Anele Mesani

I'm a dedicated and results-oriented Environmental, Safety, Health and Quality (ESHQ) Manager with over 20 years of experience in the manufacturing and automotive coatings industry. Highly skilled in implementing and maintaining ISO management systems (9001, 14001, 45001, and IATF 16949), driving compliance, and fostering a strong culture of safety and operational excellence. Recognized for developing and leading high-performing teams, managing risk effectively, and streamlining processes to improve productivity and sustainability.

A strategic thinker who combines technical expertise with leadership ability to ensure business continuity, environmental protection, and quality performance across all levels of the organization.

Country ESH Manager - Continental ContiTech - Port Elizabeth

(2022-01)

• Lead and coordinate all Environmental, Safety, and Health (ESH) initiatives across the plant to ensure compliance with internal standards and regulatory requirements.
• Translate Group and Business Area ESH strategies into actionable plans, ensuring successful implementation and measurable results.
• Contribute to strategic and operational planning for the plant, including investments, capacity management, and workforce planning.
• Drive the achievement of ESH performance targets in alignment with internal goals and external stakeholder expectations.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives through CBS (Continuous Business System) methods, training, and employee engagement.
• Manage and oversee global and local ESH-related and cross-functional projects to support organizational objectives.
• Conduct employee performance dialogues, identify development opportunities, and provide coaching to enhance ESH competency.
• Represent the plant during engagements and negotiations with government and regulatory authorities on ESH matters.
• Prepare, review, and manage the ESH department's budget and forecasts, ensuring cost-effective execution of all activities.
• Oversee financial data submissions and ensure adherence to approved budgets.
• Develop and implement occupational safety programs in accordance with statutory and company standards.
• Oversee plant and information security systems, including external security services, ensuring compliance with safety protocols.
• Manage environmental protection programs, including hazardous substance control, waste management, emissions monitoring, and risk management.
• Implement occupational health and medical service programs focusing on workplace ergonomics, industrial hygiene, and employee well-being.
• Support energy management by contributing to the plant's energy reduction roadmap, initiating energy-saving projects, and tracking key energy performance indicators (eKPIs).
• Plan, coordinate, and conduct environmental and safety audits to ensure regulatory and internal compliance.
• Monitor evolving legal and regulatory requirements, assessing and mitigating potential operational impacts.
• Ensure all required permits are obtained, maintained, and that all permit conditions are effectively implemented.
• Enforce compliance with all relevant legislation, internal standards, and operational processes in collaboration with local authorities.

SHERQ Manager - Kansai Plascon - Port Elizabeth

(2015-01 - 2022-12)

• Maintain and monitor the SHERQ Management System in compliance with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 standards.
• Promote, facilitate, and ensure the implementation of Health, Safety, Environment, Security, and Quality (SHERQ) standards to drive compliance, sustainability, and operational excellence.
• Stay abreast of international and national SHERQ trends, best practices, and regulatory updates through professional networking and continuous learning.
• Ensure timely and effective completion of audits, inspections, and assessments, reviewing performance reports and conducting verification audits to maintain compliance and system integrity.
• Implement and maintain legal compliance procedures and quality management system policies to align operations with statutory and company standards.
• Monitor and address customer-specific SHERQ requirements through surveys and direct engagement to ensure satisfaction and service excellence.
• Conduct comprehensive risk assessments, incident investigations, and accident analyses, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Manage SHERQ departmental budgets and cost centres, including preparation of annual budgets and periodic financial reporting.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and training to SHERQ team members and other employees to strengthen safety culture and awareness.
• Offer expert SHERQ guidance to internal stakeholders, promoting effective cross-functional collaboration and compliance across departments.
• Lead the implementation of ISO 45001:2018 as Project Manager, ensuring successful integration and certification.
• Serve as Management Representative, preparing and presenting compliance reports, performance trends, and sustainability updates to Senior and Top Management.
• Facilitate monthly Health and Safety meetings, ensuring effective communication and follow-up on corrective and preventive actions.
• Develop and manage Business Continuity Plans (BCPs) aligned with emergency response procedures to minimize operational disruptions.
• Apply risk-based and process-driven approaches to identify, assess, and mitigate potential operational risks.
• Review and update company policies to align with evolving legal and ISO requirements.
• Ensure compliance with key statutory and regulatory frameworks, including the Air Quality Act (AQA), Waste Movement Act, Environmental Management Act, and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act.
• Drive and oversee internal and external audits, ensuring corrective actions are implemented and continuous improvement is sustained.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate SHEQ principles into new product introductions in line with Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) requirements.
• Develop, review, and maintain company policies, procedures, and documentation to align with organizational standards and industry best practices.
• Liaise with relevant departments to ensure compliance with COVID-19 regulations, including implementation, monitoring, and enforcement of safety protocols.
• Lead the implementation of COVID-19 requirements across operations, ensuring employee safety, legal compliance, and business continuity.

