Thabiswa Goba

I am a production and operations leader with 11 years of experience in the oil and gas sector. For the last 5 years, I've focused on leading teams toward operational excellence in complex environments. My approach combines a technical Diploma in Chemical Engineering with a Lean Six Sigma mindset—I don't just manage a shift; I look for ways to optimize the flow, cut the waste, and keep the team safe.

I'm looking for my next challenge where I can apply my experience in troubleshooting and systems management to drive real results.

Shift Manager - Clariter za

(2020-01 - 2024-12)

• The Bottom Line: Led the production team for a first-of-its-kind industrial pilot plant, ensuring safe operations while capturing critical data for full-scale plant development.
• Operational Excellence: Used Lean principles to reduce "motion waste" across the plant. I reorganized pre-shift preparation, which helped us hit production targets consistently while maintaining team morale.
• Safety & Compliance: As the OSHA 8.1 appointee, I built a proactive safety culture where the team looked out for one another, resulting in a clean safety record in a high-pressure testing environment.
• Cost Control: Applied a Six Sigma lens to spending by managing inventory strictly and reducing unnecessary overtime, maintaining shift margins despite supply chain challenges.
• Leadership through Change: Maintained high performance and met 2023 production milestones—earning an international recognition award—during the company's restructuring phase.

Panel Operator / Acting Shift Manager - Clariter za

(2018-01 - 2020-12)

• Dual Responsibility: While primarily responsible for the DCS/SCADA interface, I was appointed to act as Shift Manager for extended periods, managing the full plant crew and making high-stakes operational decisions.
• Technical Control: Managed core plant processes via the console, maintaining steady-state operations within tight parameters while directing all radio-controlled plant movements.
• Troubleshooting: Acted as the bridge between the plant and management; I was the go-to person for trend analysis and conducting Root Cause Analysis (RCA) to solve process bottle necks.

Panel Operator - FFS Refiners

(2013-01 - 2018-12)

• Monitored and controlled petrochemical process streams via the DCS to ensure stable production.
• Conducted regular equipment monitoring and ensured all plant readings were accurately logged.
• Collaborated with the Shift Manager to handle routine process adjustments and troubleshoot minor plant upsets.

National Diploma - Chemical Engineering - Mangosuthu University of Technology (2014-12)

Certificate - Process Safety Management - NMU (2021-12)