Natasha Ramkirpal
Technical Group (Divisional) Process Engineer
Johannesburg
Summary
Enthusiastic, passionate and experienced, Lead Process and Project Engineer eager to contribute to an inspiring organization's success through hard work, attention to detail and excellent organizational skills. Clear understanding of programme and project management with a proven ability to leverage a formidable engineering based background in innovation and technology management to delivery long term strategic growth objectives. Results-focused professional individual specializing in building and leading high-performance teams. High-achieving leader and business developer. Dedicated to keeping companies in forefront of manufacturing excellence.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
14
14
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Professional Certifications
Work History
Interim Technical Project Manager
Localization (Local Manufacturing) Support Fund - Country Level
Johannesburg
09.2021 - Current
- Used coordination and planning skills to achieve results according to schedule.
- Developed sector level stakeholder maps and engaged with different government, labor and private sector partners.
- Lead and managed stakeholders by being a central point for project management processes.
- Managed project scope, timing and direction while adhering to quality outputs and strategic goals.
- Ensured stakeholder alignment and continued engagement to achieve goals of multiple projects being executed.
- Developed project scopes, project management systems and plans.
- Developed document management system and knowledge management base with all relevant artifacts.
- Developed project management and scope management plans to ensure alignment between multi-disciplinary teams such as engineering, procurement, quality and operations.
- Conducted research, gathered information from multiple sources and presented results.
- Prepared variety of different written communications, reports and documents.
Technical Group Process Engineer
Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa
Johannesburg
01.2019 - Current
- Developed documentation, diagrams and specifications to meet project requirements and regulatory standards.
- Established project schedules and monitored tasks to meet milestones during each phase and managed project task completion.
- Provided technical assistance to production team when issues arose.
- Visited manufacturing sites to troubleshoot issues and provide one-on-one training.
- Documented feasibility and implementation of projects for review and future reference.
- Developed conceptual scope analyses of project objectives.
- Analyzed critical line data to make recommendations for improvement.
- Conducted root cause analysis to identify, prioritize and eliminate process losses.
- Defined, implemented and lead the roll out of production processes with the aim of improving quality, throughput and automation.
- Applied detail technical knowledge to improve industrial processes and systems using lead manufacturing methodology.
- Applied statistical analysis, fault mode and effects analysis and other detailed problem solving methodology to identify and solve problems with long-term sustainable solutions.
- Defined SOPs to reduce production and process losses, improve raw material throughput and maximum efficiencies.
- Utilized documentation and presentation skills to inform stakeholders and ensure engagement.
- An adept communicator being able to build good relationships across all cultures both internally and externally.
- Evaluated proposed project economics and identified alternative solutions and designs producing improved results.
- Drove cost savings through improved productivity, material utilization improvements and by optimizing labor.
Production and Process Improvement Specialist
Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa
Johannesburg
01.2018 - 12.2018
- Managed development and implementation of lean and continuous improvement manufacturing initiatives across production environment.
- Teamed with disciplinary leaders on determining annual operational targets and outlining needed quality improvements.
- Improved processes to meet company goals for earnings, quality and completion.
- Worked with cross-functional plant teams to develop and implement manufacturing processing improvements and drive a quality mindset.
- Developed Continuous Improvement/Lean production training programs for onsite implementation.
- Developed custom value stream mapping to monitor production efficiency.
- Led efforts in analysis and design of more cost-effective processing technology to improve current manufacturing systems.
- Championed new Lean strategies, framework and project elements to drive multidisciplinary growth and process overhaul.
- Evaluated diverse organizational systems to identify workflow, communication and resource utilization issues.
- Compiled research data and gave professional presentations highlighting finds and recommended optimizations.
- Restructured procedures through coordination with compliance director to create and execute projects.
- Gathered, documented and modeled data to assess business trends.
- Produced detailed and relevant reports for use in making business decisions.
Business Process Lead
Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa
Johannesburg
05.2017 - 05.2018
- Lead manufacturing team to develop systems, processes and tools to support digital integration initiatives aimed at creating seamless backend operations.
- Performed system quality assurance checks to ensure compliance with expectations and requirements of customers.
- Facilitated training for teams.
