ALBERT DE BEER
Tauranga,New Zealand
Summary
Engineering Manager with a background in mechanical engineering, asset integrity, process safety, and capital project delivery across high-hazard industrial sites. Leads multidisciplinary teams across maintenance, electrical, instrumentation, and process engineering, with responsibility for MOC governance, HAZOP facilitation, statutory compliance, reliability improvement, and operational excellence.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Engineering Manager
LAWTER (N.Z.) LTD
Mount Maunganui
01.2017 - Current
- Managed engineering, maintenance, asset integrity, reliability, process safety, process development, and capital projects in specialty chemical manufacturing facility, leading multidisciplinary technical teams and overseeing governance across MOC, HAZOP, asset integrity, hazardous substances management, statutory compliance, and operational excellence programs. Key Areas of Responsibility
- Directed engineering strategy, ensured capital project delivery, and managed contractor relationships to enhance facility performance.
- Leadership of Maintenance, Electrical, Instrumentation, and Process Engineering discipline.
- MOC governance and process safety leadership.
- HAZOP facilitation, risk management, and incident investigation.
- Reliability improvement, operational excellence, and 5S program.
- Demonstrated technical expertise in regulatory compliance and safety protocols.
- Developed and maintained process safety management systems, significantly mitigating risks associated with hazardous operations.
- Oversaw management of change initiatives to improve safety compliance.
- Coordinated risk management efforts through HAZOP analysis to enhance safety.
- Utilized API 510 and API 653 guidelines to ensure equipment integrity.
- Ensured compliance with AS 3788 regulations for equipment safety.
- Ensured adherence to AS/NZS 4343 regulations for equipment integrity.
- Ensured compliance with AS/NZS 60079 regulations for explosive atmospheres.
- Managed stationery container systems to ensure safe chemical storage.
- Facilitated location compliance certification processes to ensure safety regulations.
Site Manager
STOLTHAVEN NEW ZEALAND LTD
Mount Maunganui & Bluff, New Zealand
01.2011 - 12.2016
- Directed operational, commercial, safety, environmental, and asset performance for Stolthaven bulk liquid storage terminals at Mount Maunganui and Blud.
- Supported terminal operations, engineering, maintenance, asset integrity, hazardous substances compliance, customer service, capital investment, and business performance across two strategically important bulk liquid storage facilities.
- Led multidisciplinary operational and technical teams supporting safe receipt, storage, and transfer of bulk liquid chemicals and industrial products, maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements, customer obligations, and Stolthaven global operational standards while prioritizing safety, reliability, operational excellence, and environmental stewardship.
- Supported safe, compliant storage and handling of hazardous chemicals and industrial products in high-hazard operating environment, maintaining regulatory standards and safety protocols.
- Identified operational issues affecting safety and performance.
- Managed engineering, maintenance, reliability, and asset integrity program.
- Developed and executed terminal capital projects and infrastructure improvements.
- Handled hazardous substances compliance, environmental stewardship, and regulatory engagement.
- Managed budgets, business performance, and cost control.
- Coordinated contractor management, permit-to-work systems, and operational risk management.
- Managed customer relationships and commercial support.
- Supported emergency preparedness, incident response, and stakeholder engagement.
- Stolthaven key achievements.
- Completed detailed engineering design and business case development for Mount Maunganui heavy fuels storage piping and barge project, advancing concept, detailed design, and consent approval stages.
- Led conversion of bunker barge to support fuel distribution operations for Port of Auckland, incorporating eight 150 m³ storage tanks to facilitate fuel transfers between Port of Auckland and Sylvia Park terminal.
- Provided technical leadership and engineering support during development and construction phases of new terminal facility in Newcastle, Australia.
- Transformed Blud terminal into chemical blending and distribution facility for IXOM Chemicals, creating new business capabilities and enabling supply to dairy industry customers across South Island.
- Improved terminal reliability, custody transfer performance, maintenance effectiveness, and asset stewardship through structured engineering and maintenance programs.
- Led terminal improvement and capital investment projects, enhancing customer capacity, operational sustainability, and long-term asset viability.
