Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
Generic

Nokulunga P. Buthelezi

Hammarsdale

Summary

Dynamic and results-driven Process Engineer with over 8 years’ experience in chemical manufacturing and production environments, including pulp & paper, petroleum, oil & gas, and bulk tank terminal operations. Expert in leading plant optimisation, asset care, production planning, and compliance initiatives aligned with world-class manufacturing standards. Academically grounded with dual Master’s degrees (Chemical Engineering and MBA in progress), complemented by postgraduate qualifications in Project Management, Business Management, Quality Management, and Operations Management. Currently accountable for 9 operational sites at Bidvest Tank Terminals, with proven capability in strategic plant management, cost control, continuous improvement (Lean, Six Sigma), and SHEQ compliance. Recognised for leadership in risk mitigation, operational excellence, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable innovation. Adept at coaching teams, managing technical changes, and delivering on KPIs that protect margins and regulatory compliance.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

Process Engineer

Bidvest Tank Terminals
06.2023 - Current
  • Improved chilling system efficiency through design changes.
  • Reduced nitrogen losses by 30%.
  • Led compliance-aligned water treatment redesign.
  • Spearheaded stormwater and boiler system improvements.

Chemical Process Technician

Mondi Paper Richards Bay
01.2016 - 05.2023
  • Doubled caustic production capacity via Chloro-alkali cell upgrades.
  • Reduced incidents by 50% through updated SOPs and MOC.
  • Enhanced brine treatment efficiency supporting high production rates.

Process Engineering Trainee

Buckman Africa
02.2014 - 01.2015
  • Reduced potable water use via process reclamation.
  • Solved non-conformances achieving zero customer complaints.

Technical Laboratory Assistant Chemist

Buckman Africa
06.2013 - 01.2014
  • Conducted analytical testing and improvement trials.
  • Supported corrosion removal and effluent testing.

Education

MBA -

University of Stellenbosch
01.2026

PGDip - Business Management

University of Stellenbosch
01.2023

B.Tech - Quality Management

Durban University of Technology
01.2022

B.Tech - Operations Management

Durban University of Technology
01.2021

Master’s - Chemical Engineering

Durban University of Technology
01.2020

PGDip - Project Management

MANCOSA
01.2019

Skills

  • Strategic Plant Production Planning
  • Manufacturing Excellence / OEE / Six Sigma
  • Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM)
  • Asset Care Management
  • HAZOP, HIRA, RCAT, Risk Management
  • EHS / SHEQ Compliance
  • Budgeting & Cost Control
  • Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
  • Project Leadership
  • Process Modelling & Simulation
  • SAP
  • MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
  • ChemCam
  • Visio
  • Design Experts
  • Pinch Technology

References

Available upon request.

Timeline

Process Engineer

Bidvest Tank Terminals
06.2023 - Current

Chemical Process Technician

Mondi Paper Richards Bay
01.2016 - 05.2023

Process Engineering Trainee

Buckman Africa
02.2014 - 01.2015

Technical Laboratory Assistant Chemist

Buckman Africa
06.2013 - 01.2014

PGDip - Business Management

University of Stellenbosch

B.Tech - Quality Management

Durban University of Technology

B.Tech - Operations Management

Durban University of Technology

Master’s - Chemical Engineering

Durban University of Technology

PGDip - Project Management

MANCOSA

MBA -

University of Stellenbosch
Nokulunga P. Buthelezi