Nthabiseng Portia Tshabalala
Business Improvement Specialist: Engineering
Gauteng
Summary
Results-driven Industrial Engineer and Analysis and Improvement Specialist with experience of leading operational improvement and digital transformation initiatives within complex mining and engineering environments. Proven ability to translate strategic mandates into structured industrial engineering frameworks, applying systematic, knowledge-based problem-solving methodologies to analyse risks, identify opportunities and deliver value-adding, commercially viable solutions. Strong background in systems optimisation, automation, data analytics and performance management, enabling effective planning, coordination and execution of projects that enhance equipment utilisation, operational efficiency and overall business performance. Experienced in driving continuous improvement initiatives through cross-functional collaboration, ensuring technical excellence and sustainable decision-making aligned to organisational goals. Having progressed from Industrial Engineer to Business Improvement Specialist through consistent performance and merit, I bring strong business ownership, innovation focus and leadership capability. My project management training further strengthens my ability to deliver structured, results-driven initiatives within governance frameworks. Recognised for strong interpersonal and communication skills, I effectively engage stakeholders, foster high-performance teams and adapt quickly to change, continuously enhancing both technical and digital capabilities in pursuit of operational excellence.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Analysis & Improvement Specialist: Control Room, Engineering and Mining Valuechain
South32
09.2024 - Current
- Focuses on enhancing operational performance, safety, and cost-efficiency, primarily within mining, maintenance, logistics teams and Control Room (Information centre).
- I directly report to the Analysis and Improvement Manager
- Key Internal Relationships: Mine Manager and Organizations, HOD’s (Operational & leadership), Business Improvement Advisor – Projects, Systems Manager, Underground Management teams and Underground technical specialists
- Ensuring that production targets are met, process deviations are minimized, and improvement opportunities are identified implemented to enhance efficiency and safety.
- Responsible for analyzing and interpreting technical data, monitoring performance across the value chain, and collaborating with various teams to optimize operations.
- Work with key business stakeholders to build a continuous improvement environment.
- Organize, lead, and facilitate the flow of knowledge while making a contribution.
- Defining elicit requirements and drive process change using employee interviews, document analysis, requirements workshops, surveys, site visits, business process descriptions, business analysis and workflow analysis of operation.
- Training and Mentoring: Provide training and guidance to new employees, interns, or junior staff members. Share knowledge and expertise to help them develop their skills within the organisation
- Defining and operating over optimum window, identifying areas for process enhancement efficiency and safety and contributing to the overall reliability and cost-effectiveness of production process.
- Contribute to the development of innovative solutions, engage in cross-functional discussions, and actively participate in safety reviews to ensure that all processes align with industry standards and guidelines
- South32 is a globally diversified metals and mining company with a high quality, well maintained portfolio and highly talented people with strong commercial, technical, industry and in-country experience.
Business Improvement Specialist: Engineering & Mining Value chain
Gold Fields – South Deep Mine
01.2020 - 09.2024
- Deliver and execution of process innovation and continuous improvement initiatives across multiple departments including mining and Engineering. Ensuring that production targets are met, process deviations are minimized, and improvement opportunities are identified.
- I directly report to the Business Improvement Manager
- Key Internal Relationships: VP People and Organizations, HOD’s (Operational & leadership), Business Improvement Specialist – Projects, Systems Manager, Underground Management teams and Underground technical specialists
- Key External Relationships: Group Technical Services
- Ensuring that production targets are met, process deviations are minimized, and improvement opportunities are identified implemented to enhance efficiency and safety.
- Responsible for analyzing and interpreting technical data, monitoring performance across the value chain, and collaborating with various teams to optimize operations. Work with key business stakeholders to build a continuous improvement environment.
- Organize, lead, and facilitate the flow of knowledge while making a contribution.
- Defining elicit requirements and drive process change using employee interviews, document analysis, requirements workshops, surveys, site visits, business process descriptions, business analysis and workflow analysis of operation.
- Training and Mentoring: Provide training and guidance to new employees, interns, or junior staff members. Share knowledge and expertise to help them develop their skills within the organisation
- Defining and operating over optimum window, identifying areas for process enhancement efficiency and safety and contributing to the overall reliability and cost-effectiveness of production process.
- Contribute to the development of innovative solutions, engage in cross-functional discussions, and actively participate in safety reviews to ensure that all processes align with industry standards and guidelines.
- Monitor project tasks and risks to foresee/identify potential problems and proactively identify solutions to address in advance.
- To ensure the business impact and project objectives/dependencies are identified, reported on and always managed using best practice tools as defined within the Business Improvement Management System.
- To complete post implementation reviews to ensure successful delivery has been achieved and to ensure that improvements can be made for future projects.
- Drive delivery of sustainability activities as relevant to discipline and set out in the Life of Asset plan to improve performance over time.
