Johan Van Der Poel

Experience

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  Iscor

  Jan 1996 - Mar 2000

  • Technical Advisor, Group Commodity Management

    Jan 2000 - Mar 2000

  • Senior Facilitator, Continuous Improvement

    Aug 1999 - Dec 1999

  • Technical Facilitator, OPEX-Change Initiative

    Mar 1998 - Jul 1999

  • Mechanical Engineer, Sinter Plant & Raw Materials Handling

    Jan 1996 - Mar 1998
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  Sasol

  Apr 2000 - Apr 2007

  Toward the end of 2006 it became apparent that my project regarding the centrifugal pump Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) at the Sasol Secunda plant had reached its optimum point and further MTBF improvements would not be significant with regards to the reduction of the overall Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of centrifugal pumps. Subsequently I was legally appointed under the Occupational Health & Safety Act to establish, develop and manage a new fourth section called Turbo 4, adding to the already existing Turbo 1, 2, and 3 sections of the Rotating Equipment Department.I oversaw the maintenance of 290 multistage/single stage centrifugal pumps, 29 centrifugal compressors, nine turbines, and various associated equipment. Managed 37 direct reports including a Mechanical Engineer, Mechanical Technicians, Mechanical Group Leaders, and Artisans (Mechanical Fitters, Turbine Fitters, Senior Turbine Fitters, General Workers and Cleaners). I also supervised three direct reports in sourcing personnel from outside Sasol. I was responsible for the procurement of tools, vehicles, and consumables and appointed safety representatives.Key Accomplishments:• Ensured Turbo 4 team comprises of efficient, diverse, and self-sustaining individuals with common goals and aspirations.• Displayed stellar leadership aptitude by exceptionally leading new team; received 2006 recognition award for living the Sasol Value of: "Winning with People".• Presided over R100M p.a. maintenance budget Show less I was appointed as Section Leader, Centrifugal Pump Reliability at the Turbo Machinery Department (later called - Rotating Equipment). I administered maintenance and reliability improvement of approximately 4,500 centrifugal pumps at the Sasol Secunda plant. I led 20 Reliability Equipment Team Members from 20 different plants to advance individual Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF's) as well as overall MTBF of Sasol Secunda. Chaired regular reliability meetings to discuss MTBF graphs, network, training, presentations by suppliers, and management feedback. I also managed two crucial supplier alliance contracts namely Mechanical Seals and Bearings that were significant to the MTBF initiative.• Key Accomplishments:Improved Sasol Secunda centrifugal pump reliability from 12 months to 36 months MTBF.• Collaborated with Alliance Contract's representatives in compiling and distributing a booklet on "Centrifugal Pump Tips & Tricks” and received recognition for living the Sasol Value of: "Excellence in all we do". Later that year I was the recipient of overall departmental award at the 2006 annual award ceremony for the above-mentioned achievement. Show less

  • Section Leader - Turbo 4, Rotating Equipment Department

    Jan 2006 - Apr 2007

  • Section Leader - Centrifugal Pump Reliability, Rotating Equipment Department

    Jan 2003 - Jan 2006

  • Corporate Project Coordinator, Reliability Engineering

    Jul 2002 - Dec 2002

  • Technical Advisor, Sasol GroupCommodity Management

    Apr 2000 - Jul 2002
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  AAS Eastern Cape

  Apr 2007 - Dec 2009

  Branch Manager

  I invested some of my own funds to buy shares in AAS, a private water treatment company and joined AAS on a full-time basis as well to establish and run a new AAS subsidiary in a small coastal town Boknes Strand, close to Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. I grew the business within the municipal potable water treatment market. I visited clients to establish rapport in search of potential quotation-based business as well as current and future tender based business. Furthermore, I conducted Jar-tests and free-chlorine tests to determine suitable water treatment chemicals (flocculants) and disinfectants (chlorine) as per client specification. I also handled the logistics of stock keeping and delivery of all the water treatment chemicals such as: flocculants, chlorine gas, sodium hypochlorite, white hydrated lime, brown lime, sodium bicarbonate, and hydrochloric acid, as well as all water treatment related equipment. I visited the plants regularly to ensure quality and functionality of supplied chemicals and equipment. I also overhauled and maintained plant and equipment.Key Accomplishments:• Established profitable AAS Eastern Cape Branch with 30 treatment plants, single-handedly.• Designed, manufactured, and installed new plant and equipment. Show less

