Julian kisten
29 Years In Store Retail Experience With 10 Years In Executive Management
Johannesburg,GP
Summary
Dynamic operations manager with expertise in strategic planning, risk management, and continuous improvement. Proven track record in driving efficiencies, enhancing service delivery, and fostering strong vendor relationships.
Results-oriented manager skilled in leading cross-functional teams to execute strategic initiatives. Experienced in optimizing inventory management and implementing training programs that elevate service quality and operational performance.
Operations professional with proven track record in optimizing processes and driving efficiency. Strong focus on team collaboration, strategic planning, and achieving measurable results. Adept at adapting to changing needs and leading cross-functional teams. Skilled in project management, process improvement, and resource allocation. Dependable and results-driven, known for enhancing operational performance.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Risk Manager (Exec)
Makro Crown Mines
02.2019 - 05.2026
- Developed and implemented comprehensive risk management frameworks to enhance operational resilience.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to establish effective risk mitigation strategies and policies.
- Led training sessions for staff on best practices in risk management and compliance protocols.
- Streamlined reporting processes, ensuring timely communication of risks to senior leadership.
- Analyzed industry trends to inform strategic decision-making and improve risk response measures.
- Supervised a team of junior risk analysts, fostering professional development and knowledge sharing.
- Evaluated existing risk management tools, recommending enhancements to optimize efficiency and effectiveness.
- Collaborated closely with internal audit teams to identify gaps in controls and recommend appropriate remediation actions.
- Conducted thorough vendor assessments, mitigating third-party risks associated with outsourcing critical functions.
- Spearheaded cross-departmental initiatives aimed at reducing organizational vulnerabilities through effective collaboration among key stakeholders.
- Mentored junior team members in risk analysis techniques, promoting professional growth and enhancing departmental expertise.
- Mitigated financial losses by establishing robust fraud detection systems and monitoring suspicious transactions.
- Managed complex projects involving multi-disciplinary teams, ensuring timely completion while minimizing exposure to potential risks.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements by staying current on industry standards and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of relevant laws and regulations.
- Streamlined reporting process for timely delivery of accurate risk-related data to senior management and regulators.
- Reduced operational risks by implementing comprehensive risk assessment processes and conducting regular audits.
- Optimized resource allocation by identifying high-risk areas and prioritizing mitigation efforts accordingly.
- Improved overall company performance by developing and executing strategic plans to minimize potential risks.
- Created training programs for employees on risk awareness, fostering a proactive approach to managing potential threats within the organization.
- Championed a proactive approach to risk management by participating in industry forums and staying informed of emerging trends and best practices.
- Enhanced risk management framework by collaborating with cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
- Implemented continuous improvement initiatives in risk management practices, driving efficiency gains across the organization.
- Developed strong relationships with key stakeholders, fostering a culture of open communication and proactive risk management.
- Established strong partnerships with external vendors, facilitating smooth coordination during crisis situations requiring rapid response.
- Developed robust business continuity plans, ensuring minimal disruption to operations during unforeseen events and emergencies.
- Developed short-term goals and long-term strategic plans to improve risk control and mitigation.
- Instituted regular safety inspections and hazards management strategies to keep operations compliant.
- Encouraged stakeholders to approach assessments analytically and offer unique insights to bring new understanding to risk management programs.
- Employed strong program management skills to successfully define and manage ongoing initiatives designed to control risks.
- Handled Civil claims according to internal risk management policies, keeping liability minimized by leveraging expertise and available tools.
- Produced and filed reports to inform senior management of current activities and progress with investigations.
- Implemented financial risk management policies, limits and strategies that complied with standards and strategic imperatives of organization.
- Monitored industry, technological and economic developments to stay current on potential risks.
- Completed statistical reviews to uncover trends, patterns and variations.
Receiving Team Manager (Exec)
Makro Crown Mines
08.2015 - 02.2019
- Oversaw receiving operations, ensuring timely and accurate processing of incoming goods.
- Implemented inventory management systems to enhance stock accuracy and reduce discrepancies.
- Trained and mentored team members on best practices for efficient receiving procedures.
- Streamlined workflows, reducing turnaround times for incoming shipments by optimizing resource allocation.
- Collaborated with suppliers to resolve issues related to shipment quality and delivery timelines.
- Conducted regular audits of received inventory to maintain compliance with company standards.
- Developed training materials focused on safety protocols and operational efficiency for new hires.
- Led cross-departmental initiatives to improve overall supply chain performance and communication efficiency.
- Promoted a safe working environment by enforcing safety regulations and conducting regular hazard assessments.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of relevant software applications used in receiving operations to maximize efficiency in data entry tasks related to shipment tracking or inventory control systems integration.
- Reduced order discrepancies by ensuring thorough inspection of incoming shipments for accuracy and quality.
- Mentored new team members on company policies, procedures, and best practices in receiving management.
- Collaborated with suppliers to resolve issues related to delayed or damaged shipments, maintaining positive relationships.
- Monitored employee performance data to identify and address trends in productivity or areas requiring additional training support for continued professional growth.
- Implemented cost-saving measures through careful evaluation of vendor contracts, shipping fees, and other expenses associated with the receiving process.
- Optimized resource allocation by assessing workload requirements and adjusting staffing levels accordingly to meet deadlines consistently.
- Improved operational workflow with well-organized storage systems and efficient space utilization.
- Enhanced warehouse efficiency by implementing strategic receiving processes and procedures.
- Conducted performance evaluations for team members, identifying areas for improvement and offering constructive feedback for career development opportunities.
- Supported overall business objectives by ensuring timely processing of received goods for sales floor replenishment or further distribution.
- Provided exceptional customer service with prompt resolution of queries and concerns from internal departments or external clients regarding order status or inventory availability.
- Proactively addressed potential bottlenecks in the receiving process by anticipating delays, coordinating with supply chain partners, and implementing contingency plans as needed.
- Ensured compliance with industry-specific regulations governing the handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials in received shipments.
- Spearheaded cross-functional efforts aimed at improving interdepartmental collaboration within the organization while addressing challenges faced during the receiving process.
- Increased team productivity by providing clear direction, setting performance goals, and monitoring progress regularly.
- Developed strong communication channels between warehouse staff, sales teams, and other departments to facilitate seamless operations.
- Conducted counts and audits of inventories to identify and resolve discrepancies in records.
- Organized storage areas to optimize materials movements and minimize labor hours.
- Boosted inventory and recordkeeping accuracy by conducting thorough inspections and comparing shipment contents with documentation.
- Trained new staff on job duties, company policies, and safety procedures for rapid onboarding.
- Coordinated driver dispatch to accomplish daily delivery requirements.
- Organized records of vehicles, schedules and completed orders.
- Developed and maintained knowledgeable and productive team of employees.
- Reduced worker accidents by implementing improved safety standards and monitoring procedures.
- Oversaw warehouse staff and maintained efficiency in fast-paced environment.
- Maintained established levels of goods based on sales forecasts and demand to fulfill orders on time.
- Integrated warehouse operations with existing and new business processes.
- Created and enforced detailed organization processes to increase quality and service standards.
- Collaborated with manufacturing and supply chain management.
- Led improvement initiatives to advance operational efficiencies and increase revenue.
- Reviewed established business practices and improved processes to reduce expenses.
Internal Auditor
Makro Crown Mines
05.2011 - 08.2015
- Conducted comprehensive audits to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and internal policies.
- Developed audit plans and risk assessments to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.
- Collaborated with management to implement process improvements based on audit results and insights.
- Utilized data analytics tools to identify trends and anomalies in financial operations for proactive risk management.
- Presented audit findings to stakeholders, facilitating discussions on strategic decision-making and performance enhancements.
- Assisted in the preparation of audit reports that clearly communicated findings and recommendations to key stakeholders.
- Performed internal audits of financial and departmental operations, developing risk assessments and conducting process walkthroughs for compliance with documented processes.
- Identified and reported audit issues.
- Investigated discrepancies discovered during auditing process.
- Contributed to a positive work environment by collaborating effectively with colleagues across all levels of the organization.
- Produced audit reports.
- Supported management in developing action plans to address identified issues, promoting timely resolution of audit findings.
- Prepared and distributed risk and audit reports to appropriate personnel.
- Enhanced internal control systems by conducting thorough risk assessments and implementing effective audit recommendations.
- Documented recommendations to improve internal controls.
- Provided valuable insights to management by presenting clear and concise audit findings, contributing to informed decision-making processes.
- Explained risk and compliance concepts to managers and executives.
