Lungelo S'hlosokuhle Mkhwanazi

• Led Shift-Based Brewing Operations: Implemented production plans, operated brewing processes via control rooms, and ensured process performance aligned with VPO and quality standards.
• Monitored and Optimized Production Performance: Used VPO tools (e.g. OWS, Team Rooms) to monitor trends, manage deviations, and take corrective action to meet shift targets.
• Applied Problem-Solving and Continuous Improvement: Used structured tools (5 Whys, quick fixes) to identify root causes, resolve issues, and escalate where necessary for timely resolution.
• Maintained Equipment and Process Integrity: Performed autonomous maintenance, inspections, and quality checks while ensuring adherence to housekeeping and safety standards (5S).
• Enabled Team Communication and Performance: Led shift meetings, ensured effective handovers, recorded gaps and opportunities, and aligned team efforts with production goals.

• Led End -to-End Yeast Propagation: Managed yeast propagation, storage, and handling processes to meet business and brewing requirements, while coaching teams on best practices.
• Oversaw Fermentation and Microbiology Processes: Managed wort, yeast, water, and fermentation operations, ensuring microbiological integrity and product quality.
• Provided Subject Matter Expertise in Brewing: Acted as the yeast SME across cellars, building technical capability and offering guidance within the brewing team.
• Championed Hygiene and CIP Standards: Led cleaning-in-place (CIP) and hygiene initiatives in yeast and propagation areas, ensuring compliance with quality standards.
• Drove Technical Projects and Continuous Improvement: Managed technical initiatives and utilised VPO and quality KPI trees to improve operational efficiency and consistency.

Key Achievements

• Nominated as Leader of the Q3 CY24.
• Quality ambassador award Q3 CY24.
• Brewing lead for Aber Project CY24.
• Improved yeast micro 0% - 100% within one month.
• Lead the cellars team in Micro AB-report / Prospecton BMI PMO.

• Operated and Optimized Production Processes: Ran fermentation operations while enhancing plant performance and applying 5S and safety practices.
• Maintained Quality Control Standards: Conducted quality checks, recorded results, and used problem-solving tools (e.g., 5 Whys, quick fix routines) to address quality issues.
• Engaged in Continuous Improvement: Supported documentation of standard procedures, contributed to team gap lists, and proactively identified process improvements.
• Communicated Effectively Across Shifts: Participated in team meetings, completed detailed shift handovers, and ensured accurate information sharing using shift logbooks and communication tools.
• Contributed to Team and Skill Development: Actively supported peers' skill growth, demonstrated initiative, and collaborated effectively in a fast-paced, flexible, and team-oriented environment.

• Led Brewing Quality and Process Excellence: Ensured compliance with brewing standards, communicated quality updates, and drove commitment to product excellence across teams.
• Facilitated Team-Based Problem Solving: Led root-cause analyses, engaged cross-functional teams in decision-making, and ensured effective implementation of corrective actions.

Key Achievements

• Led Commissioning of BH4 Volume-Based Cooling into FV57 & FV58, increasing fermentation capacity and process efficiency.
• Contributed to Brewing Micro Index Improvement, helping achieve a 67.64% score in CY21 through process and quality enhancements.
• Recognised as a Basic Taster, supporting sensory quality assurance and product consistency.
• Received Plant Good Idea Award (CY21) for optimising the CIP vessel descale process, improving cleaning efficiency and reducing downtime.

• Operated and optimized brewing processes (Wort Cooling and Yeast Management) to maintain product quality and cost efficiency.
• Conducted quality control checks and troubleshooting (e.g., 5Y, quick-fix routines), resolving issues to minimize downtime.
• Performed autonomous maintenance and 5S housekeeping, ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards.
• Collaborated in cross-functional teams, coaching peers and contributing to problem-solving and process improvements.
• Adapted to flexible schedules, including weekends, to meet production demands and uphold output targets.
• Planned and managed yeast propagation schedules to support fermentation efficiency and product consistency.

• Monitoring wort cooling process.
• Yeast propagation planning.
• Quality control (wort colour, bitterness and pH).
• Ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Efficient problem solving / 5Y for out of Spec parameters.
• Conduct daily feedback meetings.
• Maintained accurate production logs and documentation for compliance and traceability.