Jan van Jaarsveld
Brakpan
Summary
Serviced-focused General Manager dedicated to delivering positive customer experiences to promote loyalty and repeat business. Orchestrates optimal resource utilization to handle expected operational needs. Sales leader with sound judgment, good planning abilities and interpersonal communication strengths.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager Commercial & Operations
Novak Trans (Pty) Ltd
Johannesburg, South Africa
09.2017 - Current
- Established logistical infrastructure for cross-border shipments, optimizing supply chain operations and ensuring seamless transportation of goods
- Managed procurement and logistics into Africa, overseeing the movement of goods and materials to and from various regions
- Developed and executed plans to grow and secure extended business from current clients
- Managed new business development initiatives for local and cross-border transportation
- Engaged in external sales activities with clearing and forwarding agents, positioning the company as a reliable service provider and fostering strategic partnerships
- Oversaw cross-border transport estimates and coordinated project cargo shipments, including rigging, crane hire operations, heavy equipment handling, and abnormal transportation services
- Managed marketing-related events and initiatives, enhancing brand visibility and market presence within the industry
- Implemented effective warehouse operations solutions for clients, optimizing small-scale storage and distribution processes to meet client requirements efficiently
- Managed staff members, providing leadership and guidance to ensure team productivity and operational excellence within the organization
- Provided service support, maintaining positive client relations, and ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction through attentive communication and problem-solving
- Expanded logistical infrastructure on a national and international level, enhancing operational capabilities and service offerings to meet client demands effectively
- Conducted rate negotiations with service providers and agents, securing competitive pricing and favorable terms to optimize operational costs and maintain profitability.
National Sales Marketing Manager
Transitex - The World Closer
06.2014 - 08.2017
- Led new business development initiatives in cross-border transportation, expanding market reach and securing new client partnerships
- Cultivated and expanded business from current clients, enhancing relationships and identifying opportunities for growth and collaboration
- Established logistical infrastructure for cross-border shipments, optimizing processes and ensuring efficient transportation of goods
- Engaged in external sales activities with clearing and forwarding agents, positioning the company as a preferred service provider and fostering strong industry relationships
- Successfully met revenue targets through strategic planning and proactive business development efforts, driving financial growth and sustainability
- Provided accurate cross-border transport estimates and coordinated project cargo shipments, including rigging, crane operations, and handling of heavy equipment
- Managed abnormal transportation services, both locally and cross-border, ensuring safe and efficient movement of specialized cargo
- Managed marketing-related events and initiatives, contributing to brand awareness and market positioning within the industry
- Implemented effective warehouse operations solutions for clients, optimizing storage and distribution processes to meet client needs and improve operational efficiency
- Oversaw staff members, providing leadership and guidance to ensure team productivity and operational excellence within the organization
- Provided service support, maintaining strong client relations, and ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction through timely and effective communication
- Established logistical infrastructure on a national and international basis, expanding operational capabilities and enhancing service delivery to clients
- Conducted rate negotiations with service providers, securing cost-effective solutions and favorable terms to optimize operational costs and maintain competitiveness in the market.
Client Relation & Sales Manager
Yellow Jersey Logistics
Pomona, Kempton Park
03.2013 - 05.2014
- Developed new business opportunities for import and export transportation of airfreight and FCL containers to freight agents, expanding client base and market presence
- Drove new business development initiatives for LCL and air transportation, securing new clients and enhancing service offerings to meet client demands
- Managed and serviced current house accounts, ensuring client satisfaction and retention while identifying opportunities for further growth
- Implemented innovative sales strategies that resulted in increased revenue and market share, leveraging industry trends and client needs
- Established logistical infrastructure for bulk and cross-border shipments, optimizing operational efficiency and ensuring seamless logistics management
- Conducted rate negotiations with service providers to secure competitive pricing and favorable terms for import and export operations
- Engaged in external sales activities, collaborating with clearing and forwarding agents to provide comprehensive logistics solutions and support
- Developed strategic plans for handling high-volume shipments, optimizing logistics processes, and ensuring timely delivery of goods
- Successfully met revenue targets, demonstrating strong business acumen and sales performance in a competitive market
- Consistently met deadlines set by clients and management, showcasing excellent time management and organizational skills
- Provided accurate cross-border transport estimates, air transport import and export estimates, and sea transport import and export estimates, ensuring cost-effective solutions for clients
- Acted as the primary client interface, addressing client requirements, resolving issues promptly, and maintaining strong client relationships
- Provided service support and nurtured client relations, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction and retention
- Managed marketing-related events and issues, contributing to brand awareness and business growth.