- Worked with colleagues to create prototypes for business systems designs and training materials.
- Supervised processes to eliminate weak points or bottlenecks in business operations.
- Developed effective improvement plans in alignment with goals and specifications.
- Supported creation of detailed, technical financial models and project plans to support manufacturing operations.
- Developed and updated tracking spreadsheets for process monitoring and reporting.
Technical Packaging Design Specialist
Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa
Johannesburg
06.2014 - 04.2017
- Developed and supported strategic innovation plans to improve packaging quality.
- Developed business's change and innovation agenda aligned to complex strategic goals.
- Applied research skills to develop new technology and innovation to support business in reducing consumption of plastic, CO2 emissions and other raw material wastes.
- Developed technical trial protocols, lead technical trials, documented and reported results.
- Managed technical innovation projects within budget, quality and cost parameters.
- Applied stage-gate and other technology management principles to ensure seamless commercialization of new technology.
- Performed technology risk assessments to evaluate business wide impact of technology throughout the supply chain.
- Managed technology transition plans.
- Run pilot plants and pilot studies to evaluate business and production impact of new technology.
- Develop and test prototypes within strict time frames.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
Unit Production Manager
Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa
Johannesburg
01.2013 - 05.2014
- Determined suitable crew requirements, scheduled employees to meet changing production schedules.
- Assessed manufacturing processes and recommended improvements to increase productivity.
- Implemented scheduled maintenance, retooling production status sheets and drove tasks to achieve scheduling effectiveness.
- Managed internal operational standards and productivity targets.
- Applied lean practices to balance workflow and eliminate unnecessary steps.
- Managed continuous improvement initiatives to drive gains in quality, flow and output.
- Reviewed maintenance and repair problems to determine appropriate action for resolution.
- Studied department operations to assist with development of new or improved methods of tooling and production processes.
- Reviewed work for quality and compliance with company standards and design specifications.
- Monitored team budgets to keep projects on task and avoid waste.
- Implemented scheduled maintenance, retooling production status sheets and driving tasks to achieve scheduling effectiveness
Laboratory and Process Support Manager
Amalgamated Beverages Industry
Johannesburg
01.2010 - 12.2012
- Developed and implemented performance improvement strategies and plans to promote continuous improvement with the department.
- Audited quality and environmental systems and ensured compliance to FSSC 22000, ISO9001, and ISO14001.
- Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service.
- Led projects and analyzed data to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Lead and executed several departmental capital projects
- Planned and managed projects from conceptualization phase right through to the execution and validation phase.
- Lead HAZOP and HACCP studies and conduct business risk assessments.
- Lead and managed a multi-disciplinary team.
- Lead and managed maintenance planning and execution plans for the production area.
Manufacturing Management Trainee
Amalgamated Beverages Industry
Johannesburg
01.2009 - 12.2009
- Assisted established management staff with operational oversight, business development and process improvement strategies.
- Used company reports to analyze sales, gross profit and inventory activities.
- Gained knowledge of company policies, protocols and processes.
- Gained knowledge of the operation, maintenance stragtegies and management of production equipment.
- Prepared and maintained production reports and personnel records.
- Coordinated company projects and programs that supported manufacturing function.
- Evaluated production schedules and orders to arrange required materials and plan staffing needs.
- Anticipated and addressed production problems, material shortages, equipment malfunctions and unavoidable delays.
- Planned operations to meet established schedules, factoring in order demands and business forecasts.
Process Engineer
BASF
Port Elizabeth
07.2008 - 07.2008
- Developed documentation, diagrams and specifications to meet project requirements and regulatory standards.
- Provided technical assistance to production team when issues arose.
- Established project schedules and monitored tasks to meet milestones during each phase.
- Coached newly hired employees and interns while observing progress and delegating tasks.
- Created process simulations to test operational outcomes without causing service disruptions.
- Reviewed processes, identifying areas requiring improvement.
- Participated in project reviews to enable ongoing status tracking and reporting.
- Interfaced with area teams to verify application of technical details.
- Drove cost savings through improved productivity, material utilization improvements and by optimizing labor.
- Collaborated with technologists to address operating issues and support rapid recovery.
