Pfadzani Siebane
Operation Manager (Ferrochrome Smelting Process)
Middelburg
Summary
I am a Metallurgical Engineer with 15 years working experience, Training program was completed at Columbus Stainless Steel wherein I was appointed plant metallurgist for Stainless Steel operations, in 2014 I then migrated my career to Ferrochrome smelting at Samancor Chrome Middelburg , therein I grew in my professional career from Practitioner to Specialist process Engineer , I gained expertise in
- Mass and energy balance for Ferrochrome smelting
- Process control for Gas plant operations (P&ID) settings and optimization
- Gas plant pressure control understanding which had different types of valves
- Raw materials characterization and planning
- Mine dispatch quality management
- Investigate none conformances to quality
In my position as a Process Superintendent, I have grown in relationship building whilst liaising with different departments, from supply chain raw materials, laboratory services, Maintenance and logistics. As a process Supt, my focus was mostly on process improvement and future planning for the department I.e. raw materials selection and recipe development and setup furnace parameters. Moreover, I was responsible for the monthly reporting of the business performance focusing on:
- Throughput
- Cost management
- Quality management
- Safety
As of May 2021 I migrated to Production Superintendent, in this role I managed a compliment of 58 , with 6 direct comprised of 2 process specialist , and 4 plant supervisors. Core responsibilities included but not limited to:
- Production budgeting for unit operation (volume, cost, and manning)
- Job specifications, recruiting and training on personnel
- Developing of standard operating procedure
- Managing Water use license and Air pollution compliance
- Process development, improving scrubbing efficiencies
- Improving emergency efficiency for 68MVa furnace
- Stakeholder and maintenance management (annual and monthly shutdown planning)
2024: Appointed Operations manager Open furnaces .
I am a team player and has successfully led teams to achieve set KPI. I am adaptable to change, I am looking for new opportunity to grow my career further whilst bringing skills acquired over the years.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Language
Work History
Operations Manager
Samancor Chrome Ferrometals
08.2024 - Current
- Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them.
- Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
- Led hiring, onboarding and training of new hires to fulfill business requirements.
- Developed and implemented strategies to maximize customer satisfaction.
- Met set performance targets, whilst managing and adhering to OHSact
Production Superintendent
Samancor Chrome Ferrometals
05.2021 - 08.2024
- Facilitated collaboration between engineering and manufacturing teams for effective problem-solving and technical issue resolution.
- Developed comprehensive safety protocols, resulting in a significant decrease in workplace accidents and injuries.
- Championed environmental sustainability initiatives by reducing energy consumption, promoting recycling efforts, and minimizing waste generation within the facility.
- Fostered a positive work environment by emphasizing teamwork, clear communication channels, and professional development opportunities for employees.
Process Superintendent
Ferrometals
10.2019 - 05.2021
- To optimize the production process and to continuously improve current practices, methods, equipment and processes in a safe manner, in order to exceed current production targets and reduce costs to the company
- Remain abreast of modern developments in the Ferrochrome industry
- Liaise with other research bodies to identify opportunities for improvement
- Monitor trends in the organization and compare with best practices
- Identify risks and threats proactively
- Prepare and motivate cost / benefit returns for research projects
- Oversee projects and facilitate the coordination between projects
- Monitor project delivery and application
- Ensure that projects have the required resources
- Embed sound Project Management practices
- Optimize Plant Capacity
- Implement Value Engineering Projects
- Manage Continuous Improvement through Operational Excellence
- Foster a climate of continuous improvement in the maintenance team
- Compile accurate technical reports
- Prepare ad-hoc reports for customers (Departments and / or Management)
Process Specialist
Middelburg Ferrochrome
04.2018 - 10.2019
- Continuous improvement driver of the Metallurgical process through reporting on and analyzing production performance, making recommendations and implementing projects in a safe manner
- Manage SHEQ compliance within the Process through effective use of the Toolbox
- Utilise the Information Management System (IMS) to initiate, investigate and report SHEQ status
- Adhere to all related SOP’s, PTO’s and CTO’s as per Training Matrix per position, SHEQ and company standards
- Achieve process quality and budget
- Ensure Customer Satisfaction
- Research, analysis and development for continuous improvement of metallurgical processes at the furnaces. This includes technical report writing, Mass and energy balance development and presentation of results
Continuous Improvement Practitioner
Middelburg Ferrochrome
05.2014 - 08.2018
- Implement Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA) findings
- Achieve Production Budget and Quality
- Report Production Measures
- Liaise closely with Departments to understand problems and identify and advise on appropriate solutions
- Liaise with Departments to ensure that projects support operational priorities and opportunities
- Facilitate the alignment of projects
- Effectively integrate the activities of the CI Department
- Monitor any problems and report to the necessary people
Process Practitioner
Middelburg Ferrochrome
11.2016 - 03.2018
- Identify and assess level of continuous risk exposures in area of responsibility by considering exposures to business, financial, legal issues, people, equipment, material, environment, processes, etc.