Key Accounts Manager - Mining
Micor a Division of Super Group
Isando, South Africa
02.2012 - 01.2013
- New Business Development for Africa -Road ,Air & Sea
- Setting up logistical infrastructure for bulk shipments
- Leasing with overseas agents
- Traveling abroad to EU for project preparations
- Germany , Hungary and Austria
- External Sales, Dealing to Corporate Clients & Mines
- Blue chip companies
- Strategic planning of high volume shipments (Coal, Chrome etc)
- Warehousing Operations
- Operations & Coordination
- Meeting deadlines (Clients and Management)
- Cross border transport estimates
- Air Import and Export Estimates
- Sea Import and Export Estimates
- Rates negotiations with suppliers (Air & Sea & Road)
- Client interface
- Service support to 2 major VIP clients and several smaller clients in mining sector
- Air charter project shipments into Africa ex Europe
- Air charter project shipments into Europe ex Africa
- Break-bulk ocean freight estimates.
Route Development Manager - Asia / Australasia
Micor a Division of Super Group Pty Ltd
Isando, South Africa
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Spearheaded the development of business routes connecting Asia, Australasia, and Africa, establishing strategic partnerships and fostering trade relationships across regions
- Rate negotiations with Shipping Lines and Airlines
- Rate negotiating with Transporters and Holding Depots
- Working closely with overseas appointed agents
- Focused on commodity trading in a diverse range of minerals, including coal, chrome, iron ore, manganese, scrap metal, ferro/non-ferro metals
- Assisted procurement and trading activities for ferrous and non-ferrous metals, optimizing sourcing processes and ensuring supply chain efficiency
- Managed the export of ferrous and non-ferrous metals from South Africa to global markets, coordinating logistics and ensuring timely delivery to customers.
Sales Executive Africa & Mining
Micor a Division of Super Group
Isando
01.2010 - 12.2010
- Led new business development initiatives into Africa for road, air, and sea freight, resulting in the acquisition of key clients and market expansion
- Drove new business opportunities in the mineral trade sector, successfully facilitating buying and selling transactions to enhance revenue streams
- Spearheaded new business development strategies for air and sea imports, identifying market gaps and implementing tailored solutions to meet client needs
- Implemented innovative sales strategies, resulting in growth in sales revenue and market share
- Established and maintained effective communication with overseas agents, fostering strong partnerships and ensuring smooth coordination of international shipments
- Conducted daily rate negotiations with shipping lines to secure favorable terms and optimize cost-efficiency in freight operations
- Managed external sales operations, catering to corporate clients in freight forwarding and mining industries, including blue-chip companies
- Developed strategic plans for handling high-volume shipments of commodities such as coal, chrome, etc., ensuring efficient logistics and timely delivery
- Successfully met and exceeded revenue targets, demonstrating strong business acumen and sales performance
- Consistently met deadlines set by clients and management, showcasing excellent time management and organizational skills
- Provided cross-border transport estimates, facilitating seamless logistics operations and ensuring timely delivery of goods
- Prepared accurate air import and export estimates, optimizing freight costs and ensuring competitive pricing for clients
- Negotiated rates with suppliers for air, sea, and road freight, securing cost-effective solutions and maintaining strong vendor relationships
- Acted as the primary client interface, addressing client requirements, resolving issues promptly, and delivering exceptional service and support.
Operations / Logistical Manager/ Sales Executive
Cargo Compass SA Pty Ltd
South Africa
01.2007 - 12.2009
- Spearheaded new business development initiatives in the freight forwarding sector, securing key corporate clients and expanding the client base
- Managed external sales operations, negotiating SLA's and providing tailored solutions to corporate clients in the freight forwarding industry
- Oversaw warehousing operations, optimizing stock control processes to ensure efficient inventory management and logistics operations
- Coordinated the operations of the company fleet, implementing strategic planning to improve fleet efficiency and reduce operational costs
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations, coordinating and implementing measures to maintain a safe working environment
- Managed the distribution of cargo and documents to clients, ensuring timely delivery and client satisfaction
- Handled sea freight imports, particularly overseeing accounts such as Yusen Global Forwarder, ensuring smooth operations and client satisfaction
- Managed sea freight forwarding processes, coordinating shipments and liaising with clients for successful delivery
- Successfully met strict deadlines set by clients and management, demonstrating excellent time management and organizational skills
- Provided estimates and coordinated cross-border transport shipments, facilitating smooth logistics and ensuring timely delivery
- Conducted rate negotiations with suppliers for air, sea, and road freight, optimizing costs and ensuring competitive pricing for clients
- Acted as the primary client interface, addressing client needs, resolving issues promptly, and maintaining strong client relationships
- Provided exceptional service support, ensuring consistent service delivery and client satisfaction
- Handled packing and unpacking of containers, forklift operations, loading and unloading of trucks, route planning, vehicle management and tracking, and cargo handling from airlines, co-loaders, and container depots.
