Monwabisi Sokhela
Summary
A mature professional management specialist with extensive knowledge of lending, banking, insurance, and funeral operations. A proven track record of over 10 years in process management, strategic positioning and goal alignment within the financial services industry. Success achieved as a result of leading teams by example, treating people with mutual respect, trust and transparency with a two-way communication. I always display self-confidence, I believe strongly in integrity and demand high expectations by continuously challenging team and self. Assertive, fair, and consistently performing to reach deadlines and expected outcomes. Great at creating structure and process for seamless, efficient, and effective sales and operational processes.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Thenjwayo Funeral Home
09.2021 - Current
- Measures effectiveness in planning, organizing and efficiently handling activities and eliminating unnecessary activities
- Effectiveness in keeping knowledgeable of methods, techniques and skills required in own job and related functions; effectiveness in time management; initiative and independent action within prescribed limits
- Consult with families or friends of the deceased to arrange funeral details, such as obituary notice wording, casket selection, or plans for services
- Advise customers on technical or procedural issues
- Direct and supervise work of embalmers, funeral attendants, death certificate clerks, cosmetologists, or other staff
- Schedule funerals, burials, or cremations
- Sell funeral services, products, or merchandise to clients
- Promote products, services, or programs
- Monitor funeral service operations to ensure that they comply with applicable policies, regulations, and laws
- Offer counsel and comfort to families and friends of the deceased
- Negotiate contracts for prearranged funeral services
- Negotiate sales or lease agreements for products or services
- Respond to customer complaints, legal inquiries, payment negotiations, or other post-service matters
- Plan and implement changes to service offerings to meet community needs or increase funeral home revenues
- Implement organizational process or policy changes
- Develop operating strategies, plans, or procedures
- Direct or monitor administrative, support, repair, or maintenance services for funeral homes
- Direct facility maintenance or repair activities
- Schedule work hours for funeral home or contract employees
- Set marketing, sales, or other financial goals for funeral service establishments and monitor progress toward these goals
- Explain goals, policies, or procedures to staff members
- Complete and maintain records such as state-required documents, tracking documents, or product inventories
- Prepare reports related to compliance matters
- Evaluate the performance of vendors, contract employees, or other service providers to ensure quality and cost-efficiency
- Set prices or credit terms for funeral products or service in consultation with the company shareholders and managing partners
- Interview and hire new employees
- Review financial statements, sales or activity reports, or other performance data to identify opportunities for cost reductions or service improvements
- Identify skill development needs for funeral home staff
- Attend or make presentations at community events to promote funeral home services or build community relationships
- Establish interpersonal business relationships to facilitate work activities
- Plan and implement sales promotions or other marketing strategies and activities for funeral home operations
- Implement organizational process or policy changes
- Conduct market research and analyze industry trends.
- Managed budget implementations, employee evaluations, and contract details.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
- Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
- Introduced new methods, practices, and systems to reduce turnaround time.
Sales and Branch Manager
Buthu ke Bana (Sopema funeral services)
06.2020 - 08.2021
- Manager both Dube and Dhlamini branches together with sales unit at the Orlando branch
- To meet the sales, financial and revenue targets of the company through the effective management of the sales teams, the effective mentoring, motivating, and coaching of employees, the delivery of services and results to key stakeholders; customers and employees and the day-to-day leadership of the branches
- Manages employees within their area of responsibility to ensure sales performance, adherence to quality standards, deadlines and adherence to policies and procedures, advise and give direction of growth initiative for branch staff
- Tracks branch and employee performance aligned to business objectives
- Formulates reports depicting financial performance for presentation to relevant stakeholders
- Ensure Compliance with all legal, ethical and company requirements
- Manages processes and the adherence of processes and procedures
- Communicates business objectives and the delivery of goals through branch initiatives
- Ensures that all internal and external customers are treated with dignity and respect
- Assists and guides employees to deliver a high level of customer service and manages escalations and disputes effectively, reflective of the company image
- Analyses trends and reports on improvement to maintain a competitive advantage for company
- Consistently conducts performance counselling sessions with poor performers, seeking to improve performance
- Seeks to improve the business standing through the suggestion and recommendation of improvement initiatives
- Client relationship management- Retain existing client and positively grow client base
- Develops sales strategies to acquire new customers or clients.
