
- Coordinated logistics for training events, including scheduling facilities, securing necessary equipment, and managing participant registration.
- Provided ongoing coaching and mentoring support for employees seeking professional growth and development.
- Developed engaging instructional materials, including presentations, handouts, and interactive activities.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of training initiatives, making adjustments as needed to optimize results.
- Delivered high-quality classroom instruction using a variety of teaching methods tailored to individual learning styles.
- Enhanced employee performance by developing and implementing comprehensive training programs.
- Streamlined onboarding processes for new hires, resulting in reduced time to full productivity.
- Led cross-functional teams comprised of subject matter experts to create collaborative solutions addressing complex organizational challenges through targeted skills development efforts.
- Partnered with external vendors to source specialized training content or services when required by organizational needs or strategic priorities.
- Championed a performance-driven culture by aligning training initiatives with key performance indicators and individual development plans.
- Cultivated strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels of the organization, fostering trust and collaboration in support of shared learning objectives.
- Facilitated cross-departmental training sessions to promote better understanding of interdepartmental roles and improve collaboration.
- Developed and implemented successful onboarding program.
- Facilitated virtual, in-person and blended learning sessions.
- Developed job-specific competencies and performance standards.
- Developed and executed performance management programs to increase employee engagement and productivity.
- Analyzed and evaluated training effectiveness and program outcomes.
- Conducted needs assessments to identify gaps in performance and develop targeted learning solutions.
- Adapted training content for global audience, considering cultural differences and language barriers to ensure inclusivity and effectiveness.
- Conducted regular training needs analyses across departments, ensuring that all training initiatives were aligned with business objectives.
- Fostered culture of continuous improvement by soliciting and incorporating feedback from training participants into future sessions.
- Streamlined certification process for industry-specific training, reducing time to certification for participants.
- Increased training session attendance, actively promoting sessions through engaging communications and scheduling flexibility.
- Collaborated with HR to align training initiatives with overall talent development strategies, supporting career progression paths.
- Achieved significant improvements in employee performance metrics by identifying skill gaps and delivering targeted training programs.
- Enhanced onboarding experience for new hires with structured training program that accelerated their time to productivity.
- Coordinated with subject matter experts to ensure training content was accurate, relevant, and up-to-date, improving course effectiveness.
- Promoted a culture of continuous learning within the organization by encouraging employee engagement in training opportunities.
- Facilitated communication between trainers and participants before and after sessions to ensure clear expectations and follow-up support were provided as needed.
- 1.4MW solar project management and execution.
Team Leader Modern Oral Factory
British American Tobacco
03.2020 - 05.2024
- Trained new team members by relaying information on company procedures and safety requirements.
- Promoted a positive work environment by fostering teamwork, open communication, and employee recognition initiatives.
- Served as a role model for the team by demonstrating commitment to excellence, professionalism, and adherence to company values at all times.
- Coached team members in techniques necessary to complete job tasks.
- Influenced positive change within the organization through strategic thinking, innovation, problem-solving abilities, and consistent leadership style.
- Managed risks and mitigated potential issues through proactive planning, monitoring, and timely decision making.
- Developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and OPLs for various applications in the factory.
- Following up daily actions from Daily direction setting (DDS) meetings and ensuring they are timely closed.
- Developed capability in the operation and maintenance of lines by ensuring factory machines are in good working order.
- Successful installation of machines with ZERO accidents reported by giving a keen eye to risk and actively fostering for risk assessment.
- Ensuring factory cleanliness & hygiene is followed as per GMP guidelines and enforcing GMP standards in the Modern oral factory.
- Achieving 57%OEE in engineering trials against a target of 50% and 65.2% OEE against a target of 65% in MQS2
- Achieving 78% OEE and 13-minute MTBF during MQS3
Technical Operator
Brookside Dairy Limited.
01.2019 - 03.2020
- Enhanced product quality by closely monitoring and adjusting production settings as needed.
