James Kerr
Operations Manager
Johannesburg,GP
Summary
I am an operations and business development professional with experience across foreign exchange, financial services, and retail operations in fast-paced, growth-focused environments. I have a strong track record of managing supplier relationships, improving cost efficiency, and increasing profit margins through negotiation and strategic sourcing.
I also identify and develop new business opportunities, build client relationships, and drive revenue growth through referral networks and direct acquisition.
I combine analytical decision-making with hands-on execution across both operational and commercial functions. Including supplier management, cost optimisation, marketing activations, in-store support, and customer acquisition.
I am RE5 certified with ongoing CPD compliance, demonstrating strong regulatory understanding within the South African financial services environment.
I take a proactive, entrepreneurial approach to business, focusing on improving efficiency, unlocking revenue opportunities, and strengthening brand performance through practical execution.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
FX Dealer/Broker
Point to Point Capital
02.2024 - 04.2026
- Built strong relationships with clients, providing timely market updates and executing trades on their behalf.
- Leveraged advanced technical analysis tools to make informed decisions on entry/exit points for optimal profitability.
- Streamlined communication between front office traders and back-office support staff for efficient trade reconciliation processes.
- Managed high-volume order books efficiently, ensuring all trades were executed accurately and swiftly.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations and company policies while serving clients'' best interests.
- Cultivated and strengthened relationships with new clients and educated clients on account services and capabilities.
- Facilitated large-scale international transactions, ensuring speed, accuracy, and full regulatory compliance under tight time constraints
- Increased sales revenue by developing and implementing effective sales strategies.
- Built long-lasting client relationships through excellent customer service and consistent followups.
- Organized regular sales meetings to review progress, share best practices, and set achievable targets for continued success.
- Identified and developed new business opportunities through networking, referrals, and strategic outreach
- Facilitated international payments and ensured compliance with South African Reserve Bank (SARB) regulations
- Structured tailored financial solutions for clients engaging in imports, exports, and offshore investments
- Monitored currency markets and provided clients with timely insights
- Collaborated with internal teams to streamline deal execution and improve client experience
- Monitored global economic events and political developments to stay ahead of potential impacts on currency markets.
- Maintained detailed records of client interactions, transactions, and pipeline activity
- Built and managed a client base of active individual and corporate clients
- Supervised staff and delegated tasks to maintain positive, productive administrative operations.
- Ensured smooth daily operations with timely completion of all essential administrative tasks and responsibilities.
- Maintained accurate record-keeping systems to ensure easy access to critical information for decision-making purposes.
- Drove business growth through relationship-led sales, consistently converting new leads into long-term clients
- Established strong referral networks that became a consistent source of new business and revenue generation
Consultant and Referrer
Green Gorilla
01.2025 - 01.2026
- Managed and maintained supplier relationships across key product categories, ensuring consistent stock availability and operational continuity
- Identified inefficiencies and overpricing within existing supplier agreements and successfully renegotiated terms to reduce costs and improve overall profit margins
- Sourced and onboarded new suppliers offering improved pricing structures, product quality, and supply reliability
- Drove new business development initiatives by establishing and executing in-store and brand activation events in collaboration with store managers
- Supported retail operations on-site when required, assisting with day-to-day store execution and customer engagement
- Managed client relationships through regular check-ins and updates on project progress.
- Developed and introduced promotional event ideas aimed at increasing foot traffic, customer engagement, and sales performance
- Identified and acquired new clients and partners, contributing to a growing base of loyal repeat customers for the brand
Delivery Driver
Jonny's Restaurant
02.2020 - 01.2021
- Managed customer inquiries and complaints in polite and professional manner.
- Maintained upbeat, positive attitude in busy, customer-focused environment.
- Delivered packages to customer doorsteps and business offices.
- Worked scheduled hours as required and took on available shifts during holidays and busy periods.
- Completed rush deliveries on tight timetables to satisfy customer needs.
Education
High School Diploma -
King Edward VII School
Houghton, South Africa 04.2001 -
Skills
Problem-solving
Customer service
Performance monitoring
Operations monitoring
Team leadership
Business development
Lead generation
Sales and marketing
Client relationship management
Staff management
Project management
Timeline
Consultant and Referrer
Green Gorilla
01.2025 - 01.2026
FX Dealer/Broker
Point to Point Capital
02.2024 - 04.2026
Delivery Driver
Jonny's Restaurant
02.2020 - 01.2021
High School Diploma -
King Edward VII School
04.2001 -