Kajal Hariprasad Suggoo
Manager - Product Development (Senior Product Development Engineer)
Ladysmith
Summary
A passionate, enthusiastic, tenacious, goal-oriented, and dynamic person, person that motivates those around to reach their full potential and provide the finest outcomes, by standing out to shatter the Status Quo and not just Challenging it. With almost sixteen years of experience in the Tyre Industry, I have gained priceless experience on a variety of fronts. I do my hardest and I accomplish anything I set my mind to, and it has always been my dream to pursue a my master's degree in business administration.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
9
9
Certifications
3
3
Languages
Work History
Manager - Product Development (Senior Product Development Engineer)
SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES SOUTH AFRICA (DUNLOP TYRES)
06.2020 - Current
- Managing all facets of product development with meticulous precision and attention to accuracy due to the stringent deadlines.
- Facilitation of new product development and Industrialization in accordance with the Customer Requirements by Management of all projects of OE (Original Equipment) and Replacement products as per market demand or OEM demand.
- Manage the execution of programs designed to consistently enhance services, productivity, and quality in order to guarantee constant improvement.
- Industrialization of Products in line to design requirements, Quality Management Systems and requirements such as APQP.
- Audit Compliance to IATF/ OE Audit requirements.
- As a Six Sigma Champion, Statistic tools are used for data analysis and process improvements.
- Coaching, mentoring, supervising, and offering support and direction.
- Strategic planning to ensure sustainability and profitability.
- Management of Key Performance indicators by creating clear expectations and goals that are in line with the organization's aims, as well as mentoring and inspiring the team.
- Planning, coordination and control of all All trial development processes so that quality products are developed and delivered on time and within budgets.
- Driving improvement for Waste reduction.
- Budget creations and management.
- International Communication skills
- Enhancement on current Products driving innovation.
- Easily adaptable to Customer and Market requirements.
- Problem solving on Cross Function Teams
- Variety of Problem solving tools and technique, G8D, Ishikawa/Fishbone, 2G Analysis, SWOT, PDCA.
- Management of Bill of Materials and Specifications on various platforms such as SAP, MES, K2, Poke Yoke Driven Specification Systems.
- Lead All product development Feasibility study or capital investment studies.
- Lead technology advancement and technology alignment activities related to OE or replacement product development.
- Driving Continuous Improvements for sustainability and growth.
- Track competencies of subordinates and provide leadership and development plan as required to achieve the objectives. Develop plans to address needs.
- Disciplinary issues are effectively administered and that employee grievances are addressed.
- Project Risk assessments and formulation of mitigation strategies.
- Clear and concise communication with Stakeholders to ensure project requirements are met.
- The implementation of Agile methodologies to streamline project processes
- Launch and Monitoring of Products both Internally and External.
- Business Strategy and Ensuring Alignment to it
- Change Management & Management of the Documentation.
- Co-ordination with Supply Chain Management and Development.
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Managed budgets effectively, ensuring optimal financial performance while investing in necessary resources for business growth.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- Conducted root cause analysis on production issues, implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence and maintain customer satisfaction levels.
Quality Technical Manager
SUMITOMO RUBBER SA
04.2017 - 05.2020
- Responsible for achieving and reduction of waste targets.
- Delivered comprehensive technical training programs for staff members, enhancing overall team competency levels.
- Improvement of defects by problem solving techniques.
- Created comprehensive documentation of processes and procedures to ensure consistency throughout the department's operations, including FMEA's, Control Plans, SOP's, Technical Work Instructions.
- Responsible for Achievement of Stringent Targets for the product to ensure supply to the customer.
- Built trusted relationships with stakeholders through clear communication and collaborative problem-solving efforts, Support on problem solving at (OEM) / Customers.
- Coordinated with other departments effectively, integrating technical requirements into broader organizational goals seamlessly.
- Project Management, Systems, Analysis, Modification and Creation of Mitigation plans for improvement.
- Developed suggestions for technical process improvements to optimize resources.
- Innovative for continuous Improvement.
- Mentored junior staff members, fostering a supportive environment and promoting professional development.
- Communicated project status, delivering audience messages, and change management with clients.
- Managed deliverable estimates, negotiated resource conflicts and allocated resources.
- Problem Solving
- Team Leadership
- G8D, Six Sigma, QIR, APQP
- Key member of the organization for all Audits (Internal and External).
- Human Resource Management, Time Management and Clocking systems.