General Manager Operations
LA Fitness - Health Operative
Greater London, England, United Kingdom
08.2004 - 08.2006
- Oversaw daily operational tasks, ensuring efficient transport service delivery
- Managed a team of staff members, providing guidance and support to achieve operational goals
- Coordinated with suppliers to maintain smooth supply chain operations and optimize service quality
- Implemented and monitored day-to-day operational procedures to ensure adherence to service standards
- Managed equipment inventory and maintenance schedules to minimize downtime and optimize operational efficiency
- Acted as the primary point of contact for client interactions, addressing inquiries and resolving service-related issues effectively
- Supervised building maintenance activities to ensure a safe and functional operational environment
- Achieved daily KPIs by implementing performance tracking tools and monitoring progress regularly
- Exceeded monthly KPI targets by analyzing data trends and implementing strategic initiatives to improve performance
- Developed and implemented strategies to address performance gaps and enhance team productivity to meet KPI goals consistently
- Conducted regular performance reviews with team members to align individual goals with overall KPI objectives.
Sales Marketing Manager
LA Fitness - Health Operative
London Area, United Kingdom
02.2002 - 07.2004
- Expanded external sales portfolio by cultivating relationships with corporate clients in London, UK, resulting in a significant increase in revenue within the first year
- Developed and executed comprehensive sales strategies, including coaching and mentoring sales teams, which led to an aggressive improvement in overall sales performance
- Spearheaded internal sales initiatives focusing on referrals, resulting in an increase in customer acquisition and retention
- Played a pivotal role in forecasting and devising company strategies, contributing to the achievement of quarterly and yearly sales targets
- Led successful new business development efforts, identifying and securing opportunities
- Implemented effective product promotion strategies, resulting in increased brand visibility and market penetration
- Ensured exceptional customer care and after-sales service, enhancing client satisfaction and loyalty
- Proactively sourced and onboarded new clients, expanding the client base
- Managed staff responsibilities, fostering a positive work environment and achieving team targets
- Conducted successful contract negotiations, securing favorable terms and agreements with clients
- Managed and serviced key accounts, ensuring long-term relationships and repeat business opportunities.
Education
Moving Human Science, Sport Psychology, Anatomy, History & Law, Personal Development -
Institute of Rugby SA / Stellenbosch University
11.2001
Matric -
BRAKPAN TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL
01.2000
Skills
- Sales Operations
- Procurement
- Key Account Relationship Building
- Leadership and team building
- Problem Resolution
- Operations Management
- Team Player
- Motivation
- Strategic Planning
- Project Management
- Purchasing
- Business Development
- Operations Oversight
Languages
Afrikaans
English
Personal Information
Date of Birth: 05 February 1982
Identity No: 8202055006088
Address: 781 Prince George Ave
Brenthurst
Brakpan
1541
Cell No: +27 65 963 2245
Gender: Male
Marital Status: Married
Children: 2 Children: 12 & 14 years
Drivers License: Code 08
Nationality: South African
Home Language: English / Afrikaans
Health: Excellent
Timeline
General Manager Commercial & Operations
Novak Trans (Pty) Ltd
09.2017 - Current
National Sales Marketing Manager
Transitex - The World Closer
06.2014 - 08.2017
Client Relation & Sales Manager
Yellow Jersey Logistics
03.2013 - 05.2014
Key Accounts Manager - Mining
Micor a Division of Super Group
02.2012 - 01.2013
Route Development Manager - Asia / Australasia
Micor a Division of Super Group Pty Ltd
01.2011 - 01.2012
Sales Executive Africa & Mining
Micor a Division of Super Group
01.2010 - 12.2010
Operations / Logistical Manager/ Sales Executive
Cargo Compass SA Pty Ltd
01.2007 - 12.2009
General Manager Operations
LA Fitness - Health Operative
08.2004 - 08.2006
Sales Marketing Manager
LA Fitness - Health Operative
02.2002 - 07.2004
Moving Human Science, Sport Psychology, Anatomy, History & Law, Personal Development -
Institute of Rugby SA / Stellenbosch University
Matric -
BRAKPAN TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL