Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic
Maria Pike

Maria Pike

Somerset west

Summary

Dynamic logistics and commercial professional with over 15 years of hands-on experience in international trade, freight forwarding, and strategic operations. Proven track record in business development, client relationship management, and regional team leadership. Skilled in navigating high-pressure environments, aligning cross-functional teams, and driving process improvement to boost performance and profitability. Adept at developing new trade lanes, negotiating rates, and leading end-to-end shipping operations. Multilingual, culturally agile, and deeply committed to excellence.


Languages

  • Croatian, English, Slavic Languages – Native
  • Italian, Spanish, Afrikaans – Conversational

Awards & Recognition

  • Employee of the Year – Barloworld Logistics – 2016
  • HR Recognition – Enrolled in Leadership Programme – 2024


Testimonials

"Maria is the most valuable asset Synergy has... We deal with Synergy because of Maria." – Mike Perry, CEO, African Reptiles and Venom


"Hardworking, dedicated, and always willing to go the extra mile." – Ryan Lurie, FD/MD


"Passionate, loyal, and knowledgeable — Maria breathes this industry." – Charlotte van der Walt, HR

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Sales Executive

Aviocean CPT
08.2024 - Current
  • Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.
  • Boosted sales revenue by cultivating strong client relationships and implementing effective sales strategies.
  • Delivered exceptional customer service, resulting in a high percentage of repeat business and client referrals.
  • Demonstrated expert product knowledge during client interactions, addressing questions/concerns confidently and offering solutions tailored specifically for them.
  • Analyzed sales data regularly to monitor progress towards goals and make necessary adjustments to strategy as needed.
  • Researched sales opportunities and possible leads to exceed sales goals and increase profits.
  • Developed key partnerships, resulting in increased lead generation and cross-selling opportunities.
  • Streamlined sales process to improve efficiency, reduce cycle time, and close deals faster.
  • Negotiated contract terms with clients, securing favorable conditions for both parties while maximizing profitability.
  • Participated in industry trade shows to represent company and generate valuable leads for future business growth.
  • Implemented CRM system for better customer tracking, leading to improved follow-up processes and higher conversion rates.
  • Expanded market share with strategic territory planning and targeted prospecting.
  • Managed pipeline efficiently, prioritizing tasks according to urgency/importance while maintaining focus on long-term objectives.
  • Improved product offerings by gathering customer feedback and working closely with product development team.
  • Streamlined sales processes to reduce cycle times and improve efficiency.
  • Spearheaded entry into new markets, conducting feasibility studies and developing market entry strategies.
  • Negotiated favorable terms with suppliers to improve product margins and competitiveness.
  • Identified new market opportunities through diligent research and networking.
  • Enhanced client satisfaction, providing exceptional after-sales support and maintaining regular communication.
  • Reduced operational costs by identifying inefficiencies in sales process and implementing corrective measures.
  • Pioneered adoption of CRM software to improve customer relationship management and data analysis.
  • Drove revenue growth, leveraging in-depth product knowledge to offer customized solutions.
  • Achieved significant sales targets by motivating team and setting realistic yet challenging goals.

Access World SA – Northern Region C&F Sales Manage

Access World
01.2024 - 07.2024
  • Designed and implemented new procedures to enhance efficiency.
  • Supported disciplinary and HR-related functions with internal alignment.
  • Updated costing sheets and rate structures in collaboration with Finance.
  • Monitored and supported customer onboarding and retention.
  • Explored new trade laneopportunities and guided team on market entry strategy
  • Drafted official customer correspondence for quarterly rate updates.
  • Achieved regional sales objectives by coordinating sales team, developing successful strategies, and servicing accounts to strengthen business relationships.
  • Targeted prospects in other territories through careful research of competitor products, services, and trends.

Business Development & Key Account Manager

Synergy Worldwide Logistics
10.2017 - 01.2024
  • Conducted regular account reviews with clients to assess performance, identify areas for improvement, and strategize future growth opportunities.
  • Analyzed sales and customer data to identify trends and opportunities for increased profitability.
  • Analyzed market trends, identifying opportunities for expanding product offerings within key accounts.
  • Strengthened client relationships through regular communication and effective problemsolving.
  • Brought in over 100 new clients, growing revenue by 69%.
  • Led full operational cycles, including rate negotiations, estimates, track and trace, invoicing, and CI management.
  • Strategically promoted the brand through media exposure and networking.
  • Collaborated across departments to deliver tailored shipping and logistics solutions.
  • Instrumental in driving brand growth and operational success across the region.

Key Accounts Manager

Barloworld Logistics
04.2014 - 11.2016
  • Developed customized proposals for potential clients, demonstrating the value of the company''s products and services.
  • Developed and delivered presentations to key customers to position products and services.
  • Built and maintained strong client relationships to drive business growth.
  • Proactively identified potential issues within key accounts, taking corrective action to prevent loss of business or dissatisfaction.
  • Managed Royal Canin’s supply chain, becoming the #1 account in South Africa
  • Oversaw the import of raw materials and high-tech parts.
  • Coordinated State Vet inspections, permits, and compliance documentation

Express Outbound Operations Manager

Aramex
04.2013 - 03.2014
  • Developed key performance indicators to measure team success and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Established productive relationships with carriers, negotiating contracts for cost-effective transportation solutions.
  • Participated in process improvement projects, identifying areas of inefficiency or waste within the supply chain network.
  • Improved safety standards within the facility by enforcing compliance with OSHA regulations and conducting regular audits.
  • Improved performance KPIs from 47% to 92% in under two months
  • Implemented robust SOPs and managed a 24/7 operations team.

International Contracts Manager

DCD Ringrollers
04.2011 - 03.2013
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and best practices, ensuring compliant and competitive contracting approaches.
  • Provided expert guidance to colleagues on contract interpretation and application, fostering a culture of compliance within the organization.
  • Implemented robust monitoring systems to track ongoing contractual commitments and identify potential issues before they escalated.
  • Collaborated with legal counsel to develop comprehensive risk assessments for high-value contracts, safeguarding company interests.
  • Managed risk, international contracts, and rolling stock logistics.
  • Oversaw global supplier and buyer relationships.

Education

Commercial Guru Training -

Sales Guru
Cape Town
04.2001 -

TETA – Generic Manufacturing Management NQF 4 - Business

TETA
Pretoria
04.2001 -

Bachelor of Arts - History, English Language

Filozofski Fakultet Zagreb
Zagreb, Croatia
04.2001 -

Skills

  • Strategic Sales & Commercial Development
  • Freight Operations (Air, Sea Road, Cross Trade)
  • Client Onboarding & Retention
  • Process Improvement & SOP Implementation
  • Team Leadership & Mentorship
  • Legal, HR, and Finance Collaboration
  • Trade Lane Development & Market Expansion
  • Project & Stakeholder Management
  • Contract Negotiation & Costing Structures

Timeline

Sales Executive

Aviocean CPT
08.2024 - Current

Access World SA – Northern Region C&F Sales Manage

Access World
01.2024 - 07.2024

Business Development & Key Account Manager

Synergy Worldwide Logistics
10.2017 - 01.2024

Key Accounts Manager

Barloworld Logistics
04.2014 - 11.2016

Express Outbound Operations Manager

Aramex
04.2013 - 03.2014

International Contracts Manager

DCD Ringrollers
04.2011 - 03.2013

Commercial Guru Training -

Sales Guru
04.2001 -

TETA – Generic Manufacturing Management NQF 4 - Business

TETA
04.2001 -

Bachelor of Arts - History, English Language

Filozofski Fakultet Zagreb
04.2001 -

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