Solomon Ngaka Khomo
Summary
I am a food industry professional with multisite experience within the FMCG sphere, both in South Africa and the Middle East (GCC) region. I have multi-product knowledge and experience in infant nutrition (infant formula & cereals), dry pasta, flour milling, confectionery, ready-to-eat products, alcohol/non-alcohol beverages, short shelf-life chilled & bakery. Strengths in leadership & people development, change agent, implementing cost savings & continuous improvement initiatives. Specialties include providing strong strategic & tactical operations leadership. Building effective & productive teams. Creating a culture of empowerment & accountability. Coaching to achieve potential needs & people development. Experienced in project management, food safety, FSSC 22000, ISO 14000, OHSAS 1001, TPM, and lean manufacturing. Experienced in driving climate sustainability and digital transformation agendas.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Operations – Multi Site
PepsiCo South Africa
04.2025 - Current
- The multi-site head of operations drives the growth of two key manufacturing sites (Specialty Breads, Buns and Rolls Plants)
- This role provides leadership, industrial manufacturing expertise, Lean operating methodology, and financial acumen.
- This role is expected to develop and maintain a culture where safety, quality, customer service, and cost are the main focal points with a continuous improvement mindset.
- Customer Facing Responsibilities (KFC and Woolworths):
- Building relationships: Understanding customer needs, building rapport, and fostering positive relationships to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. Monthly KPI's review session focusing on Service, Cost, Quality
- Problem-solving: Responsible for addressing customer inquiries, resolving issues, and troubleshooting problems e.g. Consumer Complaints review and feedback.
- New Product Development: Custodian for seamless introduction of new products in a manufacturing environment.
Plant General Manager – Mega Facility
PepsiCo South Africa
07.2023 - 03.2025
- Capital expansion plans
- Performance Improvement plans
- Drive Simplification, Replenishment (S&OP)
- Supply Resilience & Cost Efficiency Focus
- Accelerate Productivity & Cost Management
- Build Capable, Diverse and Engaged Team
- Drive a Safety Culture through demonstrative Leadership behaviors.
- Entrench a Quality Food Safety culture through engagement and accountability.
- Drive Climate Sustainability Agenda
Site Manager
Diageo South Africa
02.2022 - 06.2023
- Lead the full Operations for the Isipingo Factory - Durban
- Lead Plant Leadership Team, setting the agenda for the Plant, and all functions (SHE, Quality, Blending, Bottling, Inbound/Warehouse)
- Lead industrial relations with Unions.
- Deliver Cluster SQCDM Operational Targets; actively support and collaborate with Africa Cluster Teams and Category Central Team
- Deliver all NPD / agreed project activities; actively collaborate with associated stakeholders.
- Build and deliver a plant roadmap for People and Plant/network development - aligned with SSA Cluster and Category strategy.
- Drive Manufacturing Excellence and World Class Manufacturing as the way of working within Manufacturing and within the site.
- Operate within the spirit of an End-to-End SC ensuring best for ISC / Business outcomes.
Plant Manager
Tiger Brands Limited
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Driving safety as a core value. Continuously develop and improve work processes to achieve and sustain a zero (0) safety incident environment.
- Ensure that all manufactured products are compliant with updated product specifications.
- Own conversion cost of the plant and ensure all internal controls are in place and governed.
- Create a strong, continuous productivity pipeline to deliver annual productivity targets.
- Ensures that loss elimination processes are defined, and a zero-loss mentality is implemented as a fundamental.
- Lead Plant Leadership pillar and High Performing Work Streams (HPWS) transformation agenda.
- Represent the plant when interacting with union leadership.
Production Manager
M.H. Alshaya Co. LLC (Central Production Facility, U.A.E)
05.2017 - 12.2018
- Headhunted to start up and commission a new food manufacturing facility, this entailed recruitment of new operators, training on new equipment, and setting up manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and safety standards.
- Leading role in commissioning of equipment (Bakery Plant, Ready-to-Eat Processing and Packaging Section), products, and training of employees in a multimillion-dollar state-of-the-art greenfield facility.
- In this role my key focus is leading the end-to-end manufacturing function, people, process, and product across all shifts to deliver the key objectives on site.
- I was responsible for the implementation of an end-to-end manufacturing plan to achieve the site's productivity objectives, contributing to business planning and achievement of P&L targets.
- I was responsible for monitoring and taking corrective action to ensure that labor and materials are being utilized in a cost-efficient manner that conforms to food safety and customer standards.
- Drive performance to meet or exceed key performance indicators within quality, safety, environment, delivery, cost, and morale.
- Identify, implement, and drive continuous improvement activities through implementation of change management process and best practices to meet CI targets.
