Brian Zungu
Johannesburg,Gauteng
Summary
Ambitious General Manager and Entrepreneur driven to manage costs and establish strategic, mutually beneficial partnerships and relationships with users, vendors and service providers. Creates strategic alliances with organization leaders to effectively align with and support key business initiatives. Builds and retains high performance teams by hiring, developing and motivating skilled professionals.
Talented Business Development Executive brings high-level business, marketing and sales acumen. Drives competitive growth through proactive relationship building and pursuit of business opportunities . Savvy to industry trends, practices and customer demands.
Proactive and motivated Business Director with high-energy approach to building and optimizing business operations. Solid understanding of facets such as financial, business and personnel management. Results-driven and industrious with conscientious attention to critical details and big-picture needs.
Seasoned Entrepreneur with a solid background in business management, operational planning and revenue generation. Hardworking, dedicated and resourceful leader with 30+ years in FMCG and Business Consulting. Ready to leverage experience and drive to pursue new professional challenges.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Key Accounts Manager
Tiger Brands Ltd
09.2011 - 08.2023
- Created new revenue streams through establishing new business links
- Developed business opportunities in channel; Independent Wholesales, Buying Groups, Contractor, Retailers, Corporate Wholesales, etc
- Planning on channel development
- Coordinate communication internally / externally Motivating & negotiating business opportunities
- Maximizing internal support from each product sales / category to enhance opportunities
- Sales Planning & Presentation
- Compile business plans for product portfolio Implement business plans Market development - build & increase sales and market share respectively Assist Channel manager / KAM / each BU sales for business opportunities
- Planning, research, and trend analysis
- Reporting on business – market intelligence
- Build the company's B2B brand exposure
- Technical understanding on company's products and related industries
- Trained, coached and mentored staff to ensure smooth adoption of new program
- Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover
- Developed and rolled out new policies.
Managing Director
Cornerstone
09.2023 - Current
- Oversaw operations and provided corrective feedback to achieve daily and long-term goals.
- Strengthened client relationships with regular communication, timely project delivery, and high-quality services.
- Increased overall company performance by implementing strategic management initiatives and streamlining operations.
- Developed comprehensive business plans, outlining long-term goals and actionable steps toward success.
- Oversaw complex negotiations with suppliers/vendors for favourable contract terms that led to cost savings.
- Managing a R167m revenue business with 124+ customers and 68+ suppliers within a B2B environment.
Director Of Business Development
Solutions Business Consulting
11.2009 - 08.2011
- Spearheaded expansion and development initiatives in Gauteng
- Identified R3.6m in revenue opportunities by collaborating with distribution partners
- Led sales forecasting, market trend evaluation and segment strategies
- Developed comparison tables of products and services by researching product pricing, ratings and performance
- Negotiated prices, terms of sales and service agreements
- Evaluated current service needs and product satisfaction levels with established customers
- Corporate and Government contracts negotiation
- Development of business systems and procedures.
General Manager
Saphila Occupational Health&Safety Consulting
08.2007 - 09.2009
- Increased profits by 37% by spearheading more than 11 client's value adding proposals
- Boosted gross yearly sales from R465k to R683k in under 8 months
- Reduced and controlled company expenses by implementing cost effective frequently monitored programmes for all short and long term projects
- Prepared program operating budgets, budget reports and other financial performance reports
- Drove the short-term and advanced promotional planning processes
- Developed metrics and measured success in order to further penetrate the marketplace
- Analyzed key aspects of the business to evaluate the factors driving results and summarized results into presentations
- Analyzed contract performance for bids, budgets and forecasts
- Collaborated with University of South Africa and the South African Mining Health and Safety Research Council to develop and enhance the Council's policies.
Trade Marketing Manager
British American Tobacco SA
09.1999 - 07.2007
- Completed and mailed bills, contracts, policies, invoices and checks
- Assigned tasks to associates, staffed projects, tracked progress and updated managers, partners and clients as necessary
- Developed media kits
- Planned and executed events and marketing programs, producing five times target Number of qualified leads
- Increased credibility and client awareness by developing technical/non-technical marketing collateral and presentations, public relations campaigns, articles and newsletters
- Developed and executed marketing programs and general business solutions resulting in increased company exposure, customer traffic, and sales.
Marketing And Brand Awareness Coordinator
Rothmans International
06.1997 - 08.1999
- Execution of brand promotion plans
- Brand awareness and Sales
- Investigated and resolved customer inquiries and complaints in an empathetic manner
- Cross-trained and backed up other customer service managers
- Adhered to all confidentiality requirements at all times
- Met all customer call guidelines including service levels, handle time and productivity
- Promptly responded to inquiries and requests from prospective customers
- Assumed ownership over team productivity and managed work flow to meet or exceed quality service goals
- Facilitated inter-departmental communication to effectively provide customer support.
Relief Manager
Prefcor Hohldings
03.1993 - 04.1997
- Answered product questions with up-to-date knowledge of sales and store promotions
- Effectively communicated with and supported sales, marketing and administrative teams on a daily basis
- Conducted weekly walk-throughs with the manager to discuss interior visual displays, including store window presentation
- Contributed to annual store sales of R,2 million per year
- Handled daily heavy flow of paperwork and cooperated with the accounting departments on invoicing and shipping problems.
District Manager Trainee
Prefcor Holdings
02.1992 - 03.1993
- Carefully interviewed, selected, trained and supervised staff
- Correctly calculated inventory and ordered appropriate supplies
- Strategically developed effective marketing plans to increase sales and profits while managing costs
- Actively participated in ongoing customer service programs to build sales and rapport in the community
- Led and directed team members on effective methods, operations and procedures.
Education
Associate of Arts - Graduate Diploma in Leadership and Sales Management
Graduate School of Marketing
Durban, South Africa02.1995
Associate of Arts - General Management
PMI
Durban, South Africa01.2015
BBA - Public Administration
University of KwaZulu Natal (UDW)
01.1993
Skills
- Client account management
- Effective leader
- Budget development
- Customer service-oriented
- Contract management
- Advanced cost control techniques
- Results-oriented
- Project planning
- Process improvement techniques
- Workforce planning
- Long-term business planning and execution
- Pipeline Development
- Contract Negotiation
Timeline
Managing Director
Cornerstone
09.2023 - Current
Key Accounts Manager
Tiger Brands Ltd
09.2011 - 08.2023
Director Of Business Development
Solutions Business Consulting
11.2009 - 08.2011
General Manager
Saphila Occupational Health&Safety Consulting
08.2007 - 09.2009
Trade Marketing Manager
British American Tobacco SA
09.1999 - 07.2007
Marketing And Brand Awareness Coordinator
Rothmans International
06.1997 - 08.1999
Relief Manager
Prefcor Hohldings
03.1993 - 04.1997
District Manager Trainee
Prefcor Holdings
02.1992 - 03.1993
Associate of Arts - Graduate Diploma in Leadership and Sales Management
Graduate School of Marketing
Associate of Arts - General Management
PMI
BBA - Public Administration
University of KwaZulu Natal (UDW)
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