Sakhile Qanda
Operations Professional
Boksburg,GP
Summary
In my most recent roles as Plant Manager/ Production Manager/ Technical Manager at Nampak, I have demonstrated exceptional ability to oversee complex manufacturing operations. I am adept at aligning production processes with organizational goals to optimize efficiency, quality, and profitability. My expertise in implementing lean methodologies, managing capital projects, and fostering high-performance teams is underpinned by a strong educational foundation, including an MBA and Mechanical Engineering qualifications. I have over 20 years of experience in optimizing manufacturing operations across Automotive, Rail & Packaging industries. As a leader who thrives in complex production environments, I specialize in driving operational efficiency, fostering high-performing teams, and ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. I have an extensive background in the manufacturing, automotive, rail, and packaging sectors. Key Plant Management Expertise Operational Leadership: Extensive experience in managing end-to-end plant operations, including production planning, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance. Proven ability to balance operational excellence with strategic goals, ensuring optimal resource utilization and cost control. Continuous Improvement: Expertise in implementing methodologies such as Lean, Kaizen, and PDCA to enhance plant efficiency, reduce waste, and improve output quality. Team and Talent Development: Skilled at building and leading cohesive teams, providing clear performance objectives, and ensuring the professional development of staff through tailored training programs and mentorship. Engineering and Asset Management: Proficient in engineering maintenance strategies, including preventive and predictive maintenance, CAPEX planning, and new technology integration to maximize equipment reliability and operational uptime. Safety and Sustainability: Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety, environmental standards, and compliance with local and international regulations. Achievements in Plant Management Successfully managed multi-million-rand production facilities, consistently achieving operational targets related to safety, quality, cost, delivery, and morale. Led major capital improvement projects with measurable ROI and operational efficiency enhancements. Directed cross-functional teams, including finance, engineering, logistics, and human resources, to ensure seamless operational integration. Championed advanced production systems, optimizing workflows and achieving significant reductions in downtime and production waste. My breadth of experience and strategic approach to plant management makes me an invaluable asset in any manufacturing environment. My track record in overseeing complex operations, coupled with my ability to deliver on key performance metrics, aligns perfectly with the demands of high-performance plants.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
3
3
Languages
Work History
Technical Manager
Nampak Bevcan Springs
05.2025 - Current
- Overall responsibility for the technical control and maintenance of plant
- Management of internal processes of the Technical department, ensuring that:
- The planned maintenance programme is correctly implemented and controlled in line with the Nampak Metals standards and budgets.
- Line efficiencies, spoilage losses and consumables consumption levels are optimized.
- All downtime is analyzed, and preventative action taken to minimize it
- Quality of workmanship is to be to the desired standard.
- Continuously improving and optimizing processes by effective analysis and implementation of systems and procedures to maximize equipment availability.
- Management of utilities: water, power and gas
- Driving quality and ensure electrical and mechanical standards are enforced.
- Optimizing maintenance spend and keeping to agreed budget levels.
- Optimizing spares stock holding through regular reviews of reorder level and frequencies
- Management of Safety, Health, Environment and Risk for the operation
- Management of human capital in the Technical Department
- Compiling monthly and weekly reports on maintenance effectiveness and expenditure
- Responsible for building and general services maintenance
- Management of suppliers and service contracts
- Management of capital and capex projects together with the Divisional Technical Department.
Plant Manager: Paint, Polish & Aerosol Can Plant
Nampak Metals
09.2023 - 04.2025
- Directing the operation of the plant facility, establishing performance objectives for operation, budgets and schedules, ensuring all required safety and environmental regulations are complied with while producing the quantity and quality of the product desired
- Developing and monitoring production schedules to ensure that completed products are shipped on time and in accordance with customer expectations
- Propose a continuous improvement plan and production procedures to ensure that production objectives are met in a safe and efficient manner
- Ensuring preventive and predictive maintenance programs are continuously applied and proposing an annual maintenance plan, including ordinary and extraordinary interventions, including CAPEX when necessary
- Controlling the impact of operations on the environment by monitoring quality of plant effluents and emissions, coordinating efforts with function managers to ensure plant-wide compliance.
