Marius Du Plessis
INDEPENDENT MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT
Summary
Results-driven Management Consultant with over 30 years of experience in Business Development, Account/Partner Management, Sales, and Logistics roles within the technology, travel, and oil & gas industries. Permanently stationed on three continents, I have successfully managed staff and operations in numerous countries while collaborating with global teams.
Throughout my career, I have been instrumental in growing multi-million dollar accounts and spearheading innovative projects that strengthen client relationships for future growth. As a hands-on leader, I excel at improving operational efficiency, enhancing team productivity, and motivating employees. With exceptional organizational, critical thinking, and prioritization skills, I am passionate about contributing to business success through my extensive background in sales, business development, account management, and related fields.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
4
4
Languages
Work History
INDEPENDENT MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT
Bay Consulting Services
01.2022 - Current
- I consult with a variety of SME clients on Business Development and expansion strategies as well as growth and retention strategies for existing clients, based on value creation
- I review business cases and synthesize information from external sources that serve as inputs to new business plans, incorporating macro industry trends
- Provide functional expertise to determine the capabilities and risks associated with proposed new ventures, along with strategies to evaluate annual performance
- Setting and evaluating department-level strategies that are aligned with the Corporate Strategy
- Implemented technology solutions that streamlined processes, improved efficiency, and reduced costs for clients.
- Leveraged industry best practices to drive continuous improvement efforts within client organizations.
SALES DIRECTOR - ENTERPRISE
Metasoft Systems Inc
09.2021 - 12.2021
- I was tasked with setting up the Enterprise Account division in the North American market through engagement with Metasoft's key enterprise accounts
- This was a very specific remote contract managed from South Africa
- Optimized sales operations by streamlining processes, implementing CRM systems, and developing comprehensive training programs for new hires.
OPERATIONS MANAGER
XPressDP Solutions
02.2018 - 08.2021
- I managed the print and mailing department that served Xpress DP Solutions' clients in the finance, medical, and hospitality sectors.
- I regularly conducted performance evaluations, identified areas for improvement, and developed strategic action plans.
- I oversaw the operations staff, ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures.
- By encouraging employees to take ownership of their roles, I increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
INDEPENDENT MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT
Sabre Travel Network South Africa
01.2016 - 11.2017
- I carried out research and formulated the business and project plans for the successful worldwide expansion of a locally developed corporate travel software solution. This was accomplished through consultation and collaboration with Sabre South Africa and one of South Africa's largest travel agency groups.
- I also conducted comprehensive evaluations of clients' operational structures and recommended practical steps for enhancement.
DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL ACCOUNTS AND ONLINE BUSINESS
Sabre Travel Network Middle East
09.2009 - 12.2015
- I managed all Global Accounts in the Middle East, which accounted for 30% of Sabre's total regional revenue. From 2009 to 2014, the revenue from these accounts increased by 53%.
- I also established and oversaw Sabre's online business segment as a new strategy in the Middle East.
- I personally managed the largest global franchise of American Express Travel - a contract I secured for an additional five years before leaving the region.
- I built high-performing teams by offering mentorship, guidance, and professional growth opportunities. Additionally, I fostered a positive work environment that enhanced employee engagement, improved retention rates, and elevated team morale.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Sabre Travel Network Middle East
06.2007 - 08.2009
- I was responsible for the growth of the Sabre GDS system in the UAE and Qatar
- Conducted comprehensive market research and analysis to identify emerging trends and potential areas of expansion.
- Within two years I grew market share in the UAE and Qatar by 15% and 8% respectively
- I was also involved in designing the business model for Sabre's entry into the Iraq market
- Generated new business with marketing initiatives and strategic plans.
- Reached out to potential customers via telephone, email, and in-person inquiries.
- Negotiated and closed long-term agreements with new clients in the assigned territory.
- Increased client base by identifying new business opportunities and cultivating strong relationships with key decision makers.
