Open to opportunities

Jaco Kriel

@jacokriel

I am an experienced senior process controller with strong mechanical, safety-focused refinery operations and team leadership.

South Africa

Message

What I'm looking for

I am seeking a safety-first refinery operations role where I can apply process control expertise, lead shifts, mentor teams, solve mechanical challenges, and continue professional development in an ISO-compliant environment.

I am a Senior Process Controller with 17 years at Sasol Synfuels, operating complex refinery units including poly hydrotreater, vacuum distillation and light oil fractionation to produce petrol, diesel and other refinery products.

I have progressed through formal process control training (Process Controller grades 2, 1 and Senior Process Controller) and often acted as Production Shift Foreman, trained in ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 standards, permit-to-work, start-up/shutdown and emergency response procedures.

I am a hands-on team player and problem solver who assists maintenance, draws process flow diagrams and blank lists, trains others, and combines strong mechanical attributes with solid computer skills to drive safe, efficient operations.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Senior Process Controller

Sasol Synfuels

Jan 2006 - Mar 2023 (17 years 2 months)

Senior Process Controller for 17 years operating Poly Hydrotreater, Vacuum Distillation and Light Oil Fractionation units, leading start-ups, shutdowns and maintenance preparation. Acted as production shift foreman from 2013 and maintained ISO 9001/14001/OHSAS 18001-compliant safety and quality standards.

Process Control Distillation Start Up Shutdown Emergency Response Troubleshooting

Stock Controller

Fluor

Jun 2004 - Jan 2006 (1 year 7 months)

Managed mechanical stores and stock control for the Fluor Turbo project, ensuring inventory accuracy and timely parts issuance to support project activities.

Inventory Management Parts Management Warehouse operations Material Handling

Production

Maersk Soil Recovery

Mar 2002 - Apr 2003 (1 year 1 month)

Operated production activities within the Soil Recovery & Environmental Control department, supporting site remediation and environmental compliance over the assignment period.

Environmental Monitoring HSE Compliance

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Sasol Synthetic Fuels (Secunda)

Process Controller Certification, Process Control

2006 - 2008

Completed Process Controller training from 2006 to 2008, attaining Process Controller grade 2 (2007) and grade 1 (2008).

Damelin

Certificate in Information Technology, Information Technology

Completed IT and Microsoft Office training in 2001 covering A+ Hardware, N+ Networking, web programming, and database applications (Excel, Word, Access).

PW Botha Technical High School

Matric (Grade 12), Technical Studies

Matriculated (Grade 12) in 2000 with final-year subjects including Afrikaans, English, Mathematics, Science, Fitting and Turning, and Technical Drawings.