David Thomas

• Technical Management & Maintenance: Streamlined operations for enhanced efficiency and reduced costs.
• Project Planning & Execution: Successfully managed multimillion-dollar projects to completion.
• Team Leadership & Training: Mentored and developed high-performing technical teams.
• Budgeting & Financial Oversight: Expertise in financial forecasting and cost control.
• Process Optimization: Implemented innovative solutions to improve KPIs and reduce energy use.
• Compliance & Safety: Ensured adherence to regulatory and safety standards.
• Technical Skills: Proficient in PLC programming, HACCP, MS Project, IFS, and Microsoft Office.

Professional Experience

Senior Construction Supervisor
Lesedi Nuclear Services, Koeberg Power Station (Steam Generator Replacement Project)
October 2022 – December 2024 | Cape Town, South Africa

• Managed subcontractors to ensure project milestones were met while maintaining strict adherence to safety and quality standards.
• Conducted pre-job safety briefings and risk assessments to ensure compliance with installation plans.
• Compiled and finalized comprehensive end-of-project quality documentation.
• Played a key role in drafting work sequence plans, inspection plans, and change documentation for the Steam Generator Replacement project.

Technical Manager
Lactalis South Africa, Cape Town UHT and Ice Cream Factories
July 2020 – August 2022 | Cape Town, South Africa

• Led a team of 20 technical staff, improving departmental KPIs through effective staff structuring and performance management.
• Streamlined technical operations, achieving significant reductions in costs and energy consumption.
• Oversaw financial budgeting, forecasting, and supplier account management to ensure operational efficiency.
• Ensured compliance with legislative requirements and managed technical stock and purchase orders.

Service Account Manager
SIG Combibloc Obeikan FZCO, Almarai Dairy UHT
August 2013 – August 2019 | Saudi Arabia

• Managed a full-service contract for 10 Combibloc fillers, overseeing 19 field service engineers for 24-hour production coverage.
• Improved line efficiencies through strategic coaching, root cause analysis, and a “100-year fix” approach.
• Managed technical budgets and regional spare parts stockholding, optimizing operational performance.
• Conducted performance appraisals and developed tailored training plans for service engineers.

Department Head (CCTV and Pipe Rehabilitation)
Jetvac South Africa
November 2009 – May 2013 | Cape Town, South Africa

• Grew department turnover from under R100,000 to over R750,000 per month through strategic sales and project management.
• Led budgeting, financial control, and tender management for CCTV and pipe rehabilitation services.
• Oversaw staff recruitment, training, and performance management, fostering department growth.
• Established a new branch in Tshwane to support a awarded tender.

Project Leader
Lesedi Nuclear Services (An AREVA NP Company)
January 2005 – October 2009 | Cape Town, South Africa

• Spearheaded implementation of new equipment and modifications to enhance nuclear safety at Koeberg Power Station.
• Managed subcontractors, compiled work plans, and conducted SHE risk assessments for multimillion-dollar projects.
• Supported the implementation of IFS (MRP software) and provided training on project and contract management modules.
• Led the installation of emergency cooling filters, achieving technical and financial success.

Maintenance Manager
NADA Dairy
January 2003 – November 2004 | Saudi Arabia

• Managed maintenance operations for a dairy processing 200,000L of milk and 220,000L of juice daily.
• Oversaw installation of new filling lines, processing equipment, and a reverse osmosis plant.
• Implemented a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) to optimize maintenance schedules and spare parts control.

Technical and Production Manager
Bonnita / Parmalat Zambia
1998 – 1998 | Lusaka, Zambia

• Led the refurbishment of a state-owned dairy, installing new boilers, refrigeration systems, and a Tetra Pak UHT plant.
• Managed production planning, staff training, and procurement for a factory processing 50,000L of milk and 30,000L of juice daily.
• Designed and commissioned a new yogurt processing and packaging line.

Senior Technician / Foreman
Bonnita / Parmalat Parow
1996 – 1998 | Cape Town, South Africa

• Supervised maintenance operations for a modern UHT milk and juice plant, ensuring high operational uptime.
• Received advanced training from Tetra Pak in Sweden and served as a candidate for factory management roles.

T3 mechanical engineering