Engineering Manager
TARANAKI PINE LTD
01.2010 - 12.2011
- Led initiatives to improve asset reliability, maintenance effectiveness, operational performance, and engineering governance within a timber processing and manufacturing facility. Appointed to lead asset improvement initiatives, eliminate production bottlenecks, strengthen maintenance systems, and establish a structured reliability-focused maintenance framework to support sustainable operational performance. Provided leadership to engineering, maintenance, and contractor teams while driving improvements in asset integrity, shutdown planning, maintenance execution, safety performance, critical spares management, and operational efficiency across the site.
- Lead engineering and maintenance functions supporting continuous manufacturing operations.
- Develop and implement asset integrity, preventive maintenance, and reliability improvement programs.
- Identify and eliminate process bottlenecks impacting plant throughput, efficiency, and production performance.
- Establish structured maintenance planning and scheduling processes to improve maintenance execution and resource utilization.
- Develop shutdown planning and execution methodologies to improve work quality, schedule adherence, and operational readiness.
- Manage engineering budgets, maintenance expenditure, and cost-control initiatives.
- Implement critical spares identification, inventory optimization, and materials management processes to reduce operational risk.
- Drive workplace organization, housekeeping, de-cluttering, and safety improvement initiatives across the facility.
- Manage contractors and engineering projects supporting operational and reliability objectives.
- Developed and implemented an Asset Integrity and Reliability Improvement Program, establishing a framework for maintenance planning, enhancing equipment reliability, and supporting long-term asset management.
- Led site-wide de-bottlenecking initiatives, improving production flow, operational efficiency, and plant performance.
- Introduced formal maintenance planning, scheduling, and shutdown management processes, streamlining maintenance execution and optimizing resource utilization.
- Established critical spares management and inventory review processes, reducing operational risk and improving equipment availability.
- Improved engineering governance, maintenance budgeting, and cost management disciplines.
- Championed workplace organization and safety improvement initiatives, enhancing site standards and mitigating operational risks.
- Strengthened maintenance and reliability practices through improved planning, prioritization, and execution of engineering activities.
Engineering Manager (New Plymouth)
Tegel Foods Pty (Ltd) New Zealand
New Plymouth
01.2006 - 12.2010
- Led the engineering, maintenance, reliability, capital projects, and asset performance functions supporting one of New Zealand's major poultry processing operations. Accountable for maintaining production capability, plant reliability, engineering compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives within a highvolume food manufacturing environment.
- Led engineering support for manufacturing operations; processing approximately 120,000 chickens per day, ensuring high levels of plant availability, reliability, and operational performance.
- Successfully reconfigured and de-bottlenecked the processing facility, increasing production capacity from approximately 85,000 to 120,000 chickens per day (41% increase) through plant re-layout, process optimisation, equipment modifications, and targeted capital improvements.
- Played a key role in the complete rebuild and redevelopment of the processing facility, delivering significant engineering and operational improvements while maintaining business continuity.
- Led engineering, maintenance, and contractor teams to enhance operational performance, support plant development, ensure food safety compliance, and drive asset reliability through major capital improvement programs.
- Continuous improvement and operational excellence program.
- Developed and implemented maintenance and reliability improvement initiatives that enhanced equipment performance, reduced downtime, and supported increased production capacity.
- Led engineering projects, plant upgrades, and infrastructure improvements to support business growth, asset sustainability, and manufacturing performance.
- Streamlined maintenance planning, shutdown execution, contractor management, and work control processes, resulting in improved maintenance efficiency and execution quality.
- Shutdown planning and execution.
- Contractor management and engineering governance.
- Health, safety, environmental, and food manufacturing compliance.
- Budget management and cost control.
- Capital project development and execution.
- Production support and operational performance improvement.
- Implemented improvements to the site's ammonia refrigeration systems, including chillers and spin chillers, enhancing process reliability, refrigeration performance, operational safety, and risk management within a high-hazard food manufacturing environment.
- Led a comprehensive upgrade of the site's effluent treatment facilities, improving environmental performance, treatment capability, regulatory compliance, and operational reliability.
