Dynamic National Operations Manager with a proven track record at Unilever, excelling in data analysis and process improvement. Expert in developing training programs and enhancing operational performance, leading to significant cost reductions. Adept at fostering team collaboration and driving employee engagement to achieve organizational goals.
Overview
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Drinks and Dispense Services
Durban, ZA
National Operations Manager
09.2023 - Current
Job overview
Developed and maintained regional operations policies and procedures.
Assessed customer feedback surveys from different parts of the country to determine service level satisfaction ratings.
Implemented training programs to ensure team members are up to date on best practices.
Analyzed data to identify potential areas of improvement in operational processes.
Analyzed financial records from each region to ensure accuracy in reporting results.
Identified process gaps and developed solutions to improve operational performance.
Monitored performance metrics across multiple locations nationwide.
Resolved conflicts between departments or individuals related to national operations.
Conducted regular audits of regional operations teams to ensure quality assurance standards were met.
Facilitated meetings among department heads across various locations for problem solving initiatives.
Maintained relationships with external vendors for national activities.
Provided technical support to regional staff in resolving operational problems.
Developed operating budgets for each store and worked cooperatively with teams to control expenses, eliminate waste and reduce overhead costs.
Visited regional locations to verify full functionality and operational effectiveness.
Recruited and trained employees to enable adherence to common standards and procedures.
Used excellent verbal skills to engage customers in conversation and effectively determine needs and requirements.
Provided guidance on interviewing techniques, assessment methods and selection criteria to ensure a successful recruitment process.
Collaborated with department heads to understand current staffing needs and forecast future requirements.
Unilever
Durban, ZA
Regional Sales Manager
01.2019 - 04.2020
Job overview
Implemented effective territory management techniques across the region.
Organized trade shows, exhibitions, and other events to showcase products.
Recruited, trained, coached, mentored, and evaluated a team of regional sales representatives.
Resolved customer inquiries promptly as well as escalated issues when necessary.
Generated reports on weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis detailing regional sales metrics such as revenue goals achieved or missed targets.
Developed strategies and plans for regional sales growth.
Monitored competitor activities and analyzed pricing trends in the region.
Conducted regular market research to identify customer needs and preferences.
Analyzed regional sales performance data to develop actionable insights.
Increased revenue generation by collaborating with senior executives to assess regional performance and develop new sales strategies.
Analyzed regional market trends to discover new opportunities for growth.
Developed and managed regional sales program and market operations.
Supported sales team members to drive growth and development.
Resolved customer complaints regarding sales and service.
Unilever
Durban, ZA
Assistant Asset Manager
09.2016 - 12.2019
Job overview
Assisted in the development of asset management plans and strategies.
Provided support for the implementation of asset management systems and processes.
Developed and maintained relationships with stakeholders, vendors, and tenants to ensure optimal asset performance.
Compiled detailed forecasts based on historical data regarding revenue potential from each property and asset.
Organized regular meetings with clients to discuss their current and future asset needs.
Coordinated maintenance activities across multiple sites while adhering to safety guidelines.
Reviewed contracts with vendors and tenants and negotiated terms as needed.
Prepared presentations outlining key metrics associated with each property and asset in the portfolio.
Performed due diligence reviews prior to acquisition of new assets.
Ensured that all legal requirements were met before any transaction involving an asset was finalized.
Monitored budgets for all assets to ensure compliance with company policies.
Conducted reviews and evaluations for cost-reduction opportunities.
Unilever
Durban, ZA
Unit Manager
01.2013 - 09.2016
Job overview
Implemented new technologies to streamline workflow processes within the unit.
Monitored daily operations, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Actively participated in recruitment efforts by interviewing potential candidates.
Ensured that the unit was compliant with safety standards and protocols set by the organization.
Maintained accurate records of employee attendance and leave requests.
Created reports on departmental activities for senior management review.
Collaborated with other departments to ensure seamless integration of services provided by the unit.
Conducted performance reviews for all unit personnel.
Organized and scheduled staff meetings to discuss policies and procedures.
Managed a team of 154 employees and ensured their productivity was as per standard.
Provided guidance, coaching, and mentoring to staff members.
Developed innovative solutions for challenging tasks or projects assigned by upper management.
Provided training sessions for newly hired personnel on relevant skills required for their roles.
Initiated audit process to evaluate thoroughness of documentation and maintenance of facility standards.
Completed preventive maintenance, troubleshot malfunctions and coordinated repairs for packing line equipment.
Created and managed unit's budget and trained and hired employees.
Unilever
Durban, ZA
World Class Manufacturing Lead
11.2011 - 12.2013
Job overview
Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
Utilized advanced technical skills and expertise to troubleshoot complex problems and implement solutions.
Achieved cost-savings by developing functional solutions to problems.
Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service.
Utilized various software and tools to streamline processes and optimize performance.
Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
Worked successfully with a diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
Worked effectively in team environments to make the workplace more productive.
Lead Cost Saving and Overall Equipment Efficiency Kaizens in the factory.
Implemented and Rolled our TPM 5S House Keeping program initiatives with high success rates.
Unilever
Durban, ZA
Production Team Leader
01.2009 - 11.2011
Job overview
Ensured quality standards were maintained throughout the production process.
Collaborated with other departments to ensure timely completion of projects.
Oversaw maintenance activities on machinery used in manufacturing operations.
Performed regular safety inspections of equipment and facilities in accordance with regulations.
Inspected finished products prior to shipment for accuracy according to specifications.
Identified areas of improvement in the production process and recommended changes.
Resolved customer complaints promptly while maintaining positive relationships.
Assigned duties to production staff and monitored progress.