- Ensuring effective communication throughout the facility; promoting teamwork and implementing beneficial training methods
- Reviewing and final approval of recommendations of subordinates in matters of staff or rate changes, participating in the formulation of company policies that affect plant employees
- Leading efforts in the determination of proper staffing for departments and participating in recruitment efforts, talent development, personnel development plans and the performance appraisal process, providing input as needed and approving all evaluations
- Participating in long-range planning decisions, recommending capital improvements and performing relevant budget and P/L responsibilities
- Supporting and administering approved company policies, clearly communicating new policies and objectives to all plant employees
- The ability to investigate and implement cost effective alternatives to expand or diversify plant operations in the Nampak Metals value chain.
- Reason for leaving: My decision to leave my current role is primarily driven by my desire to relocate to Gauteng to be closer to my family. This move reflects my personal priorities and provides an opportunity to explore new career prospects in Ceramic Industries that will align with my skills and long-term aspirations. I value the experience I’ve gained in my current position and am excited to bring that expertise to a new opportunity in your organisation.
Production Manager: Food Cans & Aerosol Plant
Nampak Metals
07.2022 - 08.2023
- Led the development and deployment of manufacturing practices focused on quality and continuous improvement
- Established systems to collect data for productivity analysis and set performance targets that will meet revenue and cost plans
- Oversee implementation of initiatives to reduce spoilage and improve efficiencies
- Ensured quality and customer service excellence through implementation of quality systems and standards
- Provided guidelines and parameters for maintenance planning to achieve cost optimisation.
- Makes decisions guiding productivity, quality, and cost efficiency of plant operations.
- Accountable for budget planned, monitored and reported on overall process financial performance.
- Recapitalisation through the capex and project management methodology, drive implementation of capital projects and ensured ROI and IRR are realised within set time frames.
- Ensured that the operation adheres to legislation and set governance and compliance policies and procedures
- Ensured robust plant safety and security procedures are in place and that the operation is in compliance with all required regulations.
- Ensured the operation conducts audits across functions and recommendations are implemented.
- Ensured compliance to legislation across functions.
- Build high performance teams
- Ensured learning and development interventions are in place to build functional knowledge and close skill gaps
- Lead communication on company values
- Developed specific objectives for teams and oversaw the performance planned and reviewed process for the operation
- Communicated and consulted with stakeholders on organisational changes
- Worked in collaboration with the team in the operation and managed relationships with Unions.
- Directed plant level support functions including finance, engineering, logistics, quality assurance, and human resources to ensure alignment with overall plant operations.
- Facilitated the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process.
- Ensured integration of workflows across functions to minimise inventory levels
- Allocated human and equipment resources to attain established production targets.
- Managed constraints from the production process to improve efficiencies and enhance productivity.
- Ensured development, implementation and adherence to all engineering maintenance business processes.
- Developed and adhered to maintenance budgeting processes.
- Management of new engineering technological projects
- Measurement of Asset performance.
- Balanced score cards and key performance contracts and review.
- Scheduled equipment replacements and motivations.
- Technical training and development
- Reason for leaving: Due to restructuring, it was moved to Kwazulu-Natal
Production Manager: Car Body Shell
Gibela Rail
08.2017 - 06.2022
- Ensured the Targets (Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, and Morale) are achieved in the area responsibility daily in order to meet & exceed the customer expectations.
- Drove Continuous Improvement Projects across the Car Body Shell division through Visual Management and Gemba.
- Drove cost improvement initiatives through PDCA and continuous improvement practices
- Maintained lead time plan and task sequencing and task allocation in the area of responsibility.
- Generated and coordinated preventative problem-solving approaches to secure the maturity of critical car modules, the target being to be able to produce the trains in large capacity series production on time within a ramp-up period.
- Transferred of production series know-how to the central Quality Division to ensure part quality and ongoing improvement of suppliers.
- Led, facilitated & supported division’s Quality Animation process to ensure all major quality defects are treated at Line level using Problem Solving Tools (8D / QRQC) as per ISO9001 requirements
- Led and facilitated Quick Kaizen Projects across the division as identified through Visual Management System.
