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