Julian Ferreira
Operations Manager
Durban,KwaZulu Natal
Summary
Accomplished and results-driven professional with extensive experience in overseeing operations, procurement, and supply chain management. Expertise in optimizing processes, reducing costs, and ensuring compliance with industry standards has consistently led to enhanced efficiency and productivity. Recognized for strategic planning, effective resource management, and a strong focus on team collaboration, adaptability, and measurable results. Proven ability to lead teams, negotiate contracts, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to achieve organizational goals in dynamic environments.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
4
4
Certification
Work History
Head of Operations
Waterfall
01.2026 - Current
- Managing field teams - scheduling, supervising, and supporting technicians.
- Ensuring compliance - following environmental and municipal regulations.
- Handling resources - managing vehicles, equipment, and supplies.
- Customer coordination - addressing over 100 client needs, complaints, and emergencies.
- Reporting & budgeting - tracking costs, performance, and improving efficiency.
- Strengthened compliance with industry regulations by updating policies and conducting regular staff training sessions.
- Improved inventory accuracy and warehouse organization through adoption of advanced tracking systems and storage solutions.
- Implemented robust risk management frameworks, minimizing operational disruptions and safeguarding company assets.
- Managed crisis situations effectively by developing response plans in advance.
Operations Manager
Clairwood
11.2025 - 12.2025
- Implemented shift structures and reported on KPIs and operational throughput.
- Strengthened cold-chain compliance and reduced wastage via FIFO controls.
- Improved routing & dispatch efficiency.
- Supervise 130 staff across warehouse, dispatch, QC, inbound, picking, outbound, procurement and managing transport to ensure timely delivery.
- Lead daily operations for receiving grading, packing, cold storage and national distribution.
- Insurance to operate in budgets.
- Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
Operations Manager
Pinetown
09.2024 - 09.2025
- Spearheaded company-wide operations for the M-Scents and P2D perfume brands, overseeing a workforce of 170 employees across production, supply chain, quality assurance, warehouse, and HR functions.
- Optimized production processes, scaling manufacturing capacity through strategic redesign and automation, successfully reducing lead times from 12 to 8 days.
- Formulated and enforced Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) aligned with ISO and GMP standards, leading to a reduction in production errors and achieving zero compliance issues during external audits.
- Cultivated robust supplier relationships, renegotiated contracts, and curtailed procurement costs without compromising the quality of raw materials.
- Collaborated with R&D and marketing teams to successfully launch over 12 new fragrance lines, ensuring effective production scheduling and timely market readiness.
- Instituted a new inventory management system, cutting stockouts and enhancing demand forecasting accuracy across all product lines.
- Championed a performance-driven culture through the introduction of employee training and incentive programs, resulting in an improvement in retention rates and boosting workforce productivity.
- Achieved a company record by realizing the highest monthly perfume production volume in July 2025, exceeding output targets while maintaining stringent quality control standards.
- Promoted continuous improvement initiatives across production and logistics, driving efficiency, cost savings, and sustainable business growth.
Procurement & Logistics Manager
Thirsti
03.2024 - 08.2024
- Led end-to-end procurement for packaging, raw materials, and ingredients, aligning sourcing, logistics, and inventory with production schedules.
- Delivered sustained cost reductions through strategic supplier negotiations, alternative sourcing, and MOQ optimization.
- Implemented supplier performance management frameworks, including scorecards and corrective action plans, improving quality, reliability, and lead times.
- Negotiated and managed contracts with 10+ local and international suppliers, ensuring compliance, continuity of supply, and commercial effectiveness.
- Directed inbound logistics and import processes, including customs clearance and duty recovery, ensuring on-time and cost-effective delivery.
- Produced executive-level pricing, forecasting, and cost-driver reports for Executive Leadership team. , supporting data-driven decision-making and budgeting.
- Implemented and embedded SYSPRO procurement processes, improving reporting accuracy and operational visibility.
Procurement Officer
Wildeklawer Boerdery
09.2018 - 02.2024
- Procured mechanical and construction items and services for maintenance and stock.
- Handled all logistics for purchases, both locally and internationally, while supporting the creditors section with invoice processing and statement reconciliation.
- Collaborated with the mechanical department to generate weekly reports monitoring stock levels and addressing back orders promptly.
- Adhered strictly to the purchasing procedures, ensuring effective sourcing and vendor management.
- Maintained strong relationships with suppliers, acting as the liaison for stock-related incidents and prioritizing open communication to ensure continuity of service.
- Negotiated pricing and fees with over 50 suppliers, ensuring optimal pricing and lead times, while rigorously verifying timely order placements.
- Handled all technical queries related to procurement and quotations, ensuring clarity and accuracy.
- Received the award for the best Procurement Manager in the past decade, underscoring a commitment to quality, delivery, and operational needs.
- Managed information input into systems for oil consumption orders pertaining to tractors.
- Led Market Day Committee, effectively organizing events for vendors.
- Prepared accurate purchase orders using relevant software applications, ensuring clear communication of requirements to suppliers.
- Achieved cost savings by conducting thorough market research before initiating the purchasing process.
- Contributed beyond defined responsibilities by ensuring all management and their spouse's vehicles were roadworthy.
