Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Software
Certification
Timeline
Ferdinand Kruger

Ferdinand Kruger

General Manager
Krugersdorp

Summary

As a leader I do not profess to be all knowing but rather work with teams and through a Socratic process challenge participation to obtain winning results. As a supporter of lean, I am constantly encouraging every member to just make one improvement a day. While I have a love for developing people, I never lose focus on creating shareholder value. It is my endeavour in business to maximise return, mitigate risk and apply cost reduction without compromising on quality. I know and have proven historically that given the opportunity I will be able to translate the organization’s goals into a BSC and link initiatives to create a synergy to optimize the right aspects of the business into a well-orchestrated results driven learning organization.

Overview

35
35
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
2
2
Languages

Work History

Branch Manager

Cabstrut - Bidvest
Durban, South Africa
05.2023 - Current

I was employed to implement corrective action and act as the interim Branch Manager This includes:-

  • Do an analysis of the branch operations and comment on the proposed corrective actions
  • Suggest and implement additional improvements that will add value to the branch operations
  • Internal Training for staff on roles and responsibilities
  • Prepare branch for future ISO implementation with focus on processes, procedures and document control
  • Identify and do Risk mitigation
  • Set up the new warehouse and optimise stock holding
  • Align the operational level with the K8 ERP system to accurately reflect the physical operations of the branch
  • Address the service levels and communication between stakeholders, especially with regard to customers
  • Re-Implement the Tender Register and align the Tender Process
  • Managing budget of around R100mil.pa
  • Control spending and asset utilisation in the branch
  • Design and Implement a KPI / Measurement system (Balanced Scorecard)
  • Using the Balanced Scorecard to align staff efforts to support the strategic goals of the Division
  • Other projects:
  • Establish 5S
  • Kanban system for visual management and inventory Reduction
  • Responsible and appointed for Health and Safety codes and conformance to regulations
  • Responsible for all HR related matters
  • Communication at Exco meetings
  • Strategic restructuring and succession planning before hand-over to the permanent appointment of a branch manager
  • The following departments formed part of the reimplementation: -
  • Internal Sales
  • External Sales
  • Warehousing
  • Logistics
  • Despatch and Security
  • Debtors
  • Office Administration
  • Reason for Leave:- End of Contract
  • Created strategies to develop and expand existing customer sales, resulting in increase in annual sales.
  • Met deadlines by proactively managing individual and team tasks and streamlining processes.
  • Maintained friendly and professional customer interactions.
  • Assessed employee performance and developed improvement plans.
  • Resolved various issues impacting sales management and business operations.
  • Complied with regulatory guidelines and requirements.
  • Forecasted trends and recommended improvements based on financial risk analyses.
  • Generated financial and operational reports to assist management with business strategy.
  • Completed filings and upheld strict compliance with regulatory agencies and supervisors.
  • Reduced process bottlenecks by training and coaching employees on practices, procedures, and performance strategies.
  • Consulted customers to boost product sales and services.
  • Enhanced branch production rates by handling staff conflicts, evaluations, hiring, and termination processes and coaching employees on company protocol and payroll operations.

Head of Manufacturing

O-line / OBO Bettermann
Johannesburg, South Africa
01.2019 - 04.2023
  • Setting and approval of manufacturing plans, budgets and resources to align with company strategic goals
  • Managing budget of around R200mil.pa
  • Management of investment requests which includes analysis, ROI, implementation and measurement
  • Aligning staff efforts, through a Balanced Scorecard and reward scheme, with the strategic goals
  • Risk identification and mitigation for manufacturing
  • Responsible as 16.1 for Health and Safety codes and conformance
  • Communication at Exco meetings and Board meetings on manufacturing related items
  • Communication with German Manufacturing Head Office on strategic alignment with international manufacturing
  • Strategic restructuring and succession planning to obtain better efficiencies, equality and diversification, with minimal business interruption
  • The following departments formed part of the restructure:-
  • Tooling, Machine and Building maintenance
  • Technical
  • Procurement and Packaging
  • Planning
  • Manufacturing
  • Shared resources at the factory – IT, Logistics, HR, and Health and Safety
  • Establishment of a PMO to implement the following:-
  • ISO implementation with specific areas of documents, policies and procedures
  • Establish 5S as a way of life in the factory
  • Kanban system for visual management and inventory Reduction
  • Optimization on the factory floor, including logistics and Information Technology
  • Establish a new division to launch a first to market product
  • Migrate costing from an Excel based system to an integrated MRP
  • Implementation of a preventative and Integrated maintenance plan for all assets entrusted to manufacturing
  • New product development / R&D