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  AAS Operations

  Dec 2009 - Dec 2010

  Business Unit Manager

  Within the first four years of trading as a business AAS expanded and we started operating in the Free State, Northern Cape and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa. This rapid growth resulted in a company restructuring process which meant I had to relocate from the Eastern Cape to Bloemfontein in the Free State province of South Africa.I was responsible for all business aspects of AAS Operations. I forged solid relationships with clients and our sales team. I managed all facets of budgeting/cost control and financing of assets, including land, buildings, and vehicles. I also directed the production of chemicals, quality assurance, raw materials sourcing, and final product distribution. I ensured adherence to safety regulations and housekeeping requirements while supervising one manager, three water technicians, one supervisor, four truck drivers, four truck assistants, one gardener, and one cleaner.Key Accomplishments:• Led production of in-house chemicals brand and developed quality assurance system for same brand.• Created production database to track production volumes, initiate proactive client order reminders, and stock reordering quantities.• Developed business model for calculation of transport costs/tariffs.• Headed relocation of business to new premises in Bloemfontein.• Initiated new CSI (corporate social investment-charity work) system to generate funds for charity purposes. Show less

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  AAS GROUP

  Dec 2010 - Sept 2016

  Chief Executive Officer

  AAS Group was the holding company of three subsidiaries namely AAS Production & Logistics, AAS Operations and AAS Projects. When I was appointed CEO, it was agreed that apart from my executive AAS Group responsibilities I would also lead and manage AAS Production & Logistics. I was accountable for group strategic planning, production, and logistics. Facilitated vision-role-mission-goal brain storming sessions with senior management and other relevant stakeholders to re-envision company values. I applied above-mentioned values to implement a performance-based management system, employee job descriptions, and 360-degree evaluation. I championed the revamp of company website, logo, and promotional material with newly designed concise prospectus of all products, services, and capabilities.Key Accomplishments:• Accomplished R50M combined annual T/O with a staff complement of 30 permanent employees.• Led company to profitable results despite difficult economic- and political environments. Show less

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  Class A Trading 356

  Sept 2016 - Sept 2021

  Consultant

  September 2016 to September 2021 I was working on a consultation basis in the agricultural industry. I was working on the refurbishment of a milling plant for maize and wheat. I was also responsible for the subsequent business development as well as maintenance and production of the plant. I also concluded the refurbishment and modification of a mobile feed mixer for mixing various animal feed ingredients. In October 2018 I designed and manufactured a 1ton feed concentrate mixer. I also designed and manufactured a prickly pear leaf cutter for animal feed purposes. I refurbished various types of farm equipment such as centrifugal pumps, tractors, farm wagons, silage cutters and many more.During this period I also directed all farm operations and daily activities related to livestock and crop cultivation to ensure efficiency and productivity. I leverage my mechanical engineering knowledge and skills to execute all mechanical maintenance of farm implements, pumps, centre pivots, and electrical work. My other responsibilities include farm maintenance, electrical installations, fencing, water piping, pumps, troughs, buildings, vehicles, tractors, implements, tools, and many more. I handle all legal and labour related matters.Key Accomplishments:• Devised and implemented database for management of livestock with regards to breeding quality beef producing cattle with subsequent positive results.• Collaborated with team to design, engineer and utilize 400 sheep capacity feedlot.• Designed from 1st principles and manufactured a one-ton feed mixer with subsequent successful utilization. Also refurbished and redesigned another feed mixer currently being utilized daily.• Devised database for management of feedlot tracking daily average gain, feed intake, and feed conversion rate per animal.• Joint forces with pasture expert in creating grazing system resulting in enhanced carrying capacity; improved seven hectares per large stock unit to 5 hectares per large stock unit. Show less

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  KSB Pumps and Valves

  Oct 2021 - Jul 2022

  Branch Manager

  From October 2021 until July 2022 I was working as the Branch Manager of the Cape Town Branch of KSB Pumps and Valves.

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  Private

  Aug 2022 - now

  Self Employed