Factory Technical Manager - Kansai Plascon - Port Elizabeth

(2010-01 - 2015-12)

• Ensure all automotive formulations are optimized for production processes, supporting First Time Right (FTR) manufacturing and achieving factory technical performance objectives.
• Lead continuous improvement projects focused on process control, efficiency, and operational optimization.
• Advise and coordinate on process improvement initiatives during major equipment installations, system upgrades, and engineering changes.
• Prepare and present monthly performance reports, tracking progress across all key job functions and objectives.
• Manage departmental expenditure within budget and compile Capex budgets to support operational and strategic requirements.
• Coach, mentor, and develop team members to enhance individual and collective technical competence.
• Enforce compliance with all company and legislative policies, including safety, housekeeping, time management, and disciplinary standards.
• Facilitate and lead problem-solving teams to identify and address root causes of non-conforming products or processes, ensuring long-term corrective actions.
• Drive initiatives to reduce product rejects, scrap, and redundant inventory, improving overall production efficiency.
• Monitor and evaluate machine capability and process performance to ensure consistent quality output.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing principles to streamline operations and eliminate waste.
• Ensure compliance with all Quality Management Systems (QMS), including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 standards.
• Conduct and oversee internal and external audits to verify conformance and continuous improvement.
• Manage employee performance through structured reviews, feedback, and development plans.
• Provide technical support and expertise to ensure continuous product availability and process reliability.

Factory Chemist - Freeworld Automotive Coatings - Port Elizabeth

(2006-01 - 2010-12)

• Develop and simplify formulation instructions, ensuring they are clear, concise, and easy for operators to follow.
• Lead and participate in continuous improvement projects, providing expert advice and proposing practical modifications to improve processes and outputs.
• Conduct root cause analyses using Quality Control Tools to identify issues and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Identify and monitor key process and quality control parameters to ensure compliance with customer and internal requirements.
• Align formulations with production requirements, ensuring technical accuracy and process compatibility.
• Analyse batch losses, determine underlying causes, and implement corrective measures to prevent recurrence.
• Plan and conduct internal and supplier audits to verify adherence to quality and process standards.
• Identify and address processes contributing to environmental contamination and waste generation, supporting sustainability goals.

Laboratory Technician - Barloworld Automotive Coatings - Port Elizabeth

(2003-01 - 2006-12)

• Performed quality control testing for OEM and Refinish coatings, ensuring compliance with internal and customer standards.
• Conducted chemical and physical testing of raw materials and finished products using analytical instruments (FTIR, GC, UV/Vis Spectrophotometer, Karl Fischer).
• Assisted in the calibration, maintenance, and validation of laboratory equipment.
• Collaborated with production teams to resolve batch inconsistencies and improve product quality.
• Participated in process audits and contributed to continual improvement initiatives.
• Ensured adherence to safety standards and laboratory best practices.
• Provided technical support to production staff and participated in new product trials.

Master of Business Administration - Business Administration - Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (2014-12)

B-Tech - Quality Management - Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (2009-12)

B-Tech - Analytical Chemistry - Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (2005-12)

Ndip - Analytical Chemistry - PE Technikon (2002-12)