Abraham Maxwell Davids MBA
Vredenburg
Summary
Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence. Ready to tackle new challenges and advance organizational objectives with dedication and enthusiasm.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Operating Officer
AM Group of Companies
09.2017 - Current
- Develop and present full/part-time training in various training and education principles
- Analyze and revise systems and processes
- Founded performance- and merit-based evaluation system to assess staff and student's performance.
- Lead recruitment and development of strategic alliances to maximize utilization of existing talent and capabilities.
- Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centered learning.
- Utilized distance learning technology to instruct students remotely.
- Developed and implemented innovative teaching strategies to engage students in lectures and coursework.
- Selected and designed lesson plans and curriculum to meet academic objectives.
- Lead Executive Management Team
- Develop mentorship programs
- Managed procurement activities to secure resource acquisitions at best possible cost.
- Identified and pursued business development opportunities to grow organization and increase revenue.
- Created succession plans to provide continuity of operations during leadership transitions.
- Developed innovative sales and marketing strategies to facilitate business expansion.
- Analyzed industry trends and tracked competitor activities to inform decision making.
- Oversee business-wide changes to modernize procedures and organization.
- Communicate business performance, forecasts and strategies to investors and shareholders.
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with customers, vendors and strategic partners.
- Formulate and execute strategic initiatives to improve product offerings.
- Manage financial, operational and human resources to optimize business performance.
- Monitor key business risks and established risk management procedures.
- Represent organization at industry conferences and events.
- Initiate strategy to drive company growth and increase market share and profitability.
- Collaborate with legal, accounting and other professional teams to review and maintain compliance with regulations.
- Cultivated company-wide culture of innovation and collaboration.
Chief Executive Officer
SPPS GROUP
02.2013 - 07.2017
- Lead executive management, work with operating companies to develop strategy and commercial objectives, maintain and protect company's reputation.
- Built productive relationships with industry partners and competitors to support strategic business objectives.
- Reviewed individual department performance and worked with leadership to improve processes, procedures, and practices.
- Cultivated forward-thinking, inclusive, and performance-oriented business culture to lead industry in innovation and push progress.
- Managed partnerships and strategic business relationships by negotiating contract terms and handling conflicts.
- Developed key operational initiatives to drive and maintain substantial business growth.
- Made large-scale financial decisions and supervised company spending to reduce material losses and maximize profits.
- Engaged positively with staff and leadership colleagues, soliciting and encouraging feedback and collaborative spirit.
- Negotiated with suppliers and delivery workers and ordered materials according to forecasted customer demand.
- Addressed employee and managerial concerns and implemented corrective actions to promote compliance.
- Established foundational processes for business operations.
- Updated business processes, products and team makeups to generate more business opportunities and cater to audience needs.
- Implemented strong hiring and training techniques to promote team cohesiveness and streamline overall workflow.
- Identified new revenue generation opportunities to maximize bottom-line profitability.
- Analyzed and tracked business metrics and made appropriate adjustments to meet supply and demand needs.
- Coached and guided senior managers to improve employee job satisfaction and achieve higher performance levels.
- Procured and coordinated new resources to achieve sales targets within optimal timeframes.
- Created succession plans to provide continuity of operations during leadership transitions.
- Managed financial, operational and human resources to optimize business performance.
- Directed technological improvements, reducing waste and business bottlenecks.
- Initiated strategy to drive company growth and increase market share and profitability.
- Led recruitment and development of strategic alliances to maximize utilization of existing talent and capabilities.
- Developed innovative sales and marketing strategies to facilitate business expansion.
- Cultivated company-wide culture of innovation and collaboration.
- Maintained P&L and shouldered corporate fiscal responsibility.
- Collaborated with legal, accounting and other professional teams to review and maintain compliance with regulations.
Acting Divisional Manager
The Kanoo Group - Stormat LLC (Warehouse & Racking Division)
10.2012 - 02.2013
- Responsible for guiding employees, managing and coordinating processes, ensuring excellent customer service, analyzing business results.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
- Improved staffing during busy periods by creating employee schedules and monitoring call-outs.
- Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
- Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Managed senior-level personnel working in marketing and sales capacities.
- Launched quality assurance practices for each phase of development
- Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Set aggressive targets for employees to drive company success and strengthen motivation.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Trained personnel in equipment maintenance and enforced participation in exercises focused on developing key skills.