- Supported the manager during the lockdown by overseeing grocery shopping and distribution to staff.
- Served as First Aid Representative and contributed as one of companies Firefighters.
- South Africa's largest onion producer and primary supplier of potatoes, carrots, and beetroot.
Sales Representative
Slurry Master (Minco Industries)
08.2015 - 08.2018
- Collaborated with web designers to develop a new webpage for Slurry Master.
- Resolved more than 10 customer complaints through thorough investigation, solution development, reporting, and recommendations to management, demonstrating a deep understanding of customer needs.
- Maintained management updated with activity and result reports such as daily call reports, weekly work plans, and monthly/annual territory analyses while contributing to team results.
- Initiated contact with repeat customers during instances of unavailability from primary sales representatives, facilitating orders for pump spare parts and mining equipment with a fundamental understanding of diamond mining and iron ore mining plant equipment.
- Worked independently to meet deadlines, managing logistics for vehicle services and license renewals while ensuring pump service and possessing knowledge of pump layouts and designs; advised clients on engineering faults and repair needs.
- As Store Foreman, managed the receiving, dispatching, and storage of stock; conducted monthly stock takes while maintaining effective stock control and reconciling purchase orders with invoicing and stock counts on Pastel, demonstrating comprehension of PPE design.
Officer/Buyer
Frontier Mining Projects
10.2013 - 07.2015
- Negotiated procurement of goods and services to secure optimal pricing and value by cultivating strong relationships internally and with 15 key suppliers, ensuring efficiency in essential processes.
- Streamlined processes by cutting waste and unnecessary costs while expediting production times and obtaining a minimum of three quotes for required items from a preferred supplier database.
- Prepared and monitored purchase orders while tracking incoming and outgoing orders to ensure timely deliveries and adherence to schedules.
- Collaborated closely with the financial services department to verify payments and confirm deliveries, maintaining detailed records of goods purchased.
- Oversaw the renewal of vehicle licenses for the company, ensuring document accessibility through efficient filing and sorting.
- Ensured engineering shops were equipped with the necessary tools and equipment for current job requirements.
- Coordinated purchasing of all parts for EMV and plant equipment.
Safety Officer/Buyer/Admin Clerk/Supervisor
Lime Civils
05.2013 - 09.2013
- Conducted safety talks and controlled safety operations on site with more than 20 staff.
- Established effective relationships with key stakeholders both internally and externally for increased collaboration opportunities.
- Enhanced communication between team members by organizing regular meetings and fostering open dialogue.
- Performed quality control, including reading DCP levels and supervising onsite works.
- Compiled daily reports and undertook administrative tasks, such as issuing PPE and managing stock receipts.
- Executed risk assessments to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Education
Diploma - Operations Management
Alison
KwaZulu Natal01.2025
Diploma - Supply Change And Logistics Management
Alison
Durban01.2024
Diploma - Effective Practices For Sourcing Purchasing And Pr
Alison
Kwazulu Natal01.2024
National Senior Certificate - Senior Certificate
Bohmer Technical High School
Bloemfontein, South Africa01.2005
Skills
- Sourcing strategy development for FMCG
- Operational excellence
- Safety management
- Business analysis
- Organizational development
- Logistics management
- Teamwork and collaboration
Accomplishments
- Promoted within 3 months from Procurement Manager to Operations Manager
- Supervised team of 170 staff members.
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Recognised as Wildeklawer’s top-performing Procurement Manager of the past decade, delivering exceptional results and operational excellence.
- Cosmatek - Achieved the highest perfume production output in company history (July 2025), delivering exceptional accuracy and operational efficiency.
Certification
- Microsoft Excel 2007, ATTI
- First Aid, Transvaal Training
- Basic Cutting, Welding & Grinding, De Beers Technical Training Camp
- Communicate with Confidence, LinkedIn Learning, 2024-07-01
- Measuring Team Performance, LinkedIn Learning, 2024-07-01
- Effective Practices for Sourcing, Purchasing, and Procurement, Alison, 2024-07-01
- Mastering Supply Chain and Logistics Management, Alison, 2024-07-01
- Diploma in Operations Management (OPS), Alison, 2025-08-01
Languages
Afrikaans
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Personal Information
Title: HEAD OF OPERATIONS|OPERATIONS MANAGER
Timeline
Head of Operations
Waterfall
01.2026 - Current
Operations Manager
Clairwood
11.2025 - 12.2025
Operations Manager
Pinetown
09.2024 - 09.2025
Procurement & Logistics Manager
Thirsti
03.2024 - 08.2024
Procurement Officer
Wildeklawer Boerdery
09.2018 - 02.2024
Sales Representative
Slurry Master (Minco Industries)
08.2015 - 08.2018
Officer/Buyer
Frontier Mining Projects
10.2013 - 07.2015
Safety Officer/Buyer/Admin Clerk/Supervisor
Lime Civils
05.2013 - 09.2013
Diploma - Operations Management
Alison
Diploma - Supply Change And Logistics Management
Alison
Diploma - Effective Practices For Sourcing Purchasing And Pr
Alison
National Senior Certificate - Senior Certificate
Bohmer Technical High School
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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