- Implementation of Goal Alignment principles (Hoshin Kanri, Shift Reviews, Daily Operations Reviews, Weekly Operations Review, and problem-solving modules) across two manufacturing sites (UAE & Kuwait).
- New Product Development custodian for seamless introduction of new products in a manufacturing environment.
- Supported the Business Manager to draft and cascade a 3-year Operational Master Plan for the 2 factories (UAE & Kuwait) to Food Division's priorities.
- Key Customers included Starbucks, Raising Canes, Shake Shack, Ashas, Le Pain Quotidien and The Cheese Factory Outlets.
Manufacturing Manager
Anglovaal Industries Ltd. (Bakers Biscuits)
05.2016 - 12.2016
- Acted as a safety leader for manufacturing by the active support and role modelling of Safety, Security, and Environment (SSE) programs and reinforced safe behaviors of production team members.
- Delivered according to production plan in line with conversion costs, customer service levels (case fill rate to meet customer requirements), loss rate, and recipes.
- Effective deployment of CI programs and practices (MDWT, Shift Reviews, Operator Hand Overs) delivered step-change improvements to eliminate losses in all aspects of the balanced agenda (SQCDSM).
- I was responsible for the implementation of a continuous shift pattern on one of the key production lines.
Manufacturing Manager
Mondelez South Africa (Port Elizabeth)
05.2015 - 04.2016
- I led a manufacturing unit (confectionery) at the site, ensuring that the unit sustainably manufactures the required volume of products in accordance with supply and production schedules.
- I coordinate all the activities that take place within the manufacturing unit and take responsibility for continuous improvement across Quality, Cost, Delivery, Safety (section 16.2 appointee), and Morale (QCDSM) to achieve agreed objectives.
- I was responsible for the implementation of Integrated Lean Sigma (IL6S) methodologies in my section.
Plant Manager (Canning Operations)
Nestle South Africa (Pty) Ltd
06.2013 - 04.2015
- Ensured production plan for infant formula manufacturing was fully achieved on time and in compliance with legal requirements, meeting safety, quality, and cost.
- Effectively managed the daily operations review (DOR) and ensured exchange of information (cascade/escalate issues).
- I was responsible for motivation, guidance, support, and coaching of employees to achieve objectives and act in accordance with Nestle Continuous Excellence guidelines.
- Led manufacturing teams for successful expansion of the packaging line & commissioning of the dry mix line.
- I played a leading role in ensuring factory key priorities are aligned with the business unit objectives (successful operational master planning for the site).
Focused Improvement Pillar Lead
Nestle South Africa (Pty) Ltd
04.2012 - 05.2013
- Acted as a competence centre for the methodologies and tools to identify, analyze, and eliminate losses inside the factory.
- Expert on the methodology and provides training for white & yellow belt DMAIC levels as well as awareness training for factory management.
- Responsible for building competence at the factory level (training, coaching, auditing).
- Maintained project management at the factory level (scoping, prioritization, and assignment).
- Supported other TPM Pillars (AM, PM, E&T).
- Ensured FI targets (OE, Number of FI Projects, and Number of People Involved) were achieved.
- I was responsible for replication and benchmarking from other Nestlé factories in South Africa and globally.
- Delivered solid annual operational savings for the manufacturing site.
Assistant Plant Manager
Nestle South Africa (Pty) Ltd
06.2011 - 03.2012
- Ensured the production plan is fully achieved on time and in compliance with legal requirements, meeting safety and quality standards (production of 170 tons per week).
- I was responsible for replication of best practices from the infant formula manufacturing site.
- Focus on material availability, finished goods quality, and on-time delivery through optimal resource allocation.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives and employee involvement through the NCE approach.
Production Team Leader
Nestle South Africa (Pty) Ltd
09.2008 - 05.2011
- Process & Product Mastery: Manage all infant formula processing operations and ensure production SOPs are flawlessly executed.
- Quality management of all quality control activities in a shift (sampling analysis, sensory analysis). Ensured production SOPs, QMS & HACCP were flawlessly executed, troubleshooting & resolution of quality deviations.
- Supply Management planned the allocation of plant resources to meet the daily supply requirements.
- Routine Maintenance Managed all basic routine shift maintenance, troubleshooting & resolution of line-engineering deviations, including resolving breakdowns together with engineering colleagues.
- Cost Management, responsible for monitoring of materials & labour variances. Managed the total controllable cost of the production department as a mini business.
- People coach, train, & motivate the team in the achievement of Q, S, C, and P targets. Ensured SHE SOPs were flawlessly executed. Maintained good work discipline in shift. Developed staff & gave input on training development, including identification of training needs.