- Trained and developed people within the team by closely managing the departmental employees’ development (IDPs), performance and training plans.
- Analysed budgets and continuously control production costs and identify/rectify waste measures.
- Sets high standards & clearly defined objectives for the Production personnel under my leadership to ensure that they are aligned with the Company’s Annual Operational Plan by splitting it into Work Packages that are relevant to their areas of responsibilities and constantly measure their performance/ progress through Performance Management Cycle.
- Managed all activities within the production process, including maintenance (through TPM schedules) and the workforce.
- Created and implemented organisational/production changes on an operative level. Focus on growing business and revenue by implementing necessary changes to product/ production line to enter new markets or grow existing territories.
- Conducted studies and analysed the production processes of the current plant and other plants within the ALSTOM group and propose and implement any changes that could improve the efficiency and/or productivity of the organization and might rearrange worker schedules in terms of shifts, move machines and raw materials closer to the production line or find alternate delivery methods.
- Cost control to strive to achieve Budget by ensuring that there are concrete measures in place to control Takt-based volume, hours per car, consumables & overtime.
- Drove plant performance improvement activities by constantly supporting and guiding robot line optimisation team to improve plant OEE.
- Monitored the effectiveness of Cross-functional team that are formally identified and participating in daily operational meeting (according to planning defined based on priorities and resources availability).
- Ensured that Environment, Health & Safety rules are always upheld by providing working conditions that are operationally safe and healthy and a workplace that does not harm the environment, enforcing a culture that promotes zero severe incidents.
- Promoted sustainable resource use and the protection of biodiversity and ecosystem by complying with applicable regulatory and other EHS requirements, the Occupational Health & Safety act (ISO18001) as well as the National Environmental Management Act (ISO14001). Ensure that the team understands the business needs and is always focused on how to react to support this (see the bigger picture).
- Ensured that processes are followed, audits and deals decisively with non – conformance.
- Ensured the subordinates manage their respective budgets, understand how to influence costs and what their main cost drivers are.
- Ensured subordinates are actively driving plant availability and can demonstrate that through the performance of their respective areas.
- Reason for leaving: Left Gibela Rail after reaching the growth ceiling and accepted a better career opportunity at Nampak Vanderbijlpark
Technical Team Manager & Shift Leader (Night Shift): Bodyshop Production
Mercedes-Benz South Africa
11.2013 - 07.2017
- Identification, implementation & monitoring of continuous improvement opportunities by actively participating in Mercedes-Benz Production System workshops that are aimed at elimination of waste within the manufacturing process using LEAN Tools
- Managed the department
- Trained and developed subordinates
- Accountable for team's budget and assets
- Conducted root cause analysis and corrective actions in case of machinery failure and quality deviations
- Managed the executed of planned and corrective maintenance according to prescribed processes
- Ensured compliance with established processes and updated records and documentation on the lines
- Responsible for the management of people and processes and achievement of the SQDCM (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost and Morale) targets within the area of responsibility in compliance with the Company's Integrity & Anti Bribery Codes, Conflict of Interest Policy & S.H.E. requirements and to perform delegated S.H.E. tasks and duties & to inform superiors about deviations.
- Reason for leaving: I was presented with an exciting opportunity at Gibela Rail, where I was headhunted to bring my expertise to a new and challenging role. It was a strategic move that allowed me to contribute to a significant project in the rail industry, expanding my skills and experience
Line Manager (Production Controller): Bottling Plant
Distell Ltd
10.2010 - 10.2013
- Products are produced according to prescribed quality specifications
- Products are available according to specifications and on time as per production plan
- Assets are maintained according to preventative maintenance plan
- Liquor and material are managed cost effectively and according to agreed standards
- Production area is managed according to statutory quality, health, risk & safety requirements
- Continuous improvement plans are implemented
- Effective maintenance of machines and equipment according to schedule
- Maintained effective housekeeping according to prescribed standards
- Effective management of employee relations
- Led and engaging employees in MDWT activities
- Pro-active training of employees
- Employee performance management
- Optimum line staffing to ensure optimum output
- Corrective action
- Managed employee time keeping and attendance
- Completed and submitted daily downtime reports and raise unresolved issues in cross-functional meetings
- Maintained relevant QMS documentation to ensure traceability for internal & external audit purposes
- Completed and submitted HR related documentation (time sheets, leave forms, EPMS contracts, etc.)
