Hi, I’m
Michell Thomas
Driving Transformational Change
Cape Town
Summary
Dynamic leader, adept problem-solver, and creative collaborator. Streamlines operations, cuts costs, and boosts efficiency. Independent decision-maker with sound judgment, fueling company-wide success. Influential at the highest tiers, driving transformative growth.
Overview
20
years of professional experience
5
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Astron EnergyCape Town
SHEQ Strategy, Planning and Systems Manager
10.2018 - Current
Job overview
- Managed transition of SHEQ activities from Chevron to new shareholder, Astron Energy, during sale of Chevron South Africa without incidents.
- Led project to source, develop and implement software systems to enable successful transition of historic data from Chevron legacy systems.
- Developed and implemented Zero Harm SHEQ strategy for company by collaborating with stakeholders and expert consultants.
- Developed and implemented communications strategy in order to improve Safety Culture and drive engagement with employees and contractors to promote learning of SHEQ concepts and operational discipline.
- Collaborated with shareholder Glencore in order to influence SHEQ strategies and standards for HSEC oil group Glencore corporate.
- Led 2 projects at Refinery which enabled safe restart viz. Safety Culture and Leadership Visibility.
- Manage team responsible for SHEQ governance and reporting to board level.
ChevronCape Town
Loss Prevention System Advocate
08.2012 - 10.2018
Job overview
- Provided coaching to CEO and their leadership team, across Africa, Middle East, Europe and Pakistan operations, on all matters related to Operational Excellence including business efficiency.
- Fostered alignment between various General Managers to achieve operational excellence goals and instituted governance system.
- Provided oversight of sensitive investigations to pinpoint root causes of high risk incidents as well as implementation of sustainable solutions.
- Developed and implemented Safety Culture strategy resulting in recordable incident rates declining from 0.32 to .017 per 200 000 man-hours. Engagement solution developed to improve knowledge of contractors and employees in operations using standalone kiosks at facilities with rewards. Engagement levels above 90% per month and was shared as best practice across Chevron globally.
- Provided work direction to loss prevention team in order to improve investigation quality and introduce Human Performance factors.
- Led deployment of E-Colors, personality profiling system to facilitate effective communications and enhanced team dynamics in operations, as part of Global Project. Was selected by VP Global Downstream for this assignment.
- Improved processes by recommending operational changes.
ChevronCape Town
Brand Manager
06.2010 - 07.2012
Job overview
- Managed Caltex Brand in Africa, Middle East and Europe areas.
- Launched new brand of Diesel 50ppm in region via above line and below line campaigns.
- Developed and implemented Caltex brand digital strategy.
- Onboard new creative agency and managed and oversaw creative projects to drive quality, accuracy and deadline management.
- Conducted research and analysis to determine brand positioning and messaging.
- Monitored and evaluated marketing and advertising campaigns to support brand consistency and engagement.
- Created and managed budgets to maximize brand reach and engagement.
ChevronCape Town
Regional Dispatch Centre Manager
09.2008 - 07.2010
Job overview
- Collaborated as part of Global Fuel Order Fulfillment project team to develop, configure, test and deploy integrated IT system and business processes to optimize deliveries. This centre was first to go live globally.
- Managed team responsible for dispatch of contractor and propriety fleet across South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Swaziland and Pakistan, to ensure optimal efficiencies, utilization, reliability and safe operations.
- Monitored and analyzed business performance (across 186 000 deliveries per year) to identify areas of improvement and make necessary adjustments.
ChevronCape Town
Fuel Quality Assurance Coordinator
09.2005 - 01.2008
Job overview
- Drafted reports on quality verification activity outcomes, presenting findings to decision-makers and recommending response efforts.
- Evaluated accuracy of existing quality assurance measurement techniques, implementing improvements to increase efficacy and reduce errors.
- Deployed Wet Stock Management and Fuel Marker programs across 9 countries in Southern and Central Africa.
ChevronDurban
Commercial and Industrial Business Consultant
11.2003 - 11.2005
Job overview
- Provided integrated business solutions management by interacting with stakeholders to satisfy customer needs.
- Established and maintained relationships with key stakeholders for growth opportunities and successful partnerships and grew portfolio by 12%.
Education
UCT Graduate School of BusinessCape Town
UCT Leadership Program from Management Coaching
01.2021 - 12.2021
Wits University Graduate School of BusinessJohannesburg
Management Advancement Programme from Marketing And Strategy
01.2007 - 12.2007
Azaliah UniversityJohannesburg
BBA from Strategy
01.2000 - 12.2002
Skills
Problem solving
Critical thinking
Collaboration
Results Driven
Leadership
Strategic Thinking
Relationship Building
Change Management
Adaptability
Decision Making
Timeline
UCT Graduate School of Business
UCT Leadership Program from Management Coaching
01.2021 - 12.2021
SHEQ Strategy, Planning and Systems Manager
Astron Energy
10.2018 - Current
Loss Prevention System Advocate
Chevron
08.2012 - 10.2018
Brand Manager
Chevron
06.2010 - 07.2012
Regional Dispatch Centre Manager
Chevron
09.2008 - 07.2010
Wits University Graduate School of Business
Management Advancement Programme from Marketing And Strategy
01.2007 - 12.2007
Fuel Quality Assurance Coordinator
Chevron
09.2005 - 01.2008
Commercial and Industrial Business Consultant
Chevron
11.2003 - 11.2005
Azaliah University
BBA from Strategy
01.2000 - 12.2002