- Taking part and actively participating in trainings organized by the company to keep up with the latest technologies and improvements.
- Maintained safety standards within the workplace by adhering to company policies and conducting regular inspections of equipment.
- Safely operate the Tetra Fino Aseptic filling machine, including pre-sterilization, aseptic water circulation, and production phases.
- Monitor and control critical process parameters, such as temperature, pressure, and product flow, to maintain aseptic conditions and product quality.
- Participate in cleaning and sanitizing procedures, including CIP (Clean-in-Place) systems, to prevent reinfection and ensure tank integrity.
- Identify and resolve technical issues promptly, minimizing downtime and ensuring continuous production.
- Perform routine maintenance tasks, such as filter replacements and lubrication, to prevent equipment failures and ensure optimal performance.
- Maintaining accurate records and documentation, and provide training to other operators as needed, to ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and company standards
- Work closely with other technical and production personnel to ensure seamless integration with the overall production process and to address any technical or quality issues that may arise.
- Carrying out autonomous maintenance (Cleaning, inspection and lubrication)
- Adherence to health and safety organizations.
- Maintaining activity logs.
Industrial Attachment
Insteel Limited
09.2017 - 12.2017
- Different pumps dismantling, repair and mounting.
- Lubricating machine chains, gasket changing, gear box dismantling, repair and mounting.
- Mounting different types of coupling.
- Machine maintenance.
- Fabrication and welding of production machine parts.
- Repair and maintenance of production machines.
- Fire control system inspection and replacement.
- •Stock count and inspection for product safety.
- Taking part in overhead cranes upgrade projects.
Education
Diploma - Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
Thika Technical Training Institute
Thika Kenya11.2018
High School Diploma -
Kihara High School.
Kiambu Kenya11.2009
Skills
- Positive Attitude
- Team Leadership
- Problem-Solving
- Strong verbal and written communication
- Team Collaboration and Leadership
- Team Supervision
- Conflict Resolution
- Staff education and training
- Goal Setting and Tracking
- Motivational Leadership
- Safety processes and procedures
- Complaint resolution
- Shift Scheduling
- Quality control assurance
- Operations Management
- Operations Support
- Technical Support
- Decision-Making
- Data Analysis
- Idea Development and Brainstorming
- Team building
- Project Planning
- Process Analysis
- Logistics Coordination
- Written Communication
- Reliability
- Team Collaboration
- Effective Communication
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Self Motivation
- Interpersonal Skills
- Professionalism
- Time management abilities
- Continuous Improvement
- Process Improvement
- Risk assessment, Emergency response, Safety Regulations, Incident Investigation, Behavioral safety
- Self-motivated and client focused
Accomplishments
- Water Recycling project to achieve 26% Water recycling rate from 2% as well as 30% reduction in Total water withdrawn at British American Tobacco Kenya
- Setting up of a new factory for both primary & secondary manufacturing department at British American Tobacco Kenya with Virtue support from OEM
- 1.4 MW Solar project installation till the commissioning phase with zero Incidences reported during the project.
- Running a Successful CQV in the Modern oral factory surpassing the Targeted OEE and MTBF in MQS 3
- Automation of Training app in power BI and creating a centralized training materials shortcut for easy access
Certification
- Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP)
- International General Certificate in OSH
- Aseptic Packaging
- First Aider
- EHS Committee
- Diploma in mechanical Engineering (Plant Option)
- Good manufacturing practices
Timeline
Shift Leader
British American Tobacco
05.2024 - Current
Training Coordinator
British American Tobacco
05.2021 - 05.2024
Team Leader Modern Oral Factory
British American Tobacco
03.2020 - 05.2024
Technical Operator
Brookside Dairy Limited.
01.2019 - 03.2020
Industrial Attachment
Insteel Limited
09.2017 - 12.2017
Diploma - Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
Thika Technical Training Institute
High School Diploma -
Kihara High School.