- Reason for leaving: I was passionate about automotive, and Mercedes-Benz South Africa offered me a career opportunity
Process Engineer: Paint Shop (Corrosion)
Volkswagen South Africa
01.2009 - 09.2010
- Monitored and improved existing paint and preparation process.
- Carried out various administrative functions in order to facilitate and execute projects according to company administrative requirements, standards and procedures.
- Investigated all processes related to production/quality concerns and suggest containment and countermeasures.
- Co-ordinated PVS build in order to optimize facilities, equipment, plant/process layouts and get production sign-off on facilities and equipment.
- Co-ordinated new model introduction in the paint shop from PVS build until start of production.
- Planned, implemented and controlled new processes, procedures or production changes and facility or tooling introductions.
- Co-ordinated FMEA’s for new equipment and processes.
- Planned, designed and purchased process equipment and materials.
- Project management on miscellaneous projects.
- Established together with industrial engineers’ man-assignment charts, process sheets and production plans to determine manpower requirements in order to control and adjust the manufacturing processes.
- Co-ordinated line trials of new products and equipment.
- Reason for leaving: My wife and I were based in different cities—she in Cape Town and I in Port Elizabeth. We decided that whoever found a suitable opportunity first would relocate, prioritizing being closer as a family. I was fortunate to secure an excellent opportunity with Distell in Cape Town, which allowed me to reunite with my family while advancing my career
Production Engineer
Firstpro Engineering (Pty) Ltd
06.2007 - 12.2008
- Conducted production meetings with supervisors and address those issues during daily management meeting.
- Co-ordinated production methods and systems to evaluate and improve operating efficiencies while ensuring that potential cost savings are achieved.
- Maintained and controlled all required visual displays and documentation for the production department.
- Coordinated all production and related activities in order to meet customer requirements.
- Assisted with the identification of technical problems and initiation of corrective action to ensure the timely completion of all projects.
- Participated in FMEA design & updates for equipment and processes Root cause analysis, plant performance and optimization & technical (process) audits.
- Conducted Ultrasonic examination using high-frequency sound waves which are transmitted into Forged Steel and Cast-Iron parts to detect discontinuities or locate changes in material characteristics.
- Set targets for production (as per customer requirements), housekeeping, cost (direct labour & consumables) and scrap.
- Reviewed critical spares & analyse consumable usage per product then inform production on focus areas.
- Analysed machine breakdown hours and plan & analyse preventative maintenance on fixtures and machines.
- Liaised with QM of any non – conformance.
- Controlled of non – conforming product (Record, report& segregate scrap.
- Made sure that the instructions are clear and easy to understand (operational).
- Developed and conducted training as per operator training requirements.
- Implemented and maintained 5S housekeeping principles.
- Participated on safety and injury prevention.
- Assisted In-service trainees with project implementation
- Reason for leaving: The company faced significant challenges in securing business and contracts with OEMs, which unfortunately led to its closure two years after I have resigned. This prompted me to seek opportunities with more stable prospects and growth potential
Continuous Improvement Officer
Firstpro Engineering (Pty) Ltd
11.2006 - 05.2007
- Conducted production meetings with supervisors and address those issues during daily management meeting.
- Assisted with the identification of technical problems and initiation of corrective action to ensure the timely completion of all projects.
- Reviewed the process flows and link between processes, the dependencies and bottlenecks in the processes and resource requirements associated with the process.
- Conducted root cause analysis, plant performance and optimization & technical audits.
- Set targets for production, housekeeping, cost and scrap.
- Controlled all visual displays/ instructions and documentation on production lines.
- Made sure that the instructions are clear and easy to understand (operational).
- Developed and conducted training as per operator training requirements.
- Assisted In-service trainees with project implementation
- Reason for leaving: Promotion within the company
Production Supervisor & Tool Setter
Firstpro Engineering (Pty) Ltd
06.2004 - 10.2006
- Ensured all team members comply with operational safety rules and regulations.