Production Team Leader
Anglovaal Industries Ltd. (Bakers Biscuits)
09.2006 - 08.2008
- Daily planning of activities to ensure compliance with the production schedule and compilation of statistical data.
- I was responsible for the implementation of shift plans with emphasis online utilization & efficiencies.
- I was responsible for both in-process & final product conforming to quality specifications, liaising with the Shift Quality Assessors and Production Manager to ensure quality conformance.
- Completed all required documentation & undertook input in terms of MFGPro (ERP System) requirements. (Control material usages).
- Involved in productivity improvement projects (e.g., Lean), identifying all areas of waste (product & labour) and formulating action plans.
Quality Assurance Technician
Anglovaal Industries Ltd. (Bakers Biscuits)
05.2005 - 08.2006
- Overseeing & monitoring all stages of the manufacturing process & ensuring that products are manufactured in accordance with the procedure.
- Checking & maintenance of HACCP activities on the floor.
- Ensured Good Manufacturing Practices compliance on the floor.
- Work in progress and stock rotation monitored.
- Assist the quality assurance supervisor & production supervisors in the resolution of the product/process failures, HACCP failures.
Trainee Food Technologist
Anglovaal Industries Ltd. (Bakers Biscuits)
12.2004 - 04.2005
- I was exposed to manufacturing, R&D, supply chain, and quality functions as part of the experiential training program.
- I completed the program before the planned completion time and was employed full-time as a quality assurance technician.
Education
Grade 12 (Matriculation) -
Kgolathuto High School
01.2001
Post Graduate Diploma: Management - undefined
Regent Business School
National Diploma: Food Technology - undefined
Durban University of Technology
Management Development Programme - undefined
Stellenbosch University
Certificate (Production & Inventory Management) - undefined
SAPICS (South African Production & Inventory Society)
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - undefined
Regent Business School
10.2025
Skills
Operational excellence
Business analysis
Organizational development
Workforce planning
Team leadership
Cross-functional coordination
Problem-solving abilities
Decision-making
Performance evaluation and monitoring
Operations management
Strategic planning
Customer service management
Cost control
Analytical thinking
P&L management
Data analysis
First Names
Solomon Ngaka
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 04 April 1984
- Nationality: South African
- Driving License: Code 10 (C1)
References
- MR MLULEKI ZULU, HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER, PEPSICO SSA, +27839582913
- MISS RONELLA ROBERTSONS, HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER, DANONE SOUTH AFRICA, +27834432578
- THABO MOHLAMONYANE, HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER, RECKITT BENCKISER SOUTH AFRICA, +27727099663
- MR ANDRE VAN TONDER, +27721081398, former Manager Tiger Brands
Training
- Six Sigma Green Belt Certified (Nestle S.A)
- Food Hygiene Level 3 (Dubai Municipality)
Timeline
Head of Operations – Multi Site
PepsiCo South Africa
04.2025 - Current
Plant General Manager – Mega Facility
PepsiCo South Africa
07.2023 - 03.2025
Site Manager
Diageo South Africa
02.2022 - 06.2023
Plant Manager
Tiger Brands Limited
01.2019 - 01.2022
Production Manager
M.H. Alshaya Co. LLC (Central Production Facility, U.A.E)
05.2017 - 12.2018
Manufacturing Manager
Anglovaal Industries Ltd. (Bakers Biscuits)
05.2016 - 12.2016
Manufacturing Manager
Mondelez South Africa (Port Elizabeth)
05.2015 - 04.2016
Plant Manager (Canning Operations)
Nestle South Africa (Pty) Ltd
06.2013 - 04.2015
Focused Improvement Pillar Lead
Nestle South Africa (Pty) Ltd
04.2012 - 05.2013
Assistant Plant Manager
Nestle South Africa (Pty) Ltd
06.2011 - 03.2012
Production Team Leader
Nestle South Africa (Pty) Ltd
09.2008 - 05.2011
Production Team Leader
Anglovaal Industries Ltd. (Bakers Biscuits)
09.2006 - 08.2008
Quality Assurance Technician
Anglovaal Industries Ltd. (Bakers Biscuits)
05.2005 - 08.2006
Trainee Food Technologist
Anglovaal Industries Ltd. (Bakers Biscuits)
12.2004 - 04.2005
Post Graduate Diploma: Management - undefined
Regent Business School
National Diploma: Food Technology - undefined
Durban University of Technology
Management Development Programme - undefined
Stellenbosch University
Certificate (Production & Inventory Management) - undefined
SAPICS (South African Production & Inventory Society)
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - undefined
Regent Business School
Grade 12 (Matriculation) -
Kgolathuto High School