General Manager IT

O-line / OBO Bettermann
Johannesburg, South Africa
01.2012 - 12.2018
  • In this position, I am responsible for the following and reporting to the CEO
  • Roll-out of SAGE X3 throughout the OBO Bettermann - Africa Group
  • This implementation included Financial, Distribution and Manufacturing as well as cross-border implementation in Mozambique and Ghana
  • Strategic and operational governance processes and plans
  • Maintaining and establishing IT departmental goals, objectives, and operating procedures
  • Development and execution of an enterprise-wide DR and continuity plans
  • Coordinate and facilitate consultation with internal and external parties on implementations and projects
  • Information Access and security
  • IT Budgets and reporting


Group IT Manager

O-line Support Systems (Pty) Ltd)
Johannesburg, South Africa
05.2007 - 12.2011
  • In this position, I was part of the initial listing team and reporting to the CEO
  • Maintain the IT system
  • Setting up of branches for local and cross border operations
  • Desktop Support for all users in the group
  • Supply internal ERP support for O-line and external ERP support for ARMCO
  • Liaise with the outsourced IT team of the ARMCO group
  • Set up an IT department for ARMCO
  • Sourcing and setting up vendor agreements for the supply of services and products within the IT department


Owner

Self
Johannesburg, South Africa
01.2006 - 04.2007
  • This company was involved in consulting, project management and desktop support to various industry sectors ranging from pharmaceutical (Roche), manufacturing(O-line), insurance and security(APCAN)
  • Managed day-to-day business operations.
  • Enhanced operational efficiency and productivity by managing budgets, accounts, and costs.
  • Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
  • Organized and attended trade shows and special events to showcase products, network with other businesses and attract new customers.
  • Trained and developed team members to build human capital.

Project Manager

Duxbury Networking
Johannesburg, South Africa
08.2005 - 12.2005
  • In this position, I was responsible for project management of the Mitel PBX installations
  • I was responsible for assisting the company to bridge the gap between distribution and support for MItel
  • Identified plans and resources required to meet project goals and objectives.
  • Achieved project deadlines by coordinating with contractors to manage performance.
  • Managed projects from procurement to commission.
  • Prepared and submitted project invoices for review and approval.
  • Provided detailed project status updates to stakeholders and executive management.
  • Coordinated with cross-functional teams to resolve project issues and mitigate risks.

IT Manager

O-line Support Systems (pty)Ltd
Johannesbirg, South Africa
11.1999 - 07.2005
  • Project Management of IT roll outs Nationally
  • Establish and implement IT policy for the group
  • Coordinated technical training and personal development classes for staff members.
  • Planned, implemented and managed the IT infrastructure for the new Export division of the group
  • Developed and implemented measures and procedures to protect IT systems from cyber threats and data breaches.
  • Managed network and system performance, conducting troubleshooting, security patching, and maintenance.
  • Planned, implemented and management of the corporate intranet to allow access to ISO9001 documentation and procedures.
  • Led technology selection and rollout, focusing on organizational planning and supplier service-level agreements. Project Lead for Technology Migration for payroll, Tender Registers, digital printing solutions, Y2K and cost cutting measures in communication.
  • Coordinated IT operations activities to deliver smooth flow of daily business needs.
  • This naturally also included user maintenance and training as well as system security
  • All proposals (incl vendors) relating to any of the above was evaluated by myself and if necessary proposed to senior management for approval
  • Assisted in development of long-term strategies to grow department and resources.

Purchasing Coordinator

O-line Support Systems(Pty)Ltd
Johannesburg, South Africa
01.1999 - 11.1999
  • Monitored all purchase requisitions and handled adjustments with vendors.
  • Maintained complete documentation and records of all purchasing activities.
  • Contacted each vendor and recorded information regarding price, availability and quality of products.
  • Implemented policies to reduce cost and eliminate waste.
  • Maintained consistent email communication with stores and suppliers to confirm and track orders and verify price revisions on purchase orders.
  • Communicated with vendors regarding inventory needs and negotiated prices to maintain profit margins.
  • Computed and created purchase orders in ACS Embrace (ERP) to monitor stock levels, verify purchase requisitions, and expedite customer orders.

