James Michael Brown
Cape Town
Summary
Adaptable and driven professional with 3+ years in strategic account management and a strong background in hospitality and sales.
Skilled in negotiation, client relations, and cross-functional collaboration, with a proven ability to drive customer satisfaction and revenue growth.
Known for thriving in fast-paced, dynamic environments and now seeking to leverage transferable skills in a remote role across customer success, operations, or support.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
National Key Accounts Manager
Post House Vineyard
11.2023 - Current
- Prepare and submit detailed weekly sales reports to track performance and identify growth opportunities.
- Negotiate and close deals with prospective clients across South Africa, expanding the brand’s national footprint.
- Collaborate with the marketing team to develop and refine brand strategies, promotions, and campaign initiatives.
- Train and support regional sales representatives, often attending client meetings to assist in closing key accounts.
- Participate in annual wine harvest operations, contributing to hands-on production and deepening product knowledge.
National Key Accounts Manager
Gember Distillery
01.2023 - 11.2023
- Trained and managed the national promotions team, ensuring consistent brand representation and sales messaging.
- Compiled and analysed detailed weekly sales and promotion reports to evaluate regional performance, identify trends, and inform strategic decision-making.
- Developed strong relationships with national clients through effective communication and negotiation skills.
- Achieved successful contract negotiations by utilizing strong persuasion skills and industry knowledge.
- Signed 125 new clients, including key partnerships with Spar, Pick n Pay, Liquor City, and the Kove Collection.
- Built and maintained long-term, strategic relationships with a company's important clients.
- Coordinated strategic meetings between senior leadership and key national accounts to align on goals and uncover growth opportunities.
- Increased overall sales performance by implementing strategic account management plans.
- Managed a portfolio of national accounts, ensuring timely response to client inquiries and efficient problem resolution.
Sales Representative
Gember Distillery
02.2022 - 12.2022
- Prepared and submitted comprehensive weekly sales reports to monitor progress, assess regional performance, and inform strategic action.
- Signed 74 new clients across the Western Cape by November 2022.
- Maintained and nurtured relationships with existing clients through consistent communication and tailored support, resulting in high client retention.
- Organised and executed promotional events and tastings to increase brand visibility and drive sales engagement.
- Demonstrated exceptional performance and leadership potential, leading to promotion to National Key Accounts Manager.
Head Waitron/Assistant Manager
Brass Bell
08.2021 - 05.2022
- Oversaw the successful launch and daily operations of a new fine dining venue, open exclusively for evening service (5pm–9pm), ensuring a consistently high standard of guest experience.
- Trained and mentored front-of-house staff on service processes, customer engagement, and fine dining etiquette, enhancing overall team performance and service consistency.
- Managed mise en place for both front-of-house and bar service, ensuring operational readiness before each shift.
- Conceptualised and developed a new cocktail menu, aligning with the venue’s upscale positioning and seasonal trends.
- Recognised for leadership and operational excellence, resulting in promotion from Waitron/Bartender.
Waitron/Bartender
Brass Bell
10.2020 - 08.2021
- Rotated and restocked bar supplies to ensure readiness for each shift.
- Kept all tables clean and properly set between courses.
- Supported smooth front-of-house operations by anticipating service needs during busy periods.
Waitron/Bartender
Sirrocco
11.2019 - 03.2020
- Restocked and rotated bar inventory to ensure shift readiness (mise en place).
- Maintained clean, properly set tables throughout all service stages.
- Supported efficient front-of-house operations by anticipating guest and team needs.
Head Waitron
Enzos Pizzeria
02.2018 - 01.2019
- Managed daily shift schedules to ensure optimal staff coverage during peak service hours.
- Oversaw front-of-house presentation, ensuring all staff adhered to uniform and grooming standards.
- Conducted hands-on training sessions for new front-of-house team members, focusing on service procedures, table etiquette, and customer engagement.
- Coordinated cross-training across different front-of-house roles to improve team flexibility and service efficiency.
Waitron/Bartender
Enzos Pizzeria
10.2015 - 01.2017
- Prepared front-of-house and bar areas for service, ensuring cleanliness, presentation, and readiness.
- Monitored and rotated bar stock to maintain freshness and prevent waste; ensured sufficient stock levels for each shift.
- Maintained high service standards by resetting tables promptly and ensuring readiness for each course.
- Recognised for strong work ethic and customer service, resulting in a promotion to Head Waitron.
Barista/Front of House Runner
Enzos Pizzeria
04.2015 - 09.2015
- Prepared coffee station and equipment daily, ensuring machines were operational, clean, and service-ready.
- Maintained cleanliness and readiness by setting up tables, polishing cutlery, and restocking condiments.
- Assisted in seamless service flow by supporting both barista and waitstaff teams during high-volume shifts.
- Demonstrated reliability and initiative, leading to a promotion to Waitron / Bartender.
Education
Life Coaching Certificate -
Udemy
Remote/Online01.2020
High School Diploma -
Umkomaas Secondary
KwaZulu-Natal01.2017
Skills
- Client acquisition and retention
- National and regional key account management
- Partner negotiation and deal closing
- Sales strategy development and reporting
- Training and leading sales and promotional teams
- Staff onboarding and skills development
- Shift supervision and team coordination
- Event planning and execution
Sales & Business Development
Leadership & Team Management
Customer Service & Hospitality
- Menu development and FOH/bar operations
- Fine dining and high-volume service expertise
- Upselling techniques and relationship management
- Promotional strategy development and implementation
- Event organization, tastings, and brand activations
- Experience supporting harvest and vineyard operations
- Fluent in English; conversational Afrikaans
- Proficient in Google Suite, Microsoft Office, Lightspeed, CRM systems, and communication platforms
- Certified Life Coach
Marketing & Brand Representation
Additional Skills
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Afrikaans
Advanced (C1)
References
Gember Distillery:
Ross - 066 526 2061
Brass Bell:
Chandni - 067 180 3578
Enzos Pizzeria:
Gino - 076 853 1135
Timeline
National Key Accounts Manager
Post House Vineyard
11.2023 - Current
National Key Accounts Manager
Gember Distillery
01.2023 - 11.2023
Sales Representative
Gember Distillery
02.2022 - 12.2022
Head Waitron/Assistant Manager
Brass Bell
08.2021 - 05.2022
Waitron/Bartender
Brass Bell
10.2020 - 08.2021
Waitron/Bartender
Sirrocco
11.2019 - 03.2020
Head Waitron
Enzos Pizzeria
02.2018 - 01.2019
Waitron/Bartender
Enzos Pizzeria
10.2015 - 01.2017
Barista/Front of House Runner
Enzos Pizzeria
04.2015 - 09.2015
Life Coaching Certificate -
Udemy
High School Diploma -
Umkomaas Secondary
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