LULAMA FANI
Ratanda
Summary
I aspire to be a high‑performing professional who thrives on challenging assignments and continuous growth. I am committed to making a meaningful contribution within a dynamic environment that enables me to apply my expertise, expand my capabilities, and develop further. I seek opportunities where I can demonstrate my strengths through hard work, innovation, and effective teamwork while delivering value to the organization.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Laboratory and QA Methods
British American Tobacco
Heidelberg Gauteng
03.2023 - Current
- Perform maintenance on the analytical instruments and equipment.
- Assist with the commissioning, validation, monitoring and maintenance of all new laboratory equipment used in the Laboratory.
- Timely input of analytical results into the database, reviewing of results according to qualifying criteria and validating of sample results.
- Perform the development, validation, monitoring and maintenance of all testing methods and procedures used in the Laboratory.
- Developing and instituting statistical quality control on the performance of the analytical procedures as required.
- Perform the Technical Manager function for the laboratory.
- Timely reporting of results as per ISO 17025 and customer requirements.
- Perform Technical Signatory role and being deputy nominated representative.
- Training for all new analysts and perform re-assessments annually.
- Always ensuring the continued competency of all analysts and technical signatories.
- Managing the non-conformance program for the laboratory.
- Authority to resume testing after a non-conformance has been detected.
- Supporting Laboratory Management during external and internal audits.
- Implementation, maintenance and improvement of the management system.
- I have in-depth knowledge of the LIMS system and processes and be responsible for Managing the LIMS system as an administrator.
- Identification of deviations from the management system or from the procedures for performing laboratory activities.
- Being responsible for the compiling of the Annual Management Review program for the Factory and Laboratory and reporting to Laboratory Management on the performance of the management system and any need for improvement.
- Managing the customer feedback process for the laboratory.
- Managing all chemical MSDS and stock levels based on both legal and analytical requirements.
- Responsible for developing the annual audit schedule for the laboratory and ensuring that the audits are conducted as per schedule.
- Initiation of actions to prevent or minimize deviations from the Management system.
- Is Management Representative for the Laboratory during external and internal audits (ISO 17025 Audits).
- Ensuring the effectiveness of laboratory activities.
- Group Excise Management Guidelines.
- Assist in Compliance Reviews: Regularly review and document local laws and excise regulations.
- SOP Management: Update SOPs to ensure alignment with laws and policies.
- Governance Implementation: Maintain and assess the Excise Governance RACI framework.
- Risk Management: Review and document excise risks.
Executive Product Development
British American Tobacco
09.2021 - 03.2023
- Plan and coordinate all activities required for the execution of product and packaging validations, as well as material qualifications (MQS2 and MQS3) within PMD and SMD environments.
- Coordinate all Quality analysis activities and generate reports in alignment with established Quality standards and guidelines for CAP0, CAP1, and CAP2 projects.
- Analyze data and compile comprehensive reports for all relevant stakeholders involved in or affected by the project.
Quality Improvement & CC Coordinator
British American Tobacco
Heidelberg Gauteng
01.2019 - 12.2022
- CReduced customer and onsumer caomplaints b
- Process and report quality deviations from consumers and customers in line with established protocols and agreed lead times, ensuring accurate documentation and timely corrective action.
- Facilitate corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) within the factory by performing data analyses that identify root causes, recurring issues, and areas for continuous improvement.
- Compile daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly quality reports to ensure the availability of up-to-date product and performance information for internal stakeholders.
- Process export-market complaints using the Customer Care Resolution (CCR) system to support global reporting and follow-up requirements.
- Analyze and monitor consumer complaint data to track trends, variances, and deviations, and initiate corrective actions with the relevant manufacturing teams.
- Provide timely feedback to customers—both local and international—based on agreed service levels to maintain transparency and customer satisfaction.
- Actively contributes to the continuous improvement and effectiveness of the Quality Management System (QMS).