- Disciplinary Hearings.
- Business Ethics and Morals
- Key support in deliverables supporting the entire organization.
- Management of Team of people to meet challenging waste objectives, to meet the organization cost budgets.
- Management of this area was one the largest areas that could generate tyre waste,
- Management of stringent targets, management of key strategic plans for the reduction of waste via CFT's (Cross functional teams comprising of Engineers, Maintenance, Process and Production.
- Implementation of controls and measures.
- Developed technical strategies to align with business objectives, driving growth and innovation within the organization.
- Met with clients to gather and understand requirements and coordinated with system administrators and directors to communicate status project activities.
- Optimized team performance by establishing clear roles, responsibilities, expectations in accordance with best practices.
- Spearheaded process improvement initiatives, identifying inefficiencies and implementing solutions to optimize operations.
- Managed budgets and resources effectively, optimizing resource allocation to maximize project outcomes.
- Drove cost-saving measures by analyzing existing systems and infrastructure to identify areas for improvement and implement efficient solutions.
- Successfully managed multiple high-stakes projects concurrently while adhering to strict timelines and budget constraints.
Associate Manager - Technical
APOLLO TYRES
05.2013 - 03.2017
- Results orientated, FPY (First Pass Yield and OE yield greatest responsibility), to ensure minimum Waste and low cost.
- Project Management
- System Analysis
- Initiated process improvements based on thorough analysis of internal operations data resulting in enhanced productivity levels.
- Managed cross-functional projects, ensuring timely completion and alignment with company objectives.
- Management of Team on day shift and shift basis.
- Six Sigma Projects on defect reduction on Uniformity and Defect, resulting in cost saving.
- DOE's and Wave Trace Analysis
- Waste Reduction
- Uniformity Scrap analysis
- Defect analysis
- OE Yield improvements
- Audits on quality standards
- Mentored junior team members, contributing to their professional growth and skill development.
- Projects to improve Uniformity levels and reduce scrap
- Ensure conformance to design
- Trending of problematic sizes
- Led team meetings regularly to discuss progress updates, identify challenges or roadblocks, and provide guidance towards successful project completion.
- FMEA's, Control plans
- Successfully managed multiple high-priority tasks simultaneously while maintaining strict deadlines ensuring optimal resource allocation.
- Leveraged industry best practices to enhance operational efficiency within the organization.
- Delivered comprehensive reports on key performance indicators, driving data-driven decision-making among leadership teams.
- Supervised day-to-day operations to meet performance, quality and service expectations.
Process Technician - Uniformity Specialist
APOLLO TYRES
04.2010 - 04.2013
- Improved product quality with strict adherence to standard operating procedures and quality control guidelines.
- Enhanced production efficiency by optimizing process parameters and equipment settings.
- Coordinated with engineering teams during equipment upgrades or installation projects, ensuring minimal disruption to ongoing production activities.
- Provided technical support to all projects and provided research for all developmental teams.
- Problem Solving
- Participated in root cause analysis efforts on process-related issues, offering expertise to identify solutions quickly and effectively.
- Implemented continuous improvement initiatives within the facility, resulting in higher levels of operational excellence.
- Supported an environment of safety through thorough knowledge of regulations, best practices, and consistent communication with team members regarding safe work habits.
- Monitored all objectives and communicated with various teams regarding performance.
- Maintained detailed records of process data and performance metrics, providing valuable insights for future improvements.
