Bambelela Mithani
Cellar Controller
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About
Ethical, self-reliant professional with expertise in production control, quality management, and team leadership in the beverage manufacturing industry. Skilled in process optimization, regulatory compliance (GMP, OSHA), and continuous improvement. Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively to achieve organizational objectives.
Experience
Cellar Controller at Distell (Springs) (2016-08 – Present)
Oversee fermentation plant operations, yeast propagation, and blending processes to meet production targets while maintaining quality standards.
- Ensure production volumes meet budget and forecast targets by limiting losses through efficient management and control
- Maintain quality requirements (internal and external) and legal compliance for final products and raw materials
- Manage efficient operation of Yeast propagation, FV Filling, and Cross flow filtration processes
- Provide required product at specified quality and quantity to blending department
- Manage personnel to ensure competent and motivated workforce
- Evaluate performance and provide regular feedback and counselling to maintain productivity
- Maintain product quality according to specified standards through subordinate management and expertise application
- Maintain operational assets to ensure budget and strategic objectives are met
- Drive solutions and innovations for continuous improvement
- Manage Fermentation Plant maintenance
- Maintain administrative functions and provide progress reporting
- Ensure Manufacturing Instructions and Procedures are updated with document and record control
Process Controller at Distell (Goudini) (2016-01 – 2016-07)
Operate distillation processes and associated equipment, monitor quality parameters, and ensure regulatory compliance.
- Operate inside distillation processes and associated equipment
- Obtain in-process samples, label and perform inventory transfers
- Monitor computer readings and maintain records
- Identify process operation problems and assist with documentation and troubleshooting
- Observe gages and dials to ensure machines work properly
- Perform emission testing and product quality verification
- Work in compliance with GMP, OSHA, Food Safety and internal safety guidelines
- Participate in 5S and MDT meetings before startup
Cross Flow Supervisor at Distell (Monis) (2011-05 – 2015-12)
Supervised cross flow filtration operations for fermented cider base, maintained BRC quality systems, and managed cellar operations.
- Control all cross flow filtration activities for fermented cider base and RTD products
- Control and optimize cross flow filters
- Assist in department budget control in cost-effective manner
- Maintain BRC quality systems responsibility
- Possess knowledge and understanding of CIP systems for troubleshooting and plant maintenance
- Manage cellar hygiene and safety with liaison to CO2 recovery plant and distell fermentation cellar
- Ensure filtered cider base meets specification (volume, temperature, alcohol, turbidity)
- Ensure cellar equipment is working order and meets required standards
- Control bulk stock for fermentation and filtration bases with monthly stock take participation
- Responsible for traceability of fermented and filtered cider base
- Maintain record keeping for tank volumes
- Complete cross flow data book with fermentation and blending tank information
Lab Analyst at Nederburg Winery (2011-01 – 2011-04)
Conducted wine quality analysis including calibration of instruments, routine testing, and preparation of analytical samples.
- Calibration, verification and maintenance of instruments
- Routine analysis of wines
- PH and total acidity determination of wines
- Determine alcohol content in alcoholic products by distillation
- Determine alcohol content using FTIR (Winescan)
- Determine color of products
- Determination of sulphur on wines
- Determination of conductivity, TDS and hardness in water
- Preparation and standardization of chemical reagents and standards
- Preparation of samples for analysis
- Registration of samples on LIMS
- Filling and sending out of QC forms
In-service Training at Nederburg Winery (2008-07 – 2009-06)
Completed in-service training program in wine analysis and quality control procedures.
- Calibration, verification and maintenance of instruments
- Routine analysis of wines
- PH and total acidity determination of wines
- Determine alcohol content in alcoholic products by distillation
- Determine alcohol content using FTIR (Winescan)
- Determine color of products
- Determination of sulphur on wines
- Determination of conductivity, TDS and hardness in water
- Preparation and standardization of chemical reagents and standards
- Preparation of samples for analysis
- Registration of samples on LIMS
Education
ND in Food Technology – Cape Peninsula University of Technology (2007 – 2009)
Matric - Senior Certificate – Desmond Mpilo Tutu High School (1999 – 2003)