- Planned, created, tested and deployed system life cycle methodology to produce high quality systems to meet and exceed customer expectations.
- Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
- Opened and closed location and monitored shift changes to uphold successful operations strategies and maximize business success.
- Streamlined and monitored quality programs to alleviate overdue compliance activities.
- Reduced waste and pursued revenue development strategies to keep department aligned with sales and profit targets.
- Identified and communicated customer needs to supply chain capacity and quality teams.
- Controlled resources and assets for department activities to comply with industry standards and government regulations.
- Developed detailed plans based on broad guidance and direction.
- Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
- Leveraged data and analytics to make informed decisions and drive business improvements.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
Sales Engineer
The Kanoo Group - Stormat Division
02.2012 - 10.2012
- Develop business plan and sales strategy, coordinate development of action plans, conduct reviews with sales executives, maintain records.
- Prepared cost estimates and bid documents by studying customer RFPs and consulting with project managers.
- Managed technical integration, systems engineering program management, customer support and program management.
- Submitted booking forecasts, monthly highlights and CRM entries.
- Provided sales forecasts for product sales opportunities within assigned accounts.
- Recommended and developed CMC teams to support individual pursuits.
- Contributes to sales engineering effectiveness by identifying short-term and long-range issues and recommending courses of action.
- Attended trade shows and seminars to promote products and network with industry contacts.
- Liaised with assigned accounts to foster relationship development.
- Identified and supported resale opportunities to achieve sales plans.
- Supported market research, metrics and requirements development and risk management.
- Identified sales opportunities by assessing environment and devising and implementing winning strategy.
- Gained customer acceptance by demonstrating cost reductions and operations improvements.
- Developed and implemented pursuit plans for opportunities within assigned key accounts.
- Used effective data analysis and sales strategies to increase win prospect buy-in and demonstrate system benefits.
- Designed and delivered product training for clients.
- Provided technical troubleshooting and problem solving for clients with installed equipment or system issues.
- Analyzed market trends, competitor performance and product strengths.
- Captured opportunities for additional sales during project implementation and rollout with existing accounts.
- Suggested ideas for product evolution and new product variants.
- Provided input for overall bookings forecasts for assigned accounts.
- Reviewed customer inquiries to understand project scope while managing internal delivery mechanisms.
- Oversaw detailed program rollout from initiation to production and sustainment.
Distribution Channel Manager
Transformbody
06.2011 - 08.2011
- Optimize supply chain, facilitate cooperation between partners, co-ordinate and monitor shipments, manage inventory tracking systems.
- Maximized coverage within defined regions to penetrate organizations to utilize products.
- Worked on leads generated by sales team to set up additional meetings.
- Adopted and optimized tool usage among marketing teams to deliver business results.
- Facilitated channel engagement to support territory sales goals.
- Articulated value proposition to assigned territory partners to maintain and increase share of partner business.
- Developed solid working knowledge of products to understand benefits to potential customers.
- Synthesized business operations to make strategic recommendations on go-to-market and potential coverage models.
- Cultivated and developed strategic partnerships to build assigned territory.
- Drove and delivered sales leads to convert into new business.
- Coordinated sales activities with partners and resellers to identify and close new business.
- Developed solutions with partners to aid in winning new business.
- Evangelized benefits of global platform to add value to unified product offering.
- Assessed, clarified and validated partner needs to nurture relationships and achieve success.
- Met and exceeded targets and growth metrics within assigned partner accounts.
- Led solution development efforts to address end-user needs while coordinating involvement of company and partner personnel.
- Managed potential channel conflict by fostering excellent communication and strict adherence to channel rules of engagement.
- Forecasted growth and presented trends based on previous buying behavior.
- Liaised with other departments to identify, create, and improve Sales programs.
- Improved business processes to increase productivity and align channel sales department with organization.
- Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.
- Engaged in product training, demonstrations, consumer awareness, branding, and acquisition initiatives to raise awareness and revenues.
- Demonstrated products to show potential customers benefits and advantages and encourage purchases.
- Prepared sales presentations for clients showing success and credibility of products.
- Held one-on-one meetings with sales team members to identify selling hurdles and offered insight into best remedy.
- Exceeded sales quotas and increased profitability through effective sales strategy and business planning.
- Coached and promoted high-achieving sales and account management employees to fill leadership positions with qualified staff and boost company growth.
- Compiled and analyzed data to determine approaches to improve sales and performance.