- Ensure full compliance with EH&S policies and procedures to promote a safe and healthy workplace.
- Maintain strong customer relationships and perform effectively under pressure, demonstrating a genuine commitment to resolving complaints and ensuring customer satisfaction.
- Maintain and monitor an inventory of customer complaints to support trend analysis and drive quality improvements across processes and products.
- Investigate complaints, conduct analyses, and communicate findings to internal and external stakeholders, ensuring that corrective actions are implemented and the number of complaints is reduced.
- Utilize SAP for activities such as raising purchase orders (POs) and supporting workflow requirements.
- Lead the team on Consumer Complaint Elimination DMS (Document Management System), ensuring proper document control and compliance.
- Conduct training sessions with factory teams on identified defects and support stakeholders in implementing improvement actions.
Laboratory Analyst
British American Tobacco
Heidelberg Gauteng
01.2009 - 12.2019
- Analysis of nicotine and water content using GC.
- Analysis total particulate matter and puffs of cigarettes using smoke machine.
- Analysis of nicotine and sugar in tobacco using continuous flow analysis.
- Tested the Limited ignition propensity of cigarettes.
- Tested pH and conductivity of water.
- Trending of QCs and Monitors on charts.
- Logged and entered of results on LIMS.
- Moisture testing using Karl Fisher Auto titration.
- Prepared of reagents.
- Assisted in purchasing New Equipment (Equipment Strategy Project).
- Performed stock count on Laboratory consumables such as chemicals and stationery.
- Reported Non-conformances to senior analyst and perform root cause analysis.
- Performed Environmental, Health and safety inspections in laboratory.
- Physical testing of hardness, Circumference, weight, pressure drop of cigarettes.
- Applied and ensure correct, safe working procedures.
- Informed appropriate persons of unsafe situations.
- Maintained a high standard of housekeeping.
- Monitored the product against quality specification and took appropriate action.
- Identified product deviation.
- Assisted with the commissioning, validation, monitoring and maintenance of all new laboratory equipment used in the Laboratory.
- Ensured regulatory compliance working with GLP and GMP environment.
- Interacted with Operations, Quality Assurance and R&D.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Unisa
Johannesburg, South Africa 04.2001 -
Associate of Applied Science -
Nelson Mandela University
Port Elizabeth, South Africa12-2009
Skills
Proactive team leading
Organization and time management
Teamwork and collaboration
Team management
Flexible and adaptable
Accomplishments
- 2018, Led a cross-functional team in troubleshooting and resolving issues related to smoke analysis, specifically low puff counts and NFDPM (Nicotine-Free Dry Particulate Matter) deviations.
- 2018, Directed the team through a detailed investigation and successful resolution of Gas Chromatography (GC) analysis challenges causing low nicotine delivery readings.
- 2021, Led the production team in root cause analysis and troubleshooting of a major infestation-related UPS breakdown during the COVID-19 period, ensuring operational continuity under crisis conditions.
- 2021, Provided leadership to BAT factory teams on assessing UPS impact on leaf shelf life and guided external stakeholders on process flow improvements in response to ongoing product quality complaints.
- 2023, When I became the senior analyst (lab supervisor) I led the team to the SANAS 17025-2017 to the most successful audit and audit schedule was extended to 18 months.
- 2023, Managing the ISO 17025 accreditation process.
- 2023, Creating an environment with optimum resource allocation to ensure that the personnel are aware of and are motivated to achieve the quality objectives.
Timeline
Senior Laboratory and QA Methods
British American Tobacco
03.2023 - Current
Executive Product Development
British American Tobacco
09.2021 - 03.2023
Quality Improvement & CC Coordinator
British American Tobacco
01.2019 - 12.2022
Laboratory Analyst
British American Tobacco
01.2009 - 12.2019
Bachelor of Science - Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Unisa
04.2001 -
Associate of Applied Science -
Nelson Mandela University
Personal Information
Date of Birth: 1 January 1986