- Highlighted significant accomplishments in engineering and operational improvements.
- Improved safety performance, engineering standards, operational discipline, and continuous improvement practices across the site, fostering a culture of safety and operational excellence.
- Improved safety performance, engineering standards, operational discipline, and continuous improvement practices across the site, fostering a culture of safety and operational excellence.
Product Manager
EAGLEBURGMANN SEALS SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD
Johannesburg
01.2003 - 10.2006
- Product Manager responsible for the technical, operational, manufacturing, and commercial management of key product portfolios within EagleBurgmann Seals South Africa (Pty) Ltd, a subsidiary of the global EagleBurgmann Group headquartered in Germany. Accountable for product strategy, manufacturing operations, inventory management, technical support, training, supply chain management, and business growth across multiple industrial sectors including petrochemical, chemical, mining, power generation, water treatment, pulp and paper, and general manufacturing.
- Provided technical and commercial leadership across South Africa while supporting regional operations in Namibia, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Botswana, and Zambia. Maintained close working relationships with international manufacturing facilities and product centres across Germany, Ireland, Slovenia, and Finland, ensuring alignment with global product standards, technical developments, and customer requirements.
- Managed product portfolios, aligning them with strategic business goals to drive market success.
- Designed and implemented mechanical packing systems for improved efficiency.
- Oversaw quality and production of static sealing products.
- Oversaw lubrication systems, enhancing equipment performance and reliability for industrial applications.
- Coordinated reliability product initiatives, improving customer solutions and satisfaction across multiple sectors.
- Facilitated EagleBurgmann product ranges to improve customer satisfaction.
- Identified and managed critical areas to optimize operational efficiency.
- Led manufacturing operations including production planning, procurement, inventory control, quality assurance, imports, exports, and budget management.
- Manage technical support services across Southern Africa and selected African markets.
- Develop and implement product development and market growth strategies.
- Provide specialist technical support to customers, sales teams, service personnel, and distributors.
- Develop and deliver technical training programs for internal staff, channel partners, and customers.
- Manage stock holding requirements and supply chain performance to support customer demand and business objectives.
- Prepare technical documentation, product literature, training material, and marketing support documentation.
- Coordinate closely with international product centres, manufacturing facilities, and technical specialists.
- Lead and develop manufacturing, planning, stores, and technical support personnel.
- Scope of Leadership
- Assisted a national sales organization consisting of about 122 sales representatives and 6 branches throughout South Africa.
- Offered technical support, managed product lines, and coordinated inventory and commercial assistance to regional operations in Namibia, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Botswana, and Zambia.
- Managed a local manufacturing facility comprising approximately 13 manufacturing personnel, supported by production supervision, planning, and raw material stores functions.
- O Germany - EagleBurgmann Trade & Standard Mechanical Seals
- O Ireland - EagleBurgmann Mechanical Packing Division
- O Slovenia - Donit Tesnit Static Seals
- O Finland - Kytöla Instruments
- Key Achievements
- Managed 7 of 9 global product portfolios within the South African market, demonstrating significant technical, commercial, operational, and manufacturing responsibility across multiple industrial sectors.
- Successfully provided technical and commercial support across Southern Africa, supporting sales operations in South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Botswana, and Zambia.
- Led manufacturing, inventory, procurement, and quality functions to ensure reliable product availability and customer service performance.
- Developed and implemented technical training programs that enhanced the capability of sales teams, distributors, technical personnel, and customers.
- Strengthened relationships with international product centres across Europe, facilitating technology transfer, product development, and improved customer support.
- Delivered specialist sealing technology and reliability solutions to major industrial customers, improving equipment reliability, maintenance performance, and operational efficiency.
- Supported business growth through the introduction of new products, enhanced technical support capability, and improved market penetration across multiple industry sectors.
- A subsidiary of the global EagleBurgmann Group headquartered in Germany.
Branch Manager - Western Cape Region
EAGLEBURGMANN SEALS SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD
Cape Town
07.2001 - 12.2002
- Appointed to lead the turnaround and growth of the Western Cape operation following a period of underperformance, limited market penetration, and poor commercial results.