- Built relationships with customers and community to establish long-term business growth.
- Aligned company goals with customer outcomes and increased satisfaction by automating contact management systems.
- Maintained financial controls, planned business operations and control expenses while identifying and pursuing opportunities to grow business operations and boost profits.
- Collaborated with upper management to implement continuous improvements and exceed team goals.
- Developed compelling presentation decks to gain approval for ideas and communicate results.
- Collaborated with advertising group to create uniformity between advertising messages and retail incentives.
- Managed accounts to retain existing relationships and grow share of business.
- Managed revenue models, process flows, operations support and customer engagement strategies.
- Increased sales volume and expanded product line to new retailers, warehouse clubs and natural food chains.
- Boosted marketing, reviewed pricing strategies and expanded distribution channels to increase sales revenue.
- Increased profit margins by effectively controlling budget and overhead and optimizing product turns.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with headquarters, regional and other teams nationally to maintain consistent message and experience.
- Resolved problems with high-profile customers to maintain relationships and increase return customer base.
- Facilitated business by implementing practical networking techniques.
- Delivered recommendations to long-term accounts to promote brand awareness to key audience.
- Enhanced profitability by developing pipelines utilizing marketing and sales strategies.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Implemented systems and procedures to increase sales.
- Liaised with sales, marketing, and management teams to develop solutions and accomplish shared objectives.
- Achieved established KPI for company, regional team and individual performance through teamwork and focus on customers.
Executive HR Specialist
Coalition Trading
03.2010 - 05.2011
- Manage operational and management functions, investigate theft and fraud, execute HR and IR functions
- Conducted regular reviews of operations and identified areas for improvement.
- Maintained overall safe work environment with employee training programs and enforcement of safety procedures.
- Educated staff on organizational mission and goals to help employees achieve success.
- Generated reports detailing findings and recommendations.
- Cultivated positive relationships with vendors to deliver timely and cost-effective supply of services and materials.
- Optimized customer experience by delivering superior services and effectively troubleshooting issues.
- Evaluated customer needs and feedback to drive product and service improvements.
- Frequently inspected production area to verify proper equipment operation.
- Provided reporting for forecast analysis and ad-hoc reporting in support of decision-making.
- Collected, arranged, and input information into database system.
- Developed effective improvement plans in alignment with goals and specifications.
- Created and managed project plans, timelines and budgets.
- Helped meet changing demands by recommending improvements to business systems or procedures.
- Observed packing operations to verify conformance to specifications.
- Supported creation of detailed, technical financial models to value potential acquisition targets.
- Devised and implemented processes and procedures to streamline operations.
- Evaluated staff performance and provided coaching to address inefficiencies.
Dispatch / Key Accounts Manager
Imperial Logistics Group
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Responsible for timely execution of distribution schedules, risk management, budgeting, briefing drivers and conducting audits
- Trained teams to optimize service delivery in alignment with individual needs to boost customer satisfaction.
- Created sales forecasts to target daily, monthly and yearly objectives.
- Secured high-value accounts through consultative selling, effective customer solutions, and promoting compelling business opportunities.
- Supported sales and reporting for large and medium-sized accounts.
- Analyzed sales and customer data to identify trends and opportunities for increased profitability.
- Developed thorough understanding of key clients' needs and requirements to prepare customized solutions.
- Built and maintained strong client relationships to drive business growth.
- Developed and delivered presentations to key customers to position products and services.
- Met with customers to discuss and ascertain needs, tailor solutions and close deals.
- Kept detailed records of daily activities through online customer database.
- Worked with sales team to collaboratively reach targets, consistently meeting or exceeding personal quotas.
- Informed customers of promotions to increase sales productivity and volume.
- Identified new business opportunities through cold calling, networking, marketing and prospective database leads.
- Increased sales with execution of full sales cycle processing from initial lead processing through conversion and closing.
- Consulted with businesses to supply accurate product and service information.
- Presented professional image consistent with company's brand values.
- Trained new employees on customer service, money handling and organizing strategies.
- Selected correct products based on customer needs, product specifications and applicable regulations.
- Gained customer trust and confidence by demonstrating compelling, persuasive and composed professional demeanor.
- Monitored service after sale and implemented quick and effective problem resolutions.
- Contributed to team objectives in fast-paced environment.
- Attended monthly sales meetings and quarterly sales trainings.
