Michiel John Smith
Sales & Operations Manager
Paarl
Summary
Seasoned Operations Manager and talented leader with 4 years of experience applying exceptional planning and problem-solving abilities toward enhancing business plans and day-to-day activities. Results-driven and resilient in developing teams while improving processes and increasing productivity. Bringing solid understanding of industry trends, excellent communication skills, talent for spotting areas in need of improvement and implementing changes with strategic approach.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages
Work History
Sales and Operations Manager
Kestrel Liner Agencies
02.2025 - Current
- Identified and pursued new business opportunities to drive sales growth and expand the client base within the logistics and export sector.
- Scheduled and conducted in-person meetings with prospective clients to present service offerings, and establish strong commercial relationships.
- Collaborated closely with company offices across multiple international locations, ensuring seamless coordination and alignment of export operations.
- Built and maintained strong vendor relationships, leading to improved service quality, and more competitive pricing across key logistics partners.
- Negotiated contracts with key service providers including shipping lines, transport companies, and warehousing partners to secure optimal terms and cost efficiencies.
- Supported shipment coordination to ensure compliance with cut-off times and delivery schedules, contributing to high levels of customer satisfaction.
Import and Export Manager
Red Wolf Global South Africa
07.2023 - 02.2025
- Managed a diverse range of client portfolios, each with unique cargo needs, ensuring tailored solutions for optimal transportation.
- Expert in FCL (Full Container Load), LCL (Less Container Load), air freight, as well as handling Out of Gauge (OOG), and project cargo shipments.
- Coordinated complex logistics to ensure timely delivery while maintaining optimal shipment conditions, from origin to destination.
- Negotiated favorable contract terms, balancing cost-efficiency with high-quality standards, to maximize profit margins.
- Advised clients on the best transportation options, recommending appropriate carriers, shipping routes, and modes of transport based on their specific needs.
- Prepared and submitted shipping documentation to both shipping lines and government agencies, ensuring that all paperwork was submitted ahead of shipment cutoffs.
- Managed export and import dues through the Transnet website, ensuring timely payments and adherence to regulations.
- Facilitated customs entries for imports and exports using the Easy Clear system, ensuring smooth clearance at ports.
- Provided expert guidance to clients on HS codes and tariffs, ensuring accurate product descriptions for customs purposes.
- Built strong, long-lasting relationships with international partners, cultivating trust, and fostering continued business collaboration.
- Managed cargo insurance, ensuring coverage for potential loss, damage, or pilferage during transit.
- Tracked shipments, providing clients with real-time updates on POD (Port of Destination) and POL (Port of Loading) times.
Area Manager
Berda Fruit South Africa
07.2021 - 06.2023
- Managed imports and exports, overseeing all aspects of sales, stock management, and invoicing for the company.
- Coordinated the export of citrus and grapes, primarily to the Chinese market, ensuring compliance with export regulations and market standards.
- Conducted regular visits to grape and citrus farms nationwide, inspecting fruit quality, and ensuring consistency with company export specifications.
- Oversaw transport logistics and managed the necessary documentation for containers, ensuring smooth delivery and customs compliance for receiving countries.
- Compiled and submitted detailed reports on each container, documenting fruit quality, taste, and export readiness.
- Managed the import of electric vehicles for farm use, overseeing distribution through various retailers across the country.
- Led inventory management, including order placement in China for new products and materials, and coordinated meetings with suppliers to discuss potential product improvements.
- Managed retailer relationships across South Africa, visiting current outlets, and identifying opportunities to open new retail locations.
- Increased sales performance by significantly expanding the retailer network, and improving product distribution strategies over a two-year period.
- Employee of the Year – 2021 & 2022
Recognized company-wide across all international offices for outstanding performance, dedication, and consistent contribution to business growth and client satisfaction.
Logistics And Bottling Plant Supervisor
Jorgensen’s Distillery
01.2021 - 06.2021
- Managed transport logistics, overseeing pickups, deliveries, and ensuring timely order fulfillment for production and distribution.
- Assisted with bottling, labeling, and packaging operations, ensuring products met industry standards, and were prepared for shipping.
- Contributed to the production of various alcoholic drinks and spirits, adhering to quality control and safety regulations.
- Supported factory renovations, particularly in the setup of new packing production lines, optimizing operational efficiency.
Casual (School Holiday)
UPOT Seed Company
12.2019 - 12.2019
- Tracked and reported on current seed production volumes, and provided forecasting updates for upcoming harvests.
- Monitored seed development across multiple farms, ensuring growth progress aligned with production goals, and quality benchmarks.
- Collaborated with teams to construct and maintain seed drying racks on-site at various farm locations.
- Gained hands-on knowledge of multiple seed varieties, including their characteristics, growth requirements, and post-harvest handling.
- Participated in visits to specialized laboratories to observe and understand seed quality testing and certification processes.
Assistant To The Marketing Team (School Holidays)
Bonfrut PTY LTD
01.2016 - 10.2019
- Conducted fruit quality inspections to ensure compliance with export market standards, and customer specifications.
- Performed packaging assessments, verifying that labeling, materials, and presentation met both local and international requirements.
- Carried out storage and logistics inspections, ensuring that pallet configurations, temperature controls, and handling procedures adhered to export regulations.
- Conducted regular farm and orchard visits to monitor fruit development and verify quality at the source, aligning with pre-harvest specifications.
- Coordinated export logistics, including container booking, documentation, and compliance checks, ensuring timely and accurate dispatch of shipments.
Education
1 Year Course - Entrepreneurship
School Of Entrepreneurship
Remote11.2021
High School Diploma -
Huguenot High School
Wellington, Western Cape 04.2001 -
Skills
- Trustworthy and committed
- Proficient in computer applications
- Good communication skills (Bilingual)
- Effective in both team settings and solo tasks
- Proactive problem-solving
- Self-motivated, take ownership with decision making ability
- Ability to prioritize and work under pressure
- Attention to detail and procedural mindset
- Understand quality management principles and able to analyze data
References
Jacques Mouton, 083 266 3759, Berda Fruit South Africa
Kerryn Reid Thomson, 076 846 1461, Red Wolf Global South Africa
Riaan Lambrechts, 083 236 3622, McCarthy Toyota Paarl
Timeline
Sales and Operations Manager
Kestrel Liner Agencies
02.2025 - Current
Import and Export Manager
Red Wolf Global South Africa
07.2023 - 02.2025
Area Manager
Berda Fruit South Africa
07.2021 - 06.2023
Logistics And Bottling Plant Supervisor
Jorgensen’s Distillery
01.2021 - 06.2021
Casual (School Holiday)
UPOT Seed Company
12.2019 - 12.2019
Assistant To The Marketing Team (School Holidays)
Bonfrut PTY LTD
01.2016 - 10.2019
High School Diploma -
Huguenot High School
04.2001 -
1 Year Course - Entrepreneurship
School Of Entrepreneurship
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