- Improved operational efficiency by identifying and addressing financial discrepancies through meticulous examination of financial records.
- Reviewed and identified risks, analyzed controls and tested compliance.
- Conducted training sessions for staff members on best practices in internal auditing, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Evaluated compliance with regulatory requirements, mitigating potential risks and protecting organizational reputation.
- Assisted in the development of company policies and procedures, promoting a strong internal control environment.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to design and execute comprehensive audit plans, ensuring alignment with company objectives.
- Guided departments in developing remediation plans based on audit findings and recommendations.
- Evaluated company's policies to determine how well standards adhered to best practices.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and emerging risks, ensuring relevance in audit approach and methodology.
- Participated in special projects as requested by senior leadership, providing subject matter expertise on internal controls and risk management practices.
- Reduced risk of fraud with thorough investigations into irregular financial transactions.
- Increased awareness of risk management principles, organizing workshops for department heads and management.
- Fostered culture of transparency and accountability, conducting regular meetings to discuss audit findings and corrective actions.
- Strengthened internal control systems by conducting comprehensive risk assessments and audits.
- Strengthened stakeholder relations by presenting audit findings in clear, constructive, and professional manner.
- Enhanced business continuity planning, evaluating and testing disaster recovery procedures.
- Facilitated knowledge sharing, creating comprehensive internal audit manual for ongoing reference.
- Achieved significant cost savings by identifying inefficiencies in operational procedures and recommending improvements.
- Ensured adherence to international audit standards by keeping abreast of changes and implementing necessary updates in audit procedures.
- Elevated team performance by leading training sessions on best audit practices and regulatory compliance.
- Promoted best practices in data management and privacy by auditing information systems for security vulnerabilities.
- Supported strategic decision-making by providing senior management with actionable insights from audit findings.
- Improved compliance with regulatory standards through meticulous internal policy reviews and updates.
- Enhanced stakeholder confidence with preparation of clear and detailed audit reports.
- Prepared working papers, reports and supporting documentation for audit findings.
- Trained new employees on accounting principles and company procedures.
Multimedia Sales Manager
Makro Crown Mines
02.2007 - 05.2011
- Led sales team to exceed quarterly targets through strategic planning and performance management.
- Analyzed market trends to identify new business opportunities and optimize sales strategies.
- Fostered strong client relationships to drive customer retention and satisfaction levels.
- Mentored junior sales staff, promoting professional development and increased productivity.
- Handled customer relations issues, enabling quick resolution, and client satisfaction.
- Increased sales revenue by developing and implementing effective sales strategies.
- Built long-lasting client relationships through excellent customer service and consistent followups.
- Led a successful sales team by providing motivational coaching and performance-based incentives.
- Organized regular sales meetings to review progress, share best practices, and set achievable targets for continued success.
- Maintained relationships with customers and found new ones by identifying needs and offering appropriate services.
- Managed key accounts with strategic planning and relationship building, resulting in increased customer loyalty and repeat business.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers, ensuring the best pricing and terms for company profitability.
- Overcame objections from potential clients by addressing concerns effectively and offering customized solutions based on their unique needs.
- Developed comprehensive product knowledge, enabling tailored solutions for clients'' specific needs.
- Provided ongoing training and mentorship for junior sales staff, fostering professional development and career growth.
- Analyzed market trends to identify new business opportunities, leading to expansion into profitable territories.
- Attended industry events and conventions to explain sales opportunities.
- Assisted in recruiting top talent for the sales team, contributing to a high-performing work environment.
- Collaborated with marketing teams to create targeted promotional campaigns, driving customer engagement and sales growth.
- Enhanced team performance with comprehensive training sessions, focusing on product knowledge and sales techniques.
- Boosted customer retention rates, establishing robust follow-up system and personalizing client interactions.
- Resolved problems with high-profile customers to maintain relationships and increase return customer base.
- Organized promotional events and interacted with community to increase sales volume.
- Held one-on-one meetings with sales team members to identify selling hurdles and offered insight into best remedy.
- Engaged in product training, demonstrations, consumer awareness, branding, and acquisition initiatives to raise awareness and revenues.
- Increased profit margins by effectively controlling budget and overhead and optimizing product turns.
- Achieved established KPI for company, regional team and individual performance through teamwork and focus on customers.