SUPPLY CHAIN OPERATIONS MANGER
Sasol Oil
02.2004 - 05.2007
- I oversaw all local shipping operations within South Africa, including the transportation of fuel supplies to inland depots.
- I managed the contract and logistical operations for supplying 50% of Namibia's fuel requirements, coordinating between South African and Walvis Bay Namibian ports.
- My responsibilities included negotiating contract rates for all ad-hoc road transport routes with transport companies.
- I conducted regular performance reviews, pinpointed areas for improvement, and developed action plans accordingly. Additionally, I supervised operations staff, ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures.
CONSULTANT AND SALES EXECUTIVE
Computer Configuration Holdings / MGX
01.1999 - 11.2003
- Jointly consulted with large corporate clients such as Liberty Life, Vodacom, and BHP Billiton
- Personally responsible for consulting to various clients like Landbank, Department of Agriculture, and Ceramic Industries
- Consistently exceeded my stipulated quarterly and annual sales targets
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to successfully deliver comprehensive solutions for clients.
- Managed client relationships through regular check-ins and updates on project progress.
- Evaluated client needs and expectations, establishing clear goals for each consulting engagement.
- Assisted clients in navigating complex industry challenges with strategic recommendations.
SENIOR SALES AND ACCOUNT MANAGER
Automobile Association of South Africa
03.1997 - 12.1998
- Responsible for all corporate sales staff and activities in the Gauteng region
- Increased overall sales revenue through Call Centre business by approximately 3 million Rand per annum
- Assumed overall responsibility for half-year and annual budgets to be submitted to the board from the corporate division
- Successfully resolved escalated issues, preventing potential loss of valuable clients while maintaining positive relationships with all parties involved.
- Increased client satisfaction by building strong relationships and addressing their needs promptly.
- Collaborated with sales team to identify potential upsell opportunities and expand client base.
SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER
Galileo Southern Africa
06.1993 - 02.1997
- Responsible for all sales staff and clients in the Gauteng region
- Mentored junior account managers, fostering their professional growth and skills development within the company.
- Assisted in achieving a 96% market share in SA within 3 years
- Assumed overall responsibility for increasing profitability in the American Express Travel Group through the use of the Galileo system and products
- Put together a national 'Roadshow' throughout South Africa and Namibia, which received a SATOUR nomination and second place award in the annual Group Marketing Campaign category
- Increased revenue for the company through strategic upselling and cross-selling initiatives.
ADMINISTRATION
South African Airways
01.1989 - 05.1993
- Worked as a Call Centre agent at Central Reservations
- Handled customer inquiries about flight, bookings, services, and company information.
Addressed customer complaints with empathy, leading to enhanced loyalty and repeat business.
Served on the committee responsible for staff motivation and incentives within the office.
Education
High School Diploma -
Grens High School
East London, South Africa 04.2001 - 1986.01
Skills
Timeline
INDEPENDENT MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT
Bay Consulting Services
01.2022 - Current
SALES DIRECTOR - ENTERPRISE
Metasoft Systems Inc
09.2021 - 12.2021
OPERATIONS MANAGER
XPressDP Solutions
02.2018 - 08.2021
INDEPENDENT MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT
Sabre Travel Network South Africa
01.2016 - 11.2017
DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL ACCOUNTS AND ONLINE BUSINESS
Sabre Travel Network Middle East
09.2009 - 12.2015
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Sabre Travel Network Middle East
06.2007 - 08.2009
SUPPLY CHAIN OPERATIONS MANGER
Sasol Oil
02.2004 - 05.2007
High School Diploma -
Grens High School
04.2001 - 1986.01
CONSULTANT AND SALES EXECUTIVE
Computer Configuration Holdings / MGX
01.1999 - 11.2003
SENIOR SALES AND ACCOUNT MANAGER
Automobile Association of South Africa
03.1997 - 12.1998
SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER
Galileo Southern Africa
06.1993 - 02.1997
ADMINISTRATION
South African Airways
01.1989 - 05.1993
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