Aphiwe Zacharious

Dedicated and results-oriented operations and production professional with experience in FMCG manufacturing, laboratory and product quality activities, machine operation, customer service, and continuous improvement. Experienced in monitoring production processes, conducting product trials, analysing results, maintaining quality and food safety standards, supporting troubleshooting, and working collaboratively with production teams and external partners. Holds a Diploma in Operations Management.

Supervisor at Tega Industries (Present)

• Supervise daily production activities and ensure production targets are achieved in line with operational requirements.
• Coordinate employees and allocate daily tasks according to production priorities and workload.
• Monitor production progress, product quality, safety, housekeeping and compliance with operational standards.
• Identify and resolve production issues promptly to minimise downtime and maintain workflow efficiency.
• Monitor material, consumable and stock requirements to support uninterrupted production.
• Collaborate with Planning, Production and other departments to ensure smooth and efficient operations.
• Conduct daily safety meetings and promote compliance with health and safety procedures.
• Monitor production performance and prepare accurate daily operational reports.
• Utilise SAP to support production orders, stock checks, material requirements and other operational transactions.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives aimed at improving productivity, efficiency and overall production performance.

Machine Operator at PepsiCo (Clayville) (2022-10 – 2024-12)

Reason for leaving: Retrenchment

• Operated production machinery while maintaining product quality, packaging and production standards.
• Monitored machine performance, identified operational issues and supported troubleshooting to maintain smooth production.
• Ensured products were correctly packed and sorted according to batch requirements before transfer to other departments.
• Recorded batch numbers and ingredient information accurately on mixing sheets.
• Raised job cards and supported the maintenance team with equipment-related issues where possible.
• Conducted monthly stock takes and followed processes for packaging materials, damages and stock control.
• Communicated daily production performance and shift-related issues to the production team and supervisor.
• Monitored production targets and supported alignment between planning requirements and production activities.
• Led daily safety meetings and conducted safety observations to identify and correct unsafe behaviours.
• Supported food safety compliance and maintained good housekeeping standards.
• Served as a Health & Safety Representative and supported accident/incident investigation reporting.

Lab / Seasoning Technician at PepsiCo (Simba) (2017-05 – 2022-04)

Reason for leaving: Restructuring / Retrenchment

• Prepared product samples and verified product quality against established specifications.
• Checked salt, moisture and oil levels to ensure products remained within specification.
• Conducted product trials from small-scale laboratory trials through to larger-scale production trials.
• Compiled, analysed and shared trial results with the relevant team members.
• Communicated with suppliers and coordinated the shipment of samples to management.
• Verified finished products against specifications before release.
• Monitored first production runs to evaluate product performance and identify potential issues.
• Ensured proper packaging and storage of samples in line with food safety and quality requirements.
• Reviewed and analysed daily trip sheets and provided feedback to the supervisor.
• Supported artwork activities to help ensure compliance with labelling requirements and supported sample preparation for new product listings.
• Maintained good housekeeping in the pilot plant laboratory.
• Performed daily calibration and verification of laboratory equipment, including salt titrators, Soxtec and moisture analysers, and conducted ATP testing of food-contact surfaces to support accurate results, hygiene and food safety compliance.
• Supported sodium-reduction activities by collaborating with product developers during sample preparation.
• Trained new students and supported knowledge transfer within the laboratory environment.
• Analysed weekly reports and presented findings.

General Worker at PepsiCo (Simba) (2012-09 – 2017-05)

Reason for leaving: Promotion

• Provided a high level of customer service and professional support to external business partners.
• Provided first-level support to external partners regarding ordering and shipping processes.
• Coordinated and followed up on orders from third-party distributors.
• Monitored potential issues and communicated them promptly to relevant business partners.
• Participated in continuous improvement initiatives to support process standardisation.

Diploma in Operations Management – Production Management Institute (PMI) (2022 – 2025)

Occupational Health and Safety – Oxbridge Academy (2016)

Office Administration – Quest Computer Skills Centre (2013)

Matric – Zwelibangile SSS (2009)