Gaby Segobo

Highly accomplished Technical Specialist with extensive experience in instrumentation, electrical, automation, and control systems within high-performance manufacturing environments. Recognized for driving innovation, optimizing operations, and leading technical teams to improve plant efficiency. Proven expertise in maintaining, troubleshooting, and upgrading electrical, industrial automation and instrumentation systems.

Strong capabilities in PLC and SCADA systems, electrical maintenance, and process automation. Adept at strategic project execution, process automation, and fostering a culture of accountability. I have experience in maintenance management.

Currently seeking an opportunity to contribute strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and technical expertise in a forward-thinking organization. I am open to career opportunities in Maintenance Management, my experience in Electrical and Industrial Automation will be of value.

Technical Specialist Electrical (Instrumentation & Automation) - Lactalis SA (Previously known as Parmalat SA) - Kyalami Plant

(2022-12)

• Spearhead automation and control systems strategy, ensuring seamless plant operations.
• Oversee calibration and compliance of instrumentation in line with ISO and HACCP.
• Lead and mentor technical teams to enhance accountability and efficiency.
• Design and implement process automation and control system enhancements.
• Drive continuous improvement projects, reducing downtime and optimizing energy use.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance maintenance strategies.
• Maintain and upgrade SCADA and PLC systems for increased plant reliability.
• Lead life cycle management of industrial automation and instrumentation.
• Act as Maintenance Manager & Technical Manager, ensuring operational continuity in absence of leadership.

Acting Maintenance Manager - Lactalis SA (Previously known as Parmalat SA) - Kyalami Plant

(2022-12 - 2022-12)

Assumed full responsibility for the Maintenance Department during the absence of the Maintenance Manager, ensuring uninterrupted plant operations and maintenance execution.

• Led multidisciplinary maintenance teams comprising Electrical, Instrumentation, Automation and Mechanical personnel to achieve plant reliability and production targets.
• Managed planned preventative maintenance (PPM) programs and asset lifecycle strategies to improve equipment reliability and reduce downtime.
• Coordinated daily, weekly and annual maintenance schedules, prioritizing work orders and allocating resources to meet operational requirements.
• Provided technical leadership and support to maintenance and production teams on electrical, automation, instrumentation and process control systems.
• Managed maintenance budgets, controlled maintenance expenditure.
• Assisted with CAPEX projects, equipment upgrades, automation enhancements and plant efficiency improvement programs.
• Monitored maintenance stock levels, spare parts availability and procurement activities to support maintenance requirements.
• Supervised contractors and service providers, ensuring compliance with company standards, safety procedures and project specifications.
• Ensured compliance with Occupational Health & Safety requirements, food safety standards, ISO systems and plant engineering standards.
• Maintained maintenance records, work orders, equipment histories and technical documentation within the maintenance management system.
• Participated in engineering risk assessments, shutdown planning and plant reliability improvement initiatives.
• Supported GMR compliance requirements through equipment inspections, statutory maintenance activities and implementation of engineering best practices.

Senior Technician (Control & Instrumentation) - Lactalis SA (Previously known as Parmalat SA) - Kyalami Plant

(2014-11 - 2022-11)

• Managed process automation fault finding and rectification, minimizing disruptions.
• Led technical training initiatives, upskilling artisans and maintenance teams.
• Implemented instrumentation upgrade projects, boosting plant efficiency.
• Developed and executed preventative maintenance schedules, reducing downtime.
• Acted as Maintenance Foreman, ensuring operational continuity in absence of leadership.
• Championed safety and quality control standards in all automation projects.

Instrumentation Technician - Lactalis SA (Previously known as Parmalat SA) - Bonnievale Plant

(2008-08 - 2011-12)

• Conducted instrumentation calibrations and certification for plant equipment.
• Maintained PLC, SCADA, and industrial control systems, ensuring optimal performance.
• Designed and executed process automation modifications to enhance production output.
• Developed SOPs and technical training programs for production personnel.

Senior Instrumentation Technician - Colgate Palmolive

(2012-01 - 2014-11)

• Led maintenance, troubleshooting, and calibration of control and instrumentation systems to ensure optimal plant performance.
• Conducted root cause analysis and implemented corrective actions for electrical, control, and instrumentation issues.
• Managed PLC programming, fault finding, and SCADA integration for process automation (Allen Bradley, Siemens, Bosch).
• Developed SOPs and training programs to improve equipment handling by technicians and production personnel.
• Controlled instrumentation spares, procurement, and continuous improvement projects, optimizing plant efficiency.
• Ensured compliance with EOHS, Quality Standards, and plant KPI targets, driving process reliability.

ND - Electrical Engineering (Process Instrumentation) - University of Johannesburg (2008)

N3 - Electrical Engineering - Dobsonville Technical College (2002)