Silungile Kekana
Graduate Engineer Specializing In Manufacturing Excellence & Process
Johannesburg
Summary
Early-career Chemical Engineer with hands-on experience in manufacturing performance, quality assurance, and continuous improvement across multinational FMCGs (L'Oréal & Unilever). Skilled in KPI monitoring, process loss reduction, RCA execution, validation support, and Lean Six Sigma application to drive production efficiency. I thrive at the intersection of operations, quality systems, and data-based decision making, turning plant insights into actionable improvements. Currently building capability in maintenance planning, process optimization, and Manufacturing Excellence frameworks.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Management Trainee | Supply Chain
L’Oréal Midrand Manufacturing
Midrand
11.2025 - Current
- Aligned material requirements with production schedules to meet demands on time.
- Improved production flow with meticulous inventory management.
- Utilize SAP for tracking, reporting, and analyzing supply chain activities.
Management Trainee | Production & Performance
L'ORÉAL MIDRAND MANUFACTURING
Midrand
06.2025 - 11.2025
- Supported daily filling and packing operations, monitoring line performance to ensure achievement of safety, quality, and output targets
- Tracked and analysed KPIs including OEE, downtime, waste, and productivity using Shopware, contributing to variance reduction initiatives
- Assisted with loss analysis routines and identification of chronic losses across production lines
- Supported troubleshooting of changeover inefficiencies, contributing to reduced downtime
- Collaborated with Engineering and Manufacturing teams to support development of preventive maintenance schedules for key equipment
Management Trainee | Quality Assurance
L'ORÉAL MIDRAND MANUFACTURING
Midrand
03.2025 - 06.2025
- Supported quality assurance activities to ensure compliance with GMP and internal L’Oréal standards
- Participated in root cause investigations for non‑conformances and supported CAPA implementation
- Assisted in deviation reduction initiatives aimed at improving product consistency
- Supported validation and qualification activities for equipment, processes, and cleaning procedures
- Maintained accurate quality documentation to support audits and regulatory compliance
Process Engineering Intern
L'ORÉAL MIDRAND MANUFACTURING
Midrand
02.2024 - 02.2025
- Assist in identifying and implementing process improvements, resulting in increased efficiency and cost reduction.
- Collect and analyze process data to monitor performance and identify trends.
- Ensure compliance with quality standards and identified areas for improvement.
- Support various engineering projects, including new product launches and process changes.
- Maintain accurate documentation of processes and changes for compliance and future reference.
- Collaborated with R&D, Quality Assurance, and other departments to integrate new processes seamlessly.
Customer Service Representative
MTN SA - TASHIKO HOLDINGS PTY (LTD)
Johannesburg
12.2023 - 02.2024
- Handling customer inquiries and complaints via phone, email, or chat.
- Providing information about MTN products and services.
- Assisting customers with technical support and troubleshooting for mobile and internet services.
- Resolving billing and account issues.
- Processing service orders and upgrades.
- Maintaining customer satisfaction by building rapport and resolving issues promptly.
- Escalating complex problems to higher levels of support when necessary.
- Keeping accurate records of customer interactions and transactions.
Engineering In-service Trainee
UNILEVER SA
Boksburg
04.2021 - 03.2022
- Assisting with the development and implementation of new manufacturing processes and technologies.
- Conducting research and analysis to improve existing production methods and optimize resource utilization.
- Working alongside experienced engineers to troubleshoot and resolve operational issues within the manufacturing environment.
- Participating in safety and compliance initiatives to ensure that all processes meet industry regulations and company standards.
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to support various projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency and sustainability.
- Engaging in continuous learning and development opportunities to expand your technical knowledge and professional skills within the field of chemical engineering.
- Contributing to the design and execution of experiments, as well as the interpretation of results to drive process improvements.
Education
BEngTech Honours - Chemical Engineering
University of South Africa
South Africa 01.2024 -
Advanced Diploma - Chemical Engineering
University of South Africa
South Africa 01.2023 - 12.2023
Diploma - Chemical Engineering
Vaal University of Technology
South Africa 01.2018 - 12.2021
Skills
- Performance Analytics: OEE tracking, downtime & waste analysis, Shopware, loss trees, variance reduction
Certification
Artificial Intelligence in the 4IR
Languages
English
Advanced (C1)
IsiZulu
Native
Japanese
Beginner
Affiliations
Ibaraki International Student Goodwill Ambassador
Timeline
Management Trainee | Supply Chain
L’Oréal Midrand Manufacturing
11.2025 - Current
Management Trainee | Production & Performance
L'ORÉAL MIDRAND MANUFACTURING
06.2025 - 11.2025
Management Trainee | Quality Assurance
L'ORÉAL MIDRAND MANUFACTURING
03.2025 - 06.2025
Process Engineering Intern
L'ORÉAL MIDRAND MANUFACTURING
02.2024 - 02.2025
BEngTech Honours - Chemical Engineering
University of South Africa
01.2024 -
Customer Service Representative
MTN SA - TASHIKO HOLDINGS PTY (LTD)
12.2023 - 02.2024
Advanced Diploma - Chemical Engineering
University of South Africa
01.2023 - 12.2023
Engineering In-service Trainee
UNILEVER SA
04.2021 - 03.2022
Diploma - Chemical Engineering
Vaal University of Technology
01.2018 - 12.2021