Admin/Operations Assistant

Hardware Industries (Pty)Ltd
Johannesburg, South Africa
04.1996 - 12.1998
  • Projects and Implementation
  • Researched, planned, implemented and managed a JIT / KANBAN system in the factory to reduce stock levels and optimize resources
  • Established policies and procedures for projects
  • Planned, implemented and managed the installation of Pastel manufacturing
  • Managed Novell network with several Microsoft and Lotus applications
  • Assisted with logistics management
  • Assisted in the timely expediting of works orders
  • Customer and Supplier liaison


Teacher

Gauteng Education Department
Kempton Park, South Africa
01.1990 - 04.1996
  • In this position, I was responsible for teaching Maths, Science, and Geography and was subject head at various stages for either of these subjects
  • Supported student physical, mental, and social development using classroom games and activities.
  • Worked cooperatively with other teachers, administrators, and parents to help students reach learning objectives.
  • Graded and evaluated student assignments, papers, and course work.
  • Planned and implemented integrated lessons to meet national standards.
  • Implemented creative ways to foster curiosity for complex principles through hands-on learning and planned activities.
  • I was further responsible for organizing certain events on the school calendar and for coaching gymnastics, soccer, cricket, swimming and athletics.


Supervisor

Nedacom Nedbank
Sandton, South Africa
01.1989 - 01.1990
  • Monitored workflow to improve employee time management and increase productivity.
  • Maintained compliance with company policies, objectives, and communication goals.
  • Developed effective improvement plans in alignment with goals and specifications.
  • Maintained database systems to track and analyze operational data.
  • Helped meet changing demands by recommending improvements to business systems or procedures.

Education

Master of Business Leadership - Business Leadership

Unisa SBL (University), South Africa

Accounting, International Business, Leadership

B.Sc. - Operations Research, Operations Research, Information Science

Unisa (University), South Africa

Major in operations Research and a strong focus on Information Systems

BA - Education

RAU/UJ (University), South Africa

Education with a focus on Language

H. Dip. Ed - undefined

Goudstad Education College
Mathematics, Geography, Education

Grade 12/Matric - undefined

Riebeeck High (Secondary
Mathematics, Geography, Biology, Science Languages Current English–Read, Write, Speak Afrikaans–Read, Write, Speak

Skills

General Management

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Accomplishments

Project Managed the deployment of a new ERP system at O-line. The modules deployed were: -

  • Sales
  • Warehousing
  • Finance - Management
  • Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable
  • Manufacturing

Set up IT in Mozambique and Ghana with focus on: -

  • Currency
  • Local Reporting Standards and Multi-Currency
  • Multi-Lingual ERP
  • Communication

Created a management team within the OBO factory to assist with the implementation of a strategic restructure. With the help of this team, we achieved the following:-

  • Introduction of ISO9001
  • Introduced a new Costing system.
  • Established a new warehouse to support a JIT system.
  • Reduced lead times, decreased raw material stock and reduced finished stock to zero.
  • Created 5S as a way of life.
  • Introduced a KANBAN system in all areas of the business.
  • Created a Balanced Scorecard and linked it to strategic KPI's which was used to motivate overtime, increases and bonusses.

Restructured the Management team at Cabstrut (Bidvest) in KZN to achieve the following: -

  • Established a new warehouse.
  • Created 5S as a measurement system.
  • Introduced KANBAN in the Warehouse.
  • Created a Balanced Scorecard to report on KPI's.
  • Reduced Stock Holding while maintaining lead times.

Software

SAGE X3 ERP

Oracle SQL and MS SQL

Crystal Reports

MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Certification

SAGE X3 Technical Consultant

Timeline

Branch Manager - Cabstrut - Bidvest
05.2023 - Current
Head of Manufacturing - O-line / OBO Bettermann
01.2019 - 04.2023

SAGE X3 Technical Consultant

02-2017

SAGE X3 Distribution Consultant

02-2017
General Manager IT - O-line / OBO Bettermann
01.2012 - 12.2018
Group IT Manager - O-line Support Systems (Pty) Ltd)
05.2007 - 12.2011
Owner - Self
01.2006 - 04.2007
Project Manager - Duxbury Networking
08.2005 - 12.2005
IT Manager - O-line Support Systems (pty)Ltd
11.1999 - 07.2005
Purchasing Coordinator - O-line Support Systems(Pty)Ltd
01.1999 - 11.1999
Admin/Operations Assistant - Hardware Industries (Pty)Ltd
04.1996 - 12.1998
Teacher - Gauteng Education Department
01.1990 - 04.1996
Supervisor - Nedacom Nedbank
01.1989 - 01.1990
Unisa SBL (University) - Master of Business Leadership, Business Leadership
Unisa (University) - B.Sc., Operations Research, Operations Research, Information Science
RAU/UJ (University) - BA, Education
Goudstad Education College - H. Dip. Ed,
Riebeeck High (Secondary - Grade 12/Matric,
Ferdinand KrugerGeneral Manager