- Successfully led the turnaround of an underperforming branch by implementing a focused growth strategy, strengthening customer engagement, improving operational discipline, and aligning resources to key market sectors.
- Increased branch turnover by approximately 120% within 18 months, transforming the branch from a low-growth operation into one of the company's strongest regional business units.
- Managed the operational, technical, commercial, and financial performance of the branch, focusing on sales growth, customer development, technical support, inventory management, budgeting, and team leadership.
- Full responsibility for branch operations and commercial performance.
- Defined operational scope to improve accountability and drive performance.
- Provided leadership to a team comprising sales, administration, stores, and logistics personnel while focusing on business development opportunities within strategically important industrial and power generation sectors throughout the Western Cape.
- Fostered collaboration and enhanced performance by effectively managing team dynamics..
- Budget development and financial performance management.
- Inventory and stock holding management.
- Technical support for customers and internal teams.
- Development of new market opportunities and strategic customer relationships.
- Product development and technical solutions for specialized industry applications.
- Developed significant business opportunities within the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, establishing EagleBurgmann as a recognized supplier of sealing technologies and reliability solutions for South Africa's nuclear power industry.
- Led the development and introduction of nuclear-industry-specific sealing solutions, creating a specialist market capability within the Western Cape region.
- Diversified the branch's customer base and significantly increased the proportion of business generated from the nuclear and power generation sectors.
- Strengthened technical support, customer relationships, inventory management, and business development processes.
- Recognized for outstanding business performance and subsequently promoted to Product Manager at Head Office, Johannesburg, with responsibility for multiple national product portfolios and regional technical support activities.
- O 3 Sales Representatives
- O 1 Administrative Coordinator
- O 1 Storeperson
- O 1 Driver
Construction Manager
DELTA PIPE CONSTRUCTION
07.1999 - 06.2001
- Led the construction management, planning, coordination, execution, and commissioning of major industrial and petrochemical capital projects within the SASOL manufacturing complex. Managed multidisciplinary construction teams, fabrication facilities, subcontractors, heavy lifting operations, safety performance, quality assurance, schedule delivery, and stakeholder management across multiple concurrent projects.
- Led construction, fabrication, mechanical, piping, structural, rigging, painting, insulation, and commissioning activities, ensuring alignment among clients, engineering contractors, vendors, and construction teams.
- Successfully led the construction and commissioning of a ZAR 112 million Single Distillation Wax Plant, one of the most technically complex projects undertaken during my career. The project was executed within an operating petrochemical facility and involved the construction of a highly specialized wax distillation process designed by UHDE and Sulzer.
- Managed a large brownfield construction project within a live operating petrochemical plant where safety, operational continuity, and stakeholder coordination were critical to project success.
- Directed a peak construction workforce of more than 420 contractors across multiple disciplines.
- Coordinated activities across off-site fabrication facilities, achieving aggressive project schedules and construction milestones.
- Oversaw structural, mechanical, piping, equipment installation, insulation, steam tracing, quality assurance, and commissioning activities, maintaining high standards of safety and quality.
- Successfully addressed significant engineering and construction challenges associated with handling and processing hard wax products with melting points exceeding 200C.
- Led the implementation and construction of complex steam-traced piping systems required to maintain process temperatures and ensure reliable product transfer throughout the facility.
- Coordinated interfaces between SASOL, Delta Pipe Construction, UHDE, Sulzer, vendors, contractors, and commissioning teams to achieve successful project delivery.
- Delivered the project safely and successfully within a high-hazard petrochemical manufacturing environment, culminating in successful plant commissioning and operational handover.
- Highlighted key project success
- Developed second sulfur production line
- Upgraded Cyanide Reactor 2 cooling system
- Executed multiple natural gas pipeline projects
- Completed brownfield construction and modifications
- Led multidisciplinary construction teams
- Coordinated site teams and fabrication workshops
- Executed construction projects with a focus on safety and quality compliance.
