Nobahle Mauze
Chemical Engineering Student
Durban
Summary
Dynamic process engineering professional with experience at Unilever South Africa, specializing in process optimization and continuous improvement. Demonstrates a proven track record of spearheading continuous improvement projects, streamlining batch cycle times, reducing weight variances, and implementing standard operating procedures that enhance production efficiency and product consistency. Skilled in leveraging World Class Manufacturing (WCM) methodologies, Autonomous Maintenance (AM) systems, and digital tools (DFOS, BuildApp) to deliver sustainable operational improvements.
Recognized for strong collaboration with cross-functional teams including production, quality, engineering, and external suppliers—to drive technical solutions and support manufacturing excellence. Actively contributes to HACCP compliance, safety initiatives, and data-led decision-making to uphold food safety and plant performance standards. Adept at balancing technical acumen with leadership potential, operator development, and a proactive, safety-first mindset in high-pressure environments.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
7
7
Certifications
Work History
Process Engineering Intern
Unilever South Africa
07.2024 - Current
- Spearheading Autonomous Maintenance (AM) and Run to Standard (RTS) initiatives across the manufacturing floor, fostering a culture of operator ownership, enhancing equipment reliability, and establishing standardized routines to elevate shift performance tracking and root cause discussions.
- Leading the Batch Cycle Time (BCT) Optimization Project, mapping and analyzing end-to-end process flows to identify bottlenecks, improve value-adding time, and increase batch throughput while maintaining operator efficiency and product quality.
- Drafting and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Management of Change (MOC) documents, and process validation reports in alignment with Unilever Manufacturing System (UMS) compliance standards and regulatory requirements.
- Utilizing key performance metrics such as OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), PVA (Performance vs. Actual), and downtime data to drive structured continuous improvement plans, monitor KPI trends, and support focused improvement teams (FI pillar).
- Supporting the rollout and continuous development of UMS and RTS visual management boards, delivering operator coaching and team training sessions to promote visibility of daily performance, gaps, and countermeasures.
- Contributing to process capability trials, HACCP plan development.
- Collaborated on product and formulation trials, capturing process parameters, evaluating line capability, and providing recommendations to support successful product rollouts and recipe transitions.
- Tools & Methodologies: SAP, DFOS, BuildApp, FI/AM/PM/QC pillars, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), DMAIC, SMED, HACCP, FSSC 22000 V6, and Capex Proposals.
In-Service Trainee
Unilever South Africa
07.2023 - 07.2024
- Played a key role in Unilever's digital transformation journey by deploying DFOS (Digital Factory Operating System) and BuildApp platforms to improve data capture, real-time reporting, and operational visibility. Facilitated on-the-floor operator training, and provided continuous support to drive adoption.
- Participated in Focused Improvement (FI) initiatives as part of the World Class Manufacturing (WCM) framework, using DMAIC and root cause analysis to address recurring losses and inefficiencies. Led Kaizen workshops that resulted in measurable improvements in line uptime and waste reduction.
- Supported and closed out Quality Emergency Work Orders (QEWO) by conducting structured root cause investigations, developing actionable countermeasures, and validating changes with production teams.
- Authored and revised Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and operational checklists to ensure alignment with process safety, food safety, and GMP standards. Integrated visual aids and operator-friendly formats to boost frontline usability.
- Oversaw 5S implementation and daily housekeeping audits to sustain a safe, organized, and efficient working environment. Led awareness campaigns and visual factory upgrades to support audit readiness and compliance.
- Rotated through Unilever’s on-site Water Treatment Plant, where responsibilities included monitoring influent and effluent quality.
Process Intern (Polyester Project)
NCS Resins
05.2023 - 07.2023
- Contributed to an R&D-led polyester resin project, assisting in the formulation and lab-scale synthesis of polymer blends tailored for customer specifications and downstream processing.
- Supported the feasibility study for production scale-up, collaborating with process engineers to interpret lab data, identify critical parameters, and evaluate compatibility with plant capabilities, and safety constraints.
Education
Advanced Diploma in Chemical Engineering - Chemical Engineering
Mangosuthu University of Technology
Durban 04.2001 -
National Diploma in Chemical Engineering - Chemical Engineering
Mangosuthu University of Technology
Durban 04.2001 -
Skills
Process Optimization & Troubleshooting
Standards & Compliance
Manufacturing Systems & Continuous Improvement
Analytical & Project Execution
Collaboration & Communication
Technical Tools
Consumer Service
Data Analysis
Team Collaboration
Root-cause analysis
Analytical skills
Certification
National Certificate in Business Analysis Support Practice – NQF Level 5
Timeline
Process Engineering Intern
Unilever South Africa
07.2024 - Current
In-Service Trainee
Unilever South Africa
07.2023 - 07.2024
Process Intern (Polyester Project)
NCS Resins
05.2023 - 07.2023
Advanced Diploma in Chemical Engineering - Chemical Engineering
Mangosuthu University of Technology
04.2001 -
National Diploma in Chemical Engineering - Chemical Engineering
Mangosuthu University of Technology
04.2001 -
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