Sango Dukwana

Dedicated Industrial Engineering Graduate with a strong academic foundation and practical production management experience in high-volume manufacturing environments. Proven track record of driving operational efficiency through Lean methodologies, process mapping, and data-driven KPI tracking. Currently leading continuous improvement initiatives as a Production Operational Lead, with direct experience in shift scheduling, quality compliance, and team mentoring.

Eager to transition into the FMCG / food manufacturing sector, bringing strong analytical capabilities, a proactive "Can Do" attitude, and rapid adaptability to HACCP, GMP, and food safety protocols. Passionate about healthy food innovation and leveraging industrial engineering to build sustainable, waste-free production systems.

Production Operational Lead (Contractor) – Industrial Engineer - Greif South Africa - Vanderbijlpark

(2024-09)

• Production Scheduling & Planning: Spearhead daily production coordination and shift scheduling using a custom-built Excel capacity model, optimizing machine loading to achieve a 10% improvement in labor efficiency.
• Quality Assurance & Compliance: Enforce stringent quality standards across high-volume production lines; conduct root-cause analysis on defects to ensure product consistency and audit readiness.
• Data Analytics & Reporting: Track and analyze real-time production KPIs (OEE, downtime, throughput), generating daily/weekly performance reports for senior management to support strategic decision-making.
• Systems Optimization: Utilized Value Stream Mapping (VSM) and Process Mapping (Visio) to redesign production workflows, eliminating bottlenecks and increasing machine availability by 12%.
• Process Improvement & Waste Reduction: Applied Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt) and Kaizen methodologies to identify 7 wastes, reducing variable production costs by 8% without compromising output quality.
• Team Support & Mentorship: Train, mentor, and coordinate operators on safety protocols, quality standards, and standardized work instructions to build a competent and high-performing shift team.

Co-op Junior Industrial Engineer (Trainee) - Greif South Africa - Vanderbijlpark

(2023-08 - 2024-07)

• Supported batch production planning to consistently meet daily output targets in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Developed and rolled out 25+ Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), improving operator consistency, reducing variability, and strengthening audit compliance.
• Monitored production KPIs daily, identifying negative trends early and implementing corrective actions to maintain quality yield.
• Collaborated cross-functionally with Quality Assurance and Logistics teams to ensure seamless material flow and on-time order fulfillment.

Junior Project Manager – Industrial Engineer Trainee - AIDC (Automotive Industry Development Centre) & Resolution Circle - Pretoria Rosslyn

(2022-08 - 2023-04)

• Managed project timelines and stakeholder communications, ensuring process-improvement initiatives were delivered on-scope.
• Conducted rigorous quality checks and data analysis to optimize operational workflows.
• Guided SMMEs in adopting ISO 9001:2015-aligned Quality Management Systems (highly transferable to food safety frameworks).

Industrial Engineering Intern - AIDC (Automotive Industry Development Centre) & Resolution Circle - Pretoria Rosslyn

(2021-02 - 2022-07)

• Conducted time and motion studies to optimize manufacturing processes and improve labor efficiency.
• Collaborated with production teams to ensure seamless operations and minimize disruptions.
• Analyzed production processes to identify efficiency improvements and support quality control through data analysis.

Postgraduate Diploma - Industrial Engineering - Vaal University of Technology (2024)

Advanced Diploma - Industrial Engineering - Vaal University of Technology (2023)

Diploma - Industrial Engineering - Vaal University of Technology (2022)