- Managed heavy lifting and construction resources
- Supervised subcontractor and fabrication activities
- Collaborated with engineering and operational teams
- Planned construction and reported progress
- Led site safety initiatives and compliance
- Led site safety initiatives and compliance
Group Technical Manager
TURNGRO WATER SERVICES (PTY) LTD
01.1998 - 07.1999
- Appointed to establish and lead the South African service and technical support network for Capital Controls USA, creating a structured after-sales and engineering support capability for water treatment customers across Southern Africa. Drove business development, provided technical leadership, implemented products, supported customers, and advanced best-practice water treatment and disinfection technologies with emphasis on process safety, operational reliability, and environmental compliance.
- Established the South African service, technical support, and customer training network for Capital Controls USA products.
- Supported municipal, industrial, mining, and utility customers throughout Southern Africa with the selection, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of water treatment systems.
- Led the introduction and application of advanced water treatment technologies, improving water quality, process efficiency, and operational safety.
- Developed engineering solutions for chlorine handling and dosing systems, emphasizing reduction of operational and personnel risks associated with chlorine gas applications.
- Played a significant role within the South African mining sector, particularly supporting gold mining operations involved in the reclamation of historical mine dumps and the treatment of contaminated process water and effluent streams.
- Implemented sodium hypochlorite-based treatment processes to neutralize and disinfect mine effluent, enhancing environmental outcomes and ensuring regulatory compliance.
- Led technical leadership, commissioning, troubleshooting, operator training, and project support across multiple African markets.
- Worked closely with consulting engineers, contractors, municipalities, and industrial clients to develop fit-for-purpose treatment and disinfection solutions.
- Chlorine gas safety shutdown and containment systems
- Electrolytic chlorination and sodium hypochlorite generation plants
- Ozone treatment applications
- Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection systems
- Water quality monitoring and control system
- Deep bed filtration technologies
- High-density sludge treatment processes
- Biological filtration systems
- Mine water treatment and effluent neutralization
- Flow, leakage, and pressure management system
- Industrial and municipal effluent treatment and water reuse solutions
Technical Manager - Watercare Division
SASOL CHEMICAL DIVISION - JOHANNESBURG
Johannesburg
01.1994 - 12.1997
- Established and drove industry-leading standards for the safe storage, transportation and use of chlorine and associated hazardous chemicals across Southern Africa, including the development of emergency response systems, customer compliance programs, training standards and leak containment technologies that were adopted across municipal and industrial sectors.
- Provided technical leadership for chlorine, sodium hypochlorite, hydrochloric acid and caustic soda systems used by municipal, mining and industrial customers, ensuring safe storage, transportation, handling and emergency preparedness across the supply chain. Led industry initiatives to improve chemical handling standards, develop emergency response capabilities, establish minimum compliance requirements, and support customers in upgrading facilities to meet evolving safety and environmental requirements.
- Managed technical governance, safe application, regulatory compliance, training, and end-user support for hazardous water treatment chemicals across Southern Africa.
- Developed and implemented minimum engineering and safety standards for the storage, handling and use of hazardous treatment chemicals at customer facilities throughout Southern Africa.
- Conducted comprehensive technical audits and risk assessments of municipal, industrial and mining facilities, providing recommendations and engineering solutions to achieve compliance with applicable regulations and industry best practices.
- Supported customers in the design, upgrade and implementation of chemical storage, dosing and containment facilities to improve safety, reliability and regulatory compliance.
- Developed emergency response standards and action plans for chlorine and related chemicals, enhancing preparedness for hazardous chemical incidents.
- Developed and delivered operator training, technical certification programs and emergency response training for customers, municipalities, industrial facilities and emergency service organizations.
- Designed and implemented specialized training programs for Fire and Rescue Services throughout Southern Africa covering chlorine leak management, containment and incident response.
- Partnered with emergency service providers, industry bodies and major chemical producers to establish regional emergency response routes, ensuring rapid support for chlorine incidents involving transportation and end-user facilities.
- Engaged in an industry-sponsored emergency response initiative with SASOL, focusing on the development of training programs, response procedures, and equipment deployment strategies.
