Erik Smallegange
Fabriek 1

Work experience

30

Years of experience

8

Innovative projects

100 %

Dedication

Work experience

In my role as Operations Coordinator at Indorama Ventures Europe, I work daily at an HBO+ level to ensure smooth operation of complex production processes. I am involved in coordinating production planning, process optimization, and coaching my team, all in a dynamic technical environment. I monitor the production process daily and respond to deviations as needed. Together with the Maintenance department, I ensure that both ad-hoc, daily, and long-term maintenance is effectively scheduled. This involves aligning production capacity and maintenance requirements with the demand from Material & Services. Various assessments show that I excel in maintaining an overview and systematically approaching complex issues. My analytical skills help implement improvements that ensure the consistency and safety of production. In my leadership role, I oversee the Maintenance Coordinator and work closely with the Manufacturing Engineers and Team Coaches. I coach my team to independently tackle challenges and take initiatives, motivating them and increasing efficiency. According to various assessments, I have a natural, supportive leadership style, focusing on both team goals and individual development. Employees appreciate my reliability and open attitude, and together we achieve high safety and production standards. A significant part of my work involves analyzing production and process data and quickly responding to deviations. I systematically solve problems and establish connections between different technical data and operational questions. The assessment highlights my strong problem-solving skills, often grasping the core of complex issues and implementing structural improvements in consultation with various departments. My work as Operations Coordinator requires daily HBO+ skills in planning, leadership, and problem-solving. With my knowledge, experience, and analytical approach, I successfully address technical and management challenges, ensuring strong results for my team and me.

Operations Manager

SK Tes

2025 to present

At SK Tes, I lead operations by managing production, maintenance, and teams, with a strong focus on safety and continuous improvement.

At SK Tes, I lead operational processes with a focus on recycling EV batteries. I organize and optimize production processes, plan maintenance, coach teams and individuals, and implement process improvements to enhance safety and efficiency. In addition, I ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to strengthen efficiency and sustainability. With a strong background in chemical processes and Lean Six Sigma, I address operational challenges analytically and effectively. I bring a practical mindset (and a healthy dose of humor) to every challenge. Proud to contribute to a cleaner, circular future.

Operations Coördinator PET

Indorama Ventures Europe

2021 to 2024

The function revolves around managing complex processes and achieving production goals, with a focus on quality, efficiency, and safety.

The Operations Coordinator is the proverbial spider in the web who collects all necessary information for production and communicates it to operations. They are in continuous contact with all other departments site-wide and anticipate deviations or unforeseen circumstances. Good working relationships and communication skills are a must-have for this position.This includes:

  • De-commissioning Indorama PET plants; The project involved delivering the PET plants clean and chemical-free, where I developed plans, collaborated with various stakeholders, and led a team to complete the work on time despite a shrinking organization.

  • Participation in BRZO audit team: Facilitating government visits to PET plants, following up on ad-hoc and long-term action points arising from the audits. Ensuring the adjustment and/or development of procedures.

  • Collaborating with procurement, logistics, and sales to align production planning with available materials, orders, and demand.
  • Planning daily maintenance and short stops to keep production lines running optimally.
  • Initiating, monitoring, and guiding MOCs (Management of Change) to implement process improvements.
  • Following up on action points from production meetings through instructions to the shift team.
  • PET call-out services, being on standby for emergencies and/or upsets in the factories and making ad hoc decisions in collaboration with operations when necessary.
  • Quality awareness: Daily monitoring of product quality, anticipating changes, and following up on process upsets. Supporting the QC department with process-related complaints (internal and external).
  • Leading the maintenance coordinator and day technician to ensure maintenance and the technical aspects of production are secured.
  • Involved in the setup and implementation of Study Tube, shaping and filling an online training platform in collaboration with an external party.
  • EWS Projects - Implementing new chemicals in the process, developing procedures for operations, sample schedules, and reviewing results.

Head Manufacturing Technician

Indorama Ventures Europe (formerly Eastman Chemicals)
2008 to December 2021
In this role, I have proven myself as an experienced team leader with a broad technical expertise.

During my role as Head Manufacturing Technician, I acquired a wide range of skills and experiences relevant to a technical leadership position. My responsibilities included:

  • Long-term replacement of Team Coach: Led a team of 11 employees during the team leader's absence.
  • Steam system shutdowns: Acted as shutdown leader, responsible for the preparation and execution of complex shutdowns.
  • Project management: Successfully managed a project to completion within the set timeframe and budget.
  • Process improvement: Took initiative and implemented process optimizations in collaboration with various departments.
  • Emergency management: Experienced in handling emergencies and managing crisis situations, ensuring effective communication with various authorities.
  • Support programs: Designed and implemented various tools to improve processes and track production losses.
  • Technical innovation: Introduced DOPAK sampling systems in the Melt Phase 2 plant.
  • Training: Monitored and ensured the knowledge level of the team.

Senior Manufacturing Technician

Eastman Chemicals

2003 to 2008

In this role, I have demonstrated my leadership qualities, my ability to optimize processes, and my proactive nature.

This is evident from the following activities:

  • Leadership role: Guiding the Hot Oil team during the shutdown,
  • Process optimization: Improvement and updating of the setpoint lists of the Pet factories, resulting in more efficient processes.
  • Initiator: established a nozzle cleaning program, making production cleaner and more efficient.
  • Training: education and training of incoming operators.

Advanced Manufacturing Technician

Eastman Chemicals

2000 to 2003
During my work as an Advanced Manufacturing Technician, my focus was on innovation, mentorship, operational skills, and technical development.
  • Innovation: Development and implementation of a digital handover program, resulting in more efficient information transfer between teams.
  • Mentorship: Guiding various interns, sharing knowledge and experience for their development.
  • Operational skills: Successfully led a short shutdown, developed various skills.
  • Professional knowledge: Successfully completed VAPRO-C theory.

Manufacturing Technician

Eastman Chemicals

1997 to 2000
In my role as a Manufacturing Technician, I got to know the factory, the products, and the production process, and had the opportunity to practice performing various tasks under the guidance of an experienced operator.
  • Get to know the process
  • Introduction to the factory, the products, and the production process
  • Practice performing tasks under the supervision of an experienced operator