- Focus on Process Improvement and conduct process efficiency inventory and roll-out work management in key production areas.
- Effective and integrated deployment of the management operating system to achieve business plan and strategy.
- Gold Fields is a globally diversified gold producer with operations in South Africa, Ghana, Peru and Australia.
- Facilitating and coaching
- Provide Line as coach for performance management.
- Lean & Six sigma tools Training and implementation.
Junior Industrial Engineer
Gold Fields – South Deep Mine
03.2017 - 12.2019
- Data Collection and Analysis: Gather and analyze data related , production processes, equipment utilization, and resource allocation. Use data analysis tools to identify areas for improvement and optimization.
- Process Improvement: Collaborate with senior engineers and operations teams to identify inefficiencies in mining processes and propose solutions for increased productivity, cost reduction, and resource efficiency.
- Workplace Safety: Contribute to the implementation of safety protocols and procedures in compliance with South Deep regulations. Participate in safety audits and risk assessments to ensure a safe working environment.
- Time and Motion Studies: Conduct time and motion studies to analyze the efficiency of work tasks and identify opportunities to streamline processes, reduce waste, and enhance worker productivity.
- Equipment Maintenance: Assist in monitoring the maintenance and performance of mining equipment. Contribute to the development of maintenance schedules to minimize downtime and ensure optimal equipment functionality.
- Process Documentation: Document standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions for various mining processes. Ensure that procedures are accurate, accessible, and aligned with South Deep standards.
- Data Visualization: Create visual representations of data, such as charts and graphs, to communicate key performance indicators, production metrics, and efficiency trends to management and operational teams
- Project Support: Provide support to senior engineers and project managers in the implementation of new mining projects or process enhancements. Assist in project planning, scheduling, and resource allocation.
- Data Management: Manage and organize large datasets related to mining operations. Ensure data accuracy and integrity for informed decision-making.
- Communication: Effectively communicate findings, recommendations, and progress updates to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, fostering a collaborative work environment.
Industrial Engineer in practical Training
BMW Rosslyn Plant
03.2015 - 03.2016
- Spot weld optimization and destructive testing
- Implementing Lean Manufacturing (Root cause analysis,5why’s and mission directed work team)
- Line balancing (Ergonomics and Time study)
- Process mapping and Visual stream analysis
- Analysis of workflow, layout material and transportation
- Quality control and quality assurance of work performances
- Governance and management process
- Supporting the development requirements of graduates and vocational work students
Education
BSC Hons Engineering and Technology -
University of Pretoria
01-2024
Postgraduate Diploma in Project management - undefined
MANCOSA
01-2019
(B-tech) - undefined
University of Johannesburg
01-2016
Industrial Engineering - Diploma
University of Johannesburg
01-2015
Matric / Senior Certificate - undefined
Tweeling Hoerskool
01-2009
Skills
Analysis and project management
Management and Leadership
Industrial Engineering & Digital Operations Competency
Innovative operational solutions
Business improvement principles
Analysis of operational efficiencies
Stakeholders collaboration & management
Project management and implementation
Qualitative and quantitative skills
Operational and Commercial Agility
Asset management
In-depth understanding of mining process
Identify and deliver business improvement projects
Exceptional analytical and reflection skills
Troubleshoots Technical Issues
Affiliations
The southern Africa Institute for Industrial Engineering
Certification
Black Belt, 9 Skills Factory (Current)
MOST RECENT SUMMARY
- 03.09.2024-Current Analysis and Improvement specialist (Mining Value Chain), South 32
- 18.01.2023-07.06.2024 Acting Business Improvement Advisor (Projects), Gold Fields, South Deep Mine
- 01.2020 - Present Business Improvement Specialist (Engineering), Gold Fields, South Deep Mine
- 03.2017 – 12.2019 Junior Industrial Engineer (Engineering), Gold Fields, South Deep Mine
- 12.2006 – 03.2007 Industrial Engineer in Training (Process), BMW Rosslyn Plant
Timeline
Analysis & Improvement Specialist: Control Room, Engineering and Mining Valuechain
South32
09.2024 - Current
Business Improvement Specialist: Engineering & Mining Value chain
Gold Fields – South Deep Mine
01.2020 - 09.2024
Junior Industrial Engineer
Gold Fields – South Deep Mine
03.2017 - 12.2019
Industrial Engineer in practical Training
BMW Rosslyn Plant
03.2015 - 03.2016
Postgraduate Diploma in Project management - undefined
MANCOSA
(B-tech) - undefined
University of Johannesburg
Industrial Engineering - Diploma
University of Johannesburg
Matric / Senior Certificate - undefined
Tweeling Hoerskool
BSC Hons Engineering and Technology -
University of Pretoria