Facilitated problem solving sessions among team members to resolve conflicts or issues.
Monitored compliance with company policies, procedures, standards, and regulations.
Implemented cost-saving measures to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
Managed all aspects of the production line including scheduling personnel shifts.
Unilever
Durban, ZA
Engineering Artisan
10.2004 - 12.2008
Job overview
Achieved cost-savings by developing functional solutions to problems.
Conducted testing of software and systems to ensure quality and reliability.
Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
Operated equipment and machinery according to safety guidelines.
Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
Operated a variety of machinery and tools safely and efficiently.
Completed routine maintenance and repair in Electrical, Mechanical and Instrumentation Fields.
BSN Medical
Durban, ZA
Maintenance Electrician
03.2004 - 10.2004
Job overview
Ensured that all safety protocols were followed when working with high voltage circuits.
Provided technical assistance to other maintenance personnel during repairs or installations.
Provided technical support on site when needed.
Dismantled malfunctioning electric motors and tested them for continuity using ohmmeters.
Installed, maintained, and tested electrical wiring, fixtures, control devices, and related equipment.
Repaired or replaced worn or defective parts using hand tools or soldering iron.
Programmed PLCs for automated systems.
Worked closely with engineers to develop innovative solutions to improve efficiency.
Identified potential hazards associated with electricity usage in the workplace.
Inspected and tested circuit breakers, transformers, switchgear, motors, and other electrical components.
Programmed PLCs to control automated processes.
KK Animal Nutrition
Durban, ZA
Instrumentation Technician
06.2001 - 12.2003
Job overview
Verified accuracy of calibration data using test equipment such as multimeters, loop calibrators, thermocouples, and transmitters.
Reviewed engineering drawings to ensure accuracy of installations.
Drafted electrical schematics for instrumentation systems and equipment.
Conducted preventative maintenance on instrumentation systems and equipment.
Tested newly installed instrumentation systems prior to commissioning them into service.
Monitored system performance to detect malfunctions or out-of-specification operation conditions.
Programmed PLCs to automate processes.
Maintained records of all changes made to instrumentation systems and equipment.
Sasol Polymers
Durban, ZA
Maintenance Electrician
03.1998 - 06.2001
Job overview
Ensured that all safety protocols were followed when working with high voltage circuits.
Provided technical assistance to other maintenance personnel during repairs or installations.
Provided technical support on site when needed.
Dismantled malfunctioning electric motors and tested them for continuity using ohmmeters.
Installed, maintained, and tested electrical wiring, fixtures, control devices, and related equipment.
Repaired or replaced worn or defective parts using hand tools or soldering iron.
Maintained accurate records of completed tasks and reported any defects found during inspections.
Identified potential hazards associated with electricity usage in the workplace.
Kentz Pty Ltd
Randburg, ZA
Apprentice Electrician
01.1995 - 03.1998
Job overview
Inspected electrical systems, equipment and components to identify hazards, defects, and the need for adjustment or repair.
Repaired electric motors, pumps, fans.
Identified potential problems before they occur by inspecting equipment regularly.
Installed electrical wiring and fixtures, such as outlets, switches, circuit breakers, junction boxes and wall sockets.
Installed lighting fixtures such as fluorescent bulbs or LED lights.
Followed all safety procedures when handling hazardous materials such as high voltage electricity.
Tested continuity of circuits in electrical wiring using testing devices such as ohmmeters, voltmeters and oscilloscopes.
Measured, cut and bent wire and conduit using hand tools and power tools.
Performed general maintenance on electrical systems including replacing worn parts and repairing faulty wiring.
Assisted in troubleshooting problems with various types of control systems.
Observed safety regulations while working on energized systems.
Operated hand and power tools and diagnostic equipment to complete various aspects of jobs.
Education
Durban University of Technology
BBA from Business Administration
10.2024
Durban University of Technology
Bachelor of Technology from Operations Management
12.2014
Durban University of Technology
Diploma from Operations Management
12.2009
Umbilo Technical College
Diploma from Electromechanical Engineering – N6 incomplete
Umkomaas Secondary
Matric
12.1991
Skills
Data analysis
Project management
Customer service
Process improvement
Team collaboration
Operations management
Employee training
Recruitment and selection
Warehouse management
Operational excellence
Employee engagement
Inventory management
MS office suite
Regulatory compliance
Standard operating procedures
Cost reduction
Machine/Equipment Failure Diagnosis and repairs
Machine/Equipment Preventative Maintenance
Business acumen/owner’s mindset
Bias for action
Accomplishments
Level 1 TPM Consistency Award
Languages
English
Afrikaans
Zulu
Timeline
National Operations Manager
Drinks and Dispense Services
09.2023 - Current
Regional Sales Manager
Unilever
01.2019 - 04.2020
Assistant Asset Manager
Unilever
09.2016 - 12.2019
Unit Manager
Unilever
01.2013 - 09.2016
World Class Manufacturing Lead
Unilever
11.2011 - 12.2013
Production Team Leader
Unilever
01.2009 - 11.2011
Engineering Artisan
Unilever
10.2004 - 12.2008
Maintenance Electrician
BSN Medical
03.2004 - 10.2004
Instrumentation Technician
KK Animal Nutrition
06.2001 - 12.2003
Maintenance Electrician
Sasol Polymers
03.1998 - 06.2001
Apprentice Electrician
Kentz Pty Ltd
01.1995 - 03.1998
Durban University of Technology
BBA from Business Administration
Durban University of Technology
Bachelor of Technology from Operations Management
Durban University of Technology
Diploma from Operations Management
Umbilo Technical College
Diploma from Electromechanical Engineering – N6 incomplete