- Developed and maintained strong working relationships with professionals within assigned territory.
- Fostered lasting relationships with customers through effective communication and quick response, resulting in long-term loyalty and expanded client base.
- Met existing customers to review current services and expand sales opportunities.
- Performed effectively in self-directed work environment, managing day-to-day operations and decisions.
- Maintained current knowledge of evolving changes in marketplace.
- Negotiated prices, terms of sales and service agreements.
- Collaborated with managers to provide customer feedback and recommend operational changes to meet emerging trends.
- Built diverse and consistent sales portfolio.
- Contributed to event marketing, sales and brand promotion.
- Fielded customer complaints and facilitated negotiations, resolving issues and reaching mutual conclusions.
- Set and achieved company defined sales goals.
- Stayed current on company offerings and industry trends.
- Achieved or exceeded company-defined sales quotas.
Co-Owner and Director
Ark Consultancy
09.1997 - 12.2007
- Develop and support SMEs, guiding them through challenges, teach and support new business start-ups.
- Established foundational processes for business operations.
- Developed key operational initiatives to drive and maintain substantial business growth.
- Conducted target market research to scope out industry competition and identify advantageous trends.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired new staff members and developed training materials for employees.
- Networked with other businesses and customers to increase sales opportunities and contacts.
- Developed marketing materials and campaigns to boost brand awareness and customer engagement.
- Reduced operational risks while organizing data to forecast performance trends.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
- Updated and resolved incidents and managed accessorial charges objectively while maximizing profit.
- Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue, and effectively targeting new markets.
- Reduced financial inconsistencies while assessing and verifying billing invoices and expense reports.
- Launched staff engagement, gender diversity and cultural programs in addition to robust reporting tool that increased operational quality.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Reduced budgetary expenditures by effectively negotiating contracts for more advantageous terms.
- Spearheaded innovative approaches to resource allocation and strategic planning.
- Leveraged professional networks and industry knowledge to strengthen client relationships.
Shift Warehouse and Distribution Manager
Rainbow Chicken Farms FMCG
11.1996 - 07.2000
- Responsible for timely execution of distribution schedules, develop company procedures, implement HACCP principles, investigate stock losses.
- Implemented strategic plans as well as contributed to evaluation and analysis of business objectives.
- Identified and solved complex strategy obstacles to promote growth and guide business direction.
- Increased client retention by providing superior customer service.
- Built and maintained relationships with key suppliers and customers to support seamless operations.
- Documented safety action plans, quality initiatives and team performance into computer system.
- Developed standard and emergency operating procedures for receiving, handling, storing, shipping and salvaging products.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers and customers to provide best cost and delivery terms.
- Improved operational efficiency by recruiting and developing top talent to drive growth initiatives.
- Implemented new ERP systems, resolved performance issues and expanded processes to meet diverse needs.
- Developed and managed operating budget, meeting department goals.
- Trained new staff on job duties, company policies, and safety procedures for rapid onboarding.
- Organized records of vehicles, schedules and completed orders.
- Negotiated contracts with outside providers and rates for facility leases to minimize costs to company.
- Prospected for leads to build pipeline and convert to sales opportunities.
- Reviewed and negotiated contracts with carriers to optimize shipping costs.
- Led improvement initiatives to advance operational efficiencies and increase revenue.
- Oversaw warehouse staff and maintained efficiency in fast-paced environment.
- Tracked production and quality control systems to proactively identify deficiencies.
- Developed and maintained knowledgeable and productive team of employees.
- Conducted research to address shipping errors and packaging mistakes.
- Maintained established levels of goods based on sales forecasts and demand to fulfill orders on time.
- Integrated warehouse operations with existing and new business processes.
- Collaborated with manufacturing and supply chain management.
- Coordinated driver dispatch to accomplish daily delivery requirements.
- Created and enforced detailed organization processes to increase quality and service standards.
- Reduced worker accidents by implementing improved safety standards and monitoring procedures.
- Reviewed established business practices and improved processes to reduce expenses.
Senior Lecturer
Education In Industry
08.1993 - 10.1996
- Delivered higher-level undergraduate and graduate courses via classroom, online and hybrid methodologies to satisfy course curricula and meet student needs.
- Supervised junior lecturers' course development and recommended refinements to enhance student learning.
- Coordinated Training department curriculum to create well-rounded program that satisfied predetermined requirements.