- G8D
- Risk Assessments
- Manage Team on Shift
- Uniformity Analysis by selected size
- Monitoring and corrective action
- Defect analysis
- Data collection
- Wavetrace Analysis and Wave Trace Trials
- Machine Tolerance Checks
- MTC
- Waste Management systems
- Root Cause Analysis
- Cross functional Team for problem solving
- Material Sampling
- Cut Analysis
- Production Monitoring
- Efficiency of the Product to meet deadline for delivery
- OE & FPY Yield
- New developments to improve Uniformity & cost saving
- Design of experiment (DOE) trials
- Audits on quality standards
- Technical and Production to improve Cost or Production Projects
In-service and Contract
APOLLO TYRES
06.2008 - 03.2010
- Tyre Manufacturing
- Production Processes
- Engineering Processes
- Problem Solving
- System Analysis
- Specification Edit and Modification
- Change Control
- Data & Waste Management
- Waste Analysis on Scrap for Uniformity and Defects and Waste Control
- New developments to improve Uniformity & cost saving
- Uniformity Improvement, Improvement in OE
- Design of experiment (DOE) trials
- Audits on quality standards both in making and across multiple departments
- Technical Projects
Manager
INSTARECT CONCRETE
03.2005 - 05.2008
- Company Overview: It was a Concrete Manufacturing business, for the building industry
- Sales
- Debtors
- Creditors
- Leadership
- Human Resources
- It was a Concrete Manufacturing business, for the building industry
Education
Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Management - Business Management
Mancosa - Management College of Southern Africa
Durban, South Africa 04.2001 -
Bachelor of Business Administration Degree - Business
Mancosa - Management College of Southern Africa
Durban, South Africa01-2023
Problem Solving Tool: Six Sigma - Green Belt - undefined
Ladysmith
Senior Leadership Development Program - undefined
Durban
National Diploma: Engineering: Chemical (Incomplete) - undefined
University of South Africa
Six Sigma - Green Belt - undefined
Leadership Program - undefined
Measurement System Analysis - undefined
Kaizen - undefined
Skills
Team leadership
Operations management
Strategic planning
Decision-making
Performance management
Staff development
Workforce management
Financial management
Project management
Marketing
Effective Communication
Customer relationship management (CRM)
Policy implementation
Cross-functional teamwork
Documentation and reporting
Project planning
Verbal and written communication
Complex Problem-solving
Product management
Emergency response
Coaching and mentoring
Risk management
Data analysis
Inventory management
Disciplinary techniques
Lead and organize
Adaptability and flexibility
Team building
Organizational skills
Interpersonal skills
Attention to detail
Active listening
Extra-Curricular Activities
Raising of funds and awareness of the cost of Sanitary Pads, Ladysmith, KZN, 3370, South Africa, 08/01/23, 12/31/24 Helping in Fund Raising to assist the Children housed in the Home that the Ladysmith Child welfare takes care of., Ladysmith, KZN, 3370, South Africa, 10/01/23, 01/31/24
Accomplishments
I bring a wealth of knowledge and skills, not only in the automotive industry but across various facets of life. With nearly sixteen years of experience in manufacturing, I have held diverse roles, from Quality Technical Manager in the heart of the factory environment to my current position managing all Passenger Car Radial Tyres supplied for both the OEM and the replacement market which includes the development and industrialization of products into the production phase.
Educational Background
I hold a Degree in Business and a Postgraduate qualification in Business Management. These academic achievements have paved the way for my pursuit of an MBA, further enhancing my business acumen and leadership capabilities.
Professional Experience
Quality Technical Manager: Spearheaded quality assurance initiatives within the factory environment, ensuring adherence to stringent quality standards and continuous improvement processes.
Current Role: Oversee the management of Passenger Car Radial Tyres for both OEM and replacement markets, driving product development and industrialization into production.
Leadership and Employee Engagement
I am a driven, hardworking, and dynamic individual. My leadership style is characterized by a strong focus on employee engagement, inspired by the principles outlined in the book “The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy.” By incorporating these concepts, I have successfully fostered a positive and productive work environment in the manufacturing industry.
Community Involvement
Beyond my professional endeavors, I am actively involved in various charity drives. My commitment to social responsibility underscores my dedication to making a positive impact both within and outside the workplace.
Certification
Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSBB) - EOH
Timeline
Manager - Product Development (Senior Product Development Engineer)
SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES SOUTH AFRICA (DUNLOP TYRES)
06.2020 - Current
Quality Technical Manager
SUMITOMO RUBBER SA
04.2017 - 05.2020
Associate Manager - Technical
APOLLO TYRES
05.2013 - 03.2017
Process Technician - Uniformity Specialist
APOLLO TYRES
04.2010 - 04.2013
In-service and Contract
APOLLO TYRES
06.2008 - 03.2010
Manager
INSTARECT CONCRETE
03.2005 - 05.2008
Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Management - Business Management
Mancosa - Management College of Southern Africa
04.2001 -
Problem Solving Tool: Six Sigma - Green Belt - undefined
Ladysmith
Senior Leadership Development Program - undefined
Durban
National Diploma: Engineering: Chemical (Incomplete) - undefined
University of South Africa
Six Sigma - Green Belt - undefined
Leadership Program - undefined
Measurement System Analysis - undefined
Kaizen - undefined
Bachelor of Business Administration Degree - Business
Mancosa - Management College of Southern Africa