- Consider the level of risk, apply mitigation and implement control measures for residual risk (set objectives, minimum requirements, etc.)
- Participate and comply with SHEQ requirements (SHEQ Toolbox)
- Utilise the Information Management System (IMS) to initiate, investigate and report SHEQ status
- Ensure that OHSA safety and health standards are maintained
- Adhere to all related SOP’s, PTO’s and CTO’s as per Training Matrix per position, SHEQ and company standards
Process Metallurgist
Columbus Stainless
07.2012 - 02.2014
- Align products and process to customer real needs
- Set standards for product realisation (process parameters, procedures etc.)
- Implement systems to support product realisation
- Partner Production to optimise throughput – volume, cost and yields
- Ensure consistent processing – set up within process capability, instill discipline to maintain consistency
- Monitor product performance – all critical characteristics, yield, customer and performance
- Solving technical, system and metallurgical problems arising from the above
- Do disposition decisions on non-conforming product
- Do Improvement Projects on Products
- Training of metallurgical EITs for the business
Education
BEng - Metallurgical Engineering
University of Pretoria
06.2010
BEng (Hons) - Metallurgy
University of Pretoria
12.2012
University exemption - undefined
Thohoyandou Technical High school
12.2004
Skills
- SAP requisition
- SAP time management
- MS Excel
- MS Power point
- MS projects
- Mini tab
- Aspen trends
- FactSage
- Six sigma greenbelt (methodology)
- Initiating disciplinary training
- Presentation skills
- Emotional intelligence
- Targeted selection for recruitment
Accomplishments
- Student tutor for material science, 2009-07 to 2010-06, University of Pretoria
- Project implemented at Columbus stainless during training program
- Selected to represent Columbus stainless (EIT) for an interview with gradX magazine, 2011
- Rated as a good team player from 360C
- Good rating for written communication, decisiveness and organization
Personal Information
- Health Status: Very Good
- Date of Birth: 06 March 1987
- Nationality: RSA
- Driving License: B (code 8)
- Marital Status: Married
- ID Number: 8703060985083
Training Courses Completed
- Presentation skills
- Quality assurance
- Rubicon training (≈ Six sigma equivalent)
- Stainless steel tools
- Stainless steel product quality training
Other Names
Pfadzani
Identity No
8703060985083
License Code
B (code 8)
References
- Mrs Hannelie Lombaard, Production Superintendent Middelburg Ferrochrome DC arc furnaces, 076261785
- Mr Khomotso Tshoane, Process Specialist Mogale alloys DC furnaces, 0721124800/0132494545
- Mrs Keletso Mokabane, Production Superintendent Middelburg Ferrochrome, 0132494530/0724123677
- Mr Jonny Letshaene Sekgobela, Production Superintendent Anglo American, 0145915013/0733456292, Acting Superintendent Middelburg ferrochrome
- Mrs Dudu Nkosi, SHEQ Specialist health and safety Middelburg Ferrochrome, 0132494616/0824947137
Timeline
Operations Manager
Samancor Chrome Ferrometals
08.2024 - Current
Production Superintendent
Samancor Chrome Ferrometals
05.2021 - 08.2024
Process Superintendent
Ferrometals
10.2019 - 05.2021
Process Specialist
Middelburg Ferrochrome
04.2018 - 10.2019
Process Practitioner
Middelburg Ferrochrome
11.2016 - 03.2018
Continuous Improvement Practitioner
Middelburg Ferrochrome
05.2014 - 08.2018
Process Metallurgist
Columbus Stainless
07.2012 - 02.2014
BEng (Hons) - Metallurgy
University of Pretoria
University exemption - undefined
Thohoyandou Technical High school
BEng - Metallurgical Engineering
University of Pretoria