- Conducted root cause analysis to identify, prioritize and eliminate process losses.
Process Control Engineer
Mintek
Johannesburg
01.2008 - 06.2008
- Developed conceptual scope analyses of project objectives.
- Managed third-party contractors, inspecting completed work and ongoing efforts to confirm quality and adherence to prescribed guidelines.
- Solicited proposals from third-parties to provide holistic costing data in proposal documentation.
- Documented feasibility and implementation of third-party projects for review and future reference.
- Prepared scope of work documentation for use in project planning
- Analyzed critical line data to make recommendations for improvement.
- Visited client sites to troubleshoot issues and provide one-on-one training.
- Drove cost savings through improved productivity, material utilization improvements and by optimizing labor.
- Created process simulations to test operational outcomes without causing service disruptions.
- Participated in project reviews to enable ongoing status tracking and reporting.
- Reviewed processes, identifying areas requiring improvement.
Education
Ph.D. - Technology And Innovation Management
University of Pretoria
Johannesburg, South Africa 02.2022 - Current
Master of Engineering - Innovation And Technology Management
University of Pretoria
Johannesburg, South Africa 02.2019 - 04.2021
Diploma - Advanced Packaging
The Institute of Packaging Technology
Johannesburg, South Africa 01.2016 - 11.2016
Bachelor of Commerce - Business Management
University of South Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa 01.2009 - 07.2014
Program - Lean Manufacturing
University of The Witswaterand
Johannesburg, South Africa 03.2010 - 03.2010
Bachelor of Science - Chemical Engineering
University of KwaZulu Natal
Durban, South Africa 01.2003 - 12.2007
Skills
Technical Programme Management
Research Skills (qualitative and quantitative)
Implementing Governance and Financial risk controls
Business reporting and presenting skills
Process engineering design and execution
Managing and Executing Strategic Sustainability Projects
Developing Technical Specifications and Standards
System Analytics to support business process improvement
Engineering studies
Value Stream Mapping and TQM
Business process engineering
Innovation portfolio management
Development of Technology Roadmaps
Accomplishments
- Academic Colors | University of Pretoria - April 2021
- Golden Key Member | Golden Key Honor Society - May 2021
- Industry Solutions Award | Industrial Engineers and Operations Management Society - November 2018
- Industry Speaker | Industrial Engineers and Operations Management Society – Women in Academia and Industry - November 2018
- Director’s Silver Award | Best Product Quality in ABI - November 2014
- Leader of the Year Award | ABI Devland Manufacturing - November 2013
- Leader of the Month | ABI Devland Manufacturing -November 2018
- Best Mentor Award | UKZN Faculty of Engineering - November 2018
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Ph.D. - Technology And Innovation Management
University of Pretoria
02.2022 - Current
Interim Technical Project Manager
Localization (Local Manufacturing) Support Fund - Country Level
09.2021 - Current
Master of Engineering - Innovation And Technology Management
University of Pretoria
02.2019 - 04.2021
Technical Group Process Engineer
Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa
01.2019 - Current
Production and Process Improvement Specialist
Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa
01.2018 - 12.2018
Business Process Lead
Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa
05.2017 - 05.2018
Diploma - Advanced Packaging
The Institute of Packaging Technology
01.2016 - 11.2016
Technical Packaging Design Specialist
Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa
06.2014 - 04.2017
Unit Production Manager
Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa
01.2013 - 05.2014
Program - Lean Manufacturing
University of The Witswaterand
03.2010 - 03.2010
Laboratory and Process Support Manager
Amalgamated Beverages Industry
01.2010 - 12.2012
Engineering Council of South Africa- Candidate Engineer
11-2009
Manufacturing Management Trainee
Amalgamated Beverages Industry
01.2009 - 12.2009
Bachelor of Commerce - Business Management
University of South Africa
01.2009 - 07.2014
South African Institute of Chemical Engineers
11-2008
Process Engineer
BASF
07.2008 - 07.2008
Process Control Engineer
Mintek
01.2008 - 06.2008
Bachelor of Science - Chemical Engineering
University of KwaZulu Natal
01.2003 - 12.2007
Certification
Engineering Council of South Africa- Candidate Engineer