- Led the development of chlorine leak containment equipment for both 70 kg cylinders and 1-ton chlorine containers, significantly improving emergency preparedness across the industry.
- Developed specialized transportation cradles and handling systems for chlorine containers to improve transport safety and reduce operational risk.
- Coordinated donation and deployment of chlorine emergency containment equipment to emergency response organizations, bolstering regional capabilities for chemical incident management.
- Authored and published product handling manuals and technical guidance documents covering chlorine, sodium hypochlorite, hydrochloric acid and caustic soda systems.
- Developed and published the "Chlorine Handling Guidelines" handbook, which was formally endorsed by SACMA and became a recognized reference document for industry best practice.
- Chlorine Gas Systems
- Sodium Hypochlorite Production and Applications
- Hydrochloric Acid Handling Systems
- Caustic Soda Storage and Dosing Systems
- Hazardous Chemical Transportation
- Chemical Storage Compliance
- Process Safety Management
- Emergency Response Planning
- Hazardous Substance Risk Assessments
- Bulk Chemical Storage Facilities
- Training Development and Delivery
- Regulatory Compliance and Auditing
- Municipal Water Treatment
- Mining Water Treatment Applications
- Industrial Water Treatment Systems
Education
Diploma & National Higher Diploma - Mechanical Engineering
Vaal University Technology
South Africa12-1991
Skills
- Process Safety Management (PSM)
- Management of Change (MOC)
- HAZOP facilitation
- API 510
- API 653
- AS 3788
- AS/NZS 4343
- AS/NZS 60079
- Location compliance certification
- Hazardous Material Management
- Asset integrity programs
- MOC governance
- Reliability engineering
- Maintenance planning
- Regulatory compliance
- Budget management
- Project management
- Project oversight
- Contractor management
- Budget coordination
- Strategic leadership
- Business development
- Compliance
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Training
- Decision making
- Problem solving
- Team leadership
- Team building
- Prioritization
- Critical thinking
- Quality assurance controls
- Quality control
- Process Improvement
- Persuasive communication
- Innovation management
- Technology integration
- Chemical Processing
- Reliability Testing
- Effective communication
- Problem resolution
- Chemical Processing
- Quality assurance controls
- Reliability Testing
- Excellent communication
- Problem-solving
Summary
Engineering Manager | Asset Integrity | Process Safety | Reliability | Capital Projects, Engineering Manager and Asset Integrity professional with more than 40 years of experience across petrochemical, chemical manufacturing, bulk liquid storage terminals, food processing, water treatment, construction, and heavy industrial environments. Progressed through a structured career pathway from Apprentice Fitter & Turner to Engineering Manager, combining practical trade expertise, engineering qualifications, project leadership, operational management, and strategic asset management. Extensive experience leading multidisciplinary Engineering, Maintenance, Electrical, Instrumentation, Process Engineering, Reliability, Asset Integrity, and Capital Project functions within highly regulated and high-hazard industries.
Personal Information
Title: Engineering Manager
Timeline
Engineering Manager
LAWTER (N.Z.) LTD
01.2017 - Current
Site Manager
STOLTHAVEN NEW ZEALAND LTD
01.2011 - 12.2016
Engineering Manager
TARANAKI PINE LTD
01.2010 - 12.2011
Engineering Manager (New Plymouth)
Tegel Foods Pty (Ltd) New Zealand
01.2006 - 12.2010
Product Manager
EAGLEBURGMANN SEALS SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD
01.2003 - 10.2006
Branch Manager - Western Cape Region
EAGLEBURGMANN SEALS SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD
07.2001 - 12.2002
Construction Manager
DELTA PIPE CONSTRUCTION
07.1999 - 06.2001
Group Technical Manager
TURNGRO WATER SERVICES (PTY) LTD
01.1998 - 07.1999
Technical Manager - Watercare Division
SASOL CHEMICAL DIVISION - JOHANNESBURG
01.1994 - 12.1997
Diploma & National Higher Diploma - Mechanical Engineering
Vaal University Technology