- Carried out tool setting where required.
- Acted on all non-conformances to policies and report all unresolved safety matters to management.
- Ensured that operators are at specific machines for specific duration to reach shift targets for their respective operations.
- Utilized quality resources within shift to act according in the event of quality issues and ensuring that quality defects are logged, and appropriate action taken to rectify the deviation.
- Ensured the crew achieves the targets in terms of quality, waste and output.
- Organized the team during changeovers and machine breakdowns to carry out activities thus utilizing the downtime hours effectively
- Reason for leaving: Promotion within the company
Production Technical Operator (Precision Machining)
Firstpro Engineering (Pty) Ltd
12.2003 - 05.2004
- Operated various conventional and CNC machines producing power train components for V.W.S.A. in compliance with ISO/TS 16949 standards.
- Performed Statistical Process Control.
- Machine and tool setting to obtain the required technical specification as required by Quality procedures / work instruction.
- Efficient operation of machines to meet the required production targets
- Reason for leaving: Promotion within the company
Trainee Technician (P2 – In-service training)
Firstpro Engineering (Pty) Ltd
06.2003 - 12.2003
- Metrology - Equipment used are Trimos, 3D controls software machine and Shadowgraph machine
- Quality - Calibration of gauges, Machine capability studies and inspection, Gauge control and basic maintenance of gauges, Determination of corrosion to prevent the effect of additives in aqueous cleaning solutions using the method, Receiving Inspection of raw material, Process improvement and problem solving in production.
- Maintenance - attending on preventative, autonomous and breakdown maintenance.
- Production - compiling data capturing daily process control sheets
- Technical & Design - design/ modify engineering parts and factory layout using CAD
- Reason for leaving: Underwent a six-month internship, which served as a training period, and afterward, I was offered a new role as a Production Technical Operator
Education
Master of Business Administration -
MANCOSA
01.2022
Postgraduate Diploma - Business Management
MANCOSA
01.2020
BTech - Mechanical Engineering
Walter Sisulu University
01.2016
National Diploma - Mechanical Engineering
Walter Sisulu University
01.2003
Matric - undefined
Middle Zolo Senior Secondary
01.1999
Skills
MS Microsoft Office
CANDIDATE INFORMATION
- Preferred Name: Sakhile
- Nationality: South African
- Demographic: African Male
- Drivers’ License: Code 8 + own vehicle
- Notice Period: 1 calendar month
- Current CTC: R1.4 million per annum including benefits
- Expected CTC: Negotiable
Timeline
Technical Manager
Nampak Bevcan Springs
05.2025 - Current
Plant Manager: Paint, Polish & Aerosol Can Plant
Nampak Metals
09.2023 - 04.2025
Production Manager: Food Cans & Aerosol Plant
Nampak Metals
07.2022 - 08.2023
Production Manager: Car Body Shell
Gibela Rail
08.2017 - 06.2022
Technical Team Manager & Shift Leader (Night Shift): Bodyshop Production
Mercedes-Benz South Africa
11.2013 - 07.2017
Line Manager (Production Controller): Bottling Plant
Distell Ltd
10.2010 - 10.2013
Process Engineer: Paint Shop (Corrosion)
Volkswagen South Africa
01.2009 - 09.2010
Production Engineer
Firstpro Engineering (Pty) Ltd
06.2007 - 12.2008
Continuous Improvement Officer
Firstpro Engineering (Pty) Ltd
11.2006 - 05.2007
Production Supervisor & Tool Setter
Firstpro Engineering (Pty) Ltd
06.2004 - 10.2006
Production Technical Operator (Precision Machining)
Firstpro Engineering (Pty) Ltd
12.2003 - 05.2004
Trainee Technician (P2 – In-service training)
Firstpro Engineering (Pty) Ltd
06.2003 - 12.2003
Postgraduate Diploma - Business Management
MANCOSA
BTech - Mechanical Engineering
Walter Sisulu University
National Diploma - Mechanical Engineering
Walter Sisulu University
Matric - undefined
Middle Zolo Senior Secondary
Master of Business Administration -
MANCOSA