Receiving Operations Manager
Makro Rossburgh
07.2001 - 03.2007
- Developed and implemented training programs for staff to improve service delivery standards.
- Analyzed inventory management systems to optimize stock levels and minimize waste.
- Led cross-functional teams in executing strategic initiatives that improved overall performance.
- Established key performance indicators to monitor operational success and drive continuous improvement.
- Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
- Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them.
- Managed inventory and supply chain operations to achieve timely and accurate delivery of goods and services.
- Oversaw facility maintenance, ensuring optimal functionality of equipment and infrastructure at all times.
- Facilitated smooth collaboration between departments through clear communication channels.
- Identified and resolved unauthorized, unsafe, or ineffective practices.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors, resulting in better pricing and improved service quality.
- Spearheaded process improvements, resulting in increased productivity and reduced operational costs.
- Championed safety protocols to maintain a secure working environment, reducing workplace accidents significantly.
- Implemented quality control systems to boost overall product consistency and reliability.
Receiving Driver
Makro SA
04.1997 - 07.2001
- Operated delivery vehicles safely and efficiently to meet customer demands.
- Conducted routine vehicle inspections, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
- Managed timely loading and unloading of goods, optimizing delivery schedules.
- Maintained accurate records of deliveries, including mileage and fuel usage.
- Implemented route optimization strategies to enhance delivery efficiency.
- Followed all relevant traffic laws and safety regulations.
- Delivered goods and products to customer on time and in excellent condition.
- Improved customer satisfaction by maintaining punctuality and adhering to strict delivery schedules.
- Followed proper safety procedures and protocols while loading, unloading and operating vehicles.
Education
Multiple Management Courses
Makro University
Johannesburg, South Africa 04.2001 -
Retail Management Diploma
University Of Witwatersrand
Witwatersrand 04.2001 -
Matric - Matric Certificate
Grove End Secondary
Durban, South Africa 04.2001 -
Skills
Problem-solving
Team leadership
Operations management
Customer service
Operations monitoring
Operational efficiency
Decision-making
Employee relations and conflict resolution
Planning and implementation
Staff training
Staff management
Inventory management
Management
Project management
Operations oversight
Policies and procedures implementation
Performance monitoring
Employee motivation
Staff development
Customer relationship management
Maintaining compliance
Interpersonal communication
Inventory control
Workflow optimization
Strategic planning
Project management abilities
Project leadership
Process improvement
Schedule management
Performance management
Health and safety compliance
Regulatory compliance
Workforce management
Continuous improvements
Process improvements
Organizational management
Quality assurance controls
Customer relationship management (CRM)
Project planning and development
Logistics management
Delegation
Conflict mediation
Customer retention
Assignment delegation
Cost reduction
Business administration
Business planning
Logistics oversight
Product management
Unsurpassed work ethic
Incidents management
Risk management
Budget development and management
Cross-functional communications
Complex problems analysis
Business development
Forecasting and scheduling
Performance reporting
Warehouse operations
Process flows
Process improvement strategies
Cost control
Building and facility management
Maintenance planning
Supply chain management
Performance evaluations
Procedure development
Supply chain logistics
Budgeting and forecasting
Accomplishments
- Motivated and oversaw the instillation of a R2.8m new Advanced CCTV system for the store,
- Also motivated and oversaw the instillation of a new advanced R400k Alarm system fo the store including a new Sensomatic system at the exit doors.
- Achieved 100% on the last four Store External Compliance audits.
- Achieved and ASIB Fire protection certificate for the store for the first time in25 years.
- Achieved Proven management result's for Food Safety, Health and Safety, Security and Maintenance complemented by Senior H/O Staff
Timeline
Senior Risk Manager (Exec)
Makro Crown Mines
02.2019 - 05.2026
Receiving Team Manager (Exec)
Makro Crown Mines
08.2015 - 02.2019
Internal Auditor
Makro Crown Mines
05.2011 - 08.2015
Multimedia Sales Manager
Makro Crown Mines
02.2007 - 05.2011
Receiving Operations Manager
Makro Rossburgh
07.2001 - 03.2007
Multiple Management Courses
Makro University
04.2001 -
Retail Management Diploma
University Of Witwatersrand
04.2001 -
Matric - Matric Certificate
Grove End Secondary
04.2001 -
Receiving Driver
Makro SA
04.1997 - 07.2001