- Conducted Education and Training research with in-person and remote collaborators and presented results in scholarly publications to further enhance knowledge.
- Oversaw student projects and advised on focus, methodology and report generation to meet preset standards.
- Employed advanced knowledge of Training and Education to teach challenging high-level courses to students.
- Participated in hiring process to staff Training department with part-time faculty and qualified instructors.
- Advised on department hiring actions to help build cohesive and successful lecturing team.
- Directed student and teaching assistant hiring programs to obtain well-qualified individuals who met established criteria.
- Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centered learning.
- Selected and designed lesson plans and curriculum to meet academic objectives.
- Conducted individual research projects to actively contribute to institution's research work.
- Created and designed quizzes, tests and projects to assess student knowledge.
- Developed and implemented innovative teaching strategies to engage students in lectures and coursework.
- Participated in conferences and professional development opportunities to stay up-to-date with latest trends in field.
- Utilized distance learning technology to instruct students remotely.
- Led seminars and workshops to facilitate student learning and engagement and increase memory retention.
- Arranged syllabus, developed schedule, and determined reading list for varied courses simultaneously, giving students appropriate time to complete assignments and absorb information.
- Mentored and advised students to explore career pathways based and amplify knowledge, skills and strengths.
- Used PowerPoint and Google Classroom technology to give presentations to student classrooms.
Distribution and Transport Manager
Brits Textiles
07.1987 - 05.1993
- Responsible for timely execution of distribution schedules, risk management, budgeting, briefing drivers, conducting investigations, and more.
Education
Productivity And Waste Management - Productivity And Waste Management
Alison College
Johannesburg,South Africa02-2023
MBA - Logistics And Training
Riverbanks University
USA05-2013
Certified Master Trainer - Training And Development
South African National Center of Fathering
Johannesburg, South Africa08-2010
DIP. P.I.M SAPICS - Production And Inventory Control
South African Production And Inventory Control Soc
Johannesburg, South Africa12-1992
Training The Trainer - Training
Education In Industry
Cape Town, South Africa12-1992
Storemanship - Logistics And Materials Management
South African Institute of Materials Handling
Cape Town, South Africa01-1987
Skills
- Strategic Planning
- Compliance Management
- Business Forecasting
- Business Analysis
- Operations Oversight
- Fiscal oversight
- Planning and execution
- Personnel development
- Cross-Functional Teamwork
- Human Resources Management
- Process Improvement
- Executive Leadership
Accomplishments
- Held the first-even Small Business Awards on the West Coast, Western Cape, South Africa in 2018, honoring seventeen SME's in six categories.
- Resolved product issue through consumer testing.
- Documented and resolved Cold Storage Temperature Control in FMCG environment, which led to increased sales.
Affiliations
- Member - International Association of Professional Organizations
- Member - International Association of Professional Life Coaches
- Member - South African Production & Inventory Control Society
- Member - South African Institute of Materials Handling
Languages
English
Advanced (C1)
Afrikaans
Advanced (C1)
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Chief Operating Officer
AM Group of Companies
09.2017 - Current
Chief Executive Officer
SPPS GROUP
02.2013 - 07.2017
Acting Divisional Manager
The Kanoo Group - Stormat LLC (Warehouse & Racking Division)
10.2012 - 02.2013
Sales Engineer
The Kanoo Group - Stormat Division
02.2012 - 10.2012
Distribution Channel Manager
Transformbody
06.2011 - 08.2011
Executive HR Specialist
Coalition Trading
03.2010 - 05.2011
Dispatch / Key Accounts Manager
Imperial Logistics Group
01.2008 - 01.2010
Co-Owner and Director
Ark Consultancy
09.1997 - 12.2007
Shift Warehouse and Distribution Manager
Rainbow Chicken Farms FMCG
11.1996 - 07.2000
Senior Lecturer
Education In Industry
08.1993 - 10.1996
Distribution and Transport Manager
Brits Textiles
07.1987 - 05.1993
Productivity And Waste Management - Productivity And Waste Management
Alison College
MBA - Logistics And Training
Riverbanks University
Certified Master Trainer - Training And Development
South African National Center of Fathering
DIP. P.I.M SAPICS - Production And Inventory Control
South African Production And Inventory Control Soc
Training The Trainer - Training
Education In Industry
Storemanship - Logistics And Materials Management
South African Institute of Materials Handling
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