Chess, like in life you always have to be strategic
Brian Ratsaka
Junior Product Developer / Procurement Administrator
Johannesburg,GP
Summary
Dynamic Junior Product Developer at Character Group with a proven track record in optimizing product lines and enhancing profitability through strategic planning and competitive analysis. Adept at fostering relationships with vendors and implementing quality control processes, resulting in reduced defects and improved customer satisfaction. Strong problem-solving abilities and a customer-centric approach drive success.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
3
3
Languages
Work History
Junior Product Developer
Character Group
Johannesburg
01.2021 - 03.2025
- Worked closely with sales, operations and manufacturers to deliver quality product and timeous production.
- Optimized existing products through continuous improvement initiatives, reducing production costs and increasing profitability.
- Scheduled production and work-in-progress tracking and reports.
- Mentored junior team members, promoting professional growth and fostering a positive work environment.
- Assessed competitors products and designs to compare projects.
- Developed innovative products for increased customer satisfaction and market share growth.
- Collaborated with manufacturers, operations leaders and sales teammates to ascertain production details.
- Implemented quality control processes throughout the entire product development lifecycle, resulting in a reduction of defects and returns.
- Reviewed products and updates for company quality standards compliance.
- Coordinated with suppliers and manufacturers to secure favorable pricing agreements for raw materials, reducing overall production costs.
- Established strong relationships with external vendors and suppliers, ensuring a reliable network of partners for future projects or collaborations.
- Negotiated with vendors and manufacturers on pricing, services and scheduled shipping windows.
- Traveled to manufacturing facilities to evaluate product creation and point out potential issues.
Licensor Submissions Administrator
Character Group
Johannesburg
10.2018 - 01.2022
- Handled sensitive information discreetly, maintaining strict confidentiality at all times as required by company policy or legal regulations.
- Improved employee productivity with effective time management strategies for daily tasks.
- Provided exceptional customer service to both internal and external stakeholders through prompt response times and thorough issue resolution efforts.
- Implemented new email management strategy, reducing clutter and improving communication efficiency.
- Maintained personnel records and updated internal databases to support document management.
- Established an organized filing system that streamlined document retrieval and reduced misplaced files.
- Coordinated with IT department to upgrade software, ensuring all systems were up-to-date and running efficiently.
- Collected, arranged, and input information into database system.
- Gathered, organized and input information into digital database.
Education
Diploma - Information Technology
Damelin
Pretoria, South Africa 04.2001 -
Network Certified Associate - Network And System Administration
Boston
Pretoria, South Africa 04.2001 -
Skills
Strategic planning
Competitive analysis
Vendor sourcing
Product lifecycle management
Critical thinking
Product positioning
Customer-centric approach
Production and processing
Problem-solving abilities
Relationship building
Time management abilities
Adaptability
Accomplishments
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Traveled to China for factory visits.
Certification
Diploma In Information Technology
Interests
Community/Intellectual, I enjoy watching local football matches
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Languages
English
Upper intermediate (B2)
Timeline
Junior Product Developer
Character Group
01.2021 - 03.2025
Licensor Submissions Administrator
Character Group
10.2018 - 01.2022
Diploma - Information Technology
Damelin
04.2001 -
Network Certified Associate - Network And System Administration
Boston
04.2001 -