Retail Branch Manager
Old Mutual
12.2015 - 10.2018
- Manager both main branch and Kiosk
- Manage branch as a profit Centre, ensuring the appropriate balance of products sold, service and expenses
- Motivate and support team in branch to drive sales
- Aligning performance for success
- Advise and give direction of growth initiative for branch staff
- Industry and competitor analysis to detect possible opportunities
- Ensure Compliance with all legal, ethical and company requirements
- Planning, organizing and initiating actions
- Review applications in compliance with set policies
- Develop and implement sales strategy from branch
- Conduct an effective marketing strategy for branch
- Interact with internal and external stakeholders to improve service and increase client base
- Overall management of branch resources
- Coach staff
- Delegate Duties
- Client relationship management- Retain existing client and positively grow client base
- Effective coordination and implementation of regional plan in micro space
- Analysis of all reports and action corrective measure if necessary
- Balance own priorities with directing and motivating others
- Manage individual and team performance.
Branch Manager
African Bank
09.2014 - 11.2015
- Manage branch human capital function to perform efficiently and effectively and thereby maximize turnover for branch
- Ensure high staff morale and motivation of staff members
- Advise and give direction of growth initiative for branch staff
- Industry and competitor analysis to detect possible opportunities
- Ensure Compliance with all legal, ethical and company requirements
- Review applications
- Develop and implement sales strategy from branch
- Interact with internal and external stakeholders to improve service and increase foot inflow
- Handle petty cash
- Overall management of branch resources
- Coach staff
- Delegate Duties
- Market African Bank brand
- Overall branch Management as per the scope of African bank
- Client relationship management- Retain existing client and positively grow client base
- Effective coordination and implementation of regional plan in micro space
- Analysis of all reports and action corrective measure if necessary
- Ensure all products are sold and marketed efficiently
- Ensure implementation of branch micro marketing
- Partner with other branches to grow company brand
- Manage and direct branch as a profitable entity.
Sales Consultant/Assistant Manager
African Bank
10.2013 - 08.2014
- Loans processing
- Time management and prioritizing
- Ensure exceptional client service always
- Address customer queries
- Team performance/ working as a team
- Capturing and batching of applications
- Conducting credit cards stock take
- Preparing for Audit visit
- Resolving audit findings
- Communicating with Regional office
- Perform other administrative duties
- Marketing company products and brand
- Compliance with company regulations
- Strive to meet individual target
- Implement personal development plan.
Skills
Operations Oversight
Accomplishments
- Head Boy / SNR Peer Team Leader 2007
- Class Representative 2007
- SIFE ICU Project Head 2009
- SIFE Infutfuko Project Head 2010
- UNASA Unizulu Chapter Management 2011
Core Skills
Consistently creates a welcoming environment for the customers by greeting and assisting as well as quickly responding to customer inquiries and needs., Demonstrates desired behavior for staff including driving sales, handling difficult and/or complicated sales, cash management, inventory, and follow-up with customers., Proving a strong leadership presence and control in branch, while ensuring that all customers receive excellent service and personally suited products., Forecasts/reforecast business, focusing on productivity to meet sales goals and business standards, Collaborating with corporate office personnel and other lines of business to expand markets and exceed business requirements, Plan, coordinate, and see to efficient and effective execution off all branch plans and campaigns., Ensuring all pricing, signage, and displays are correct at all times., Enforce and ensure compliance with all legislative requirements, company policies, and procedures., Staff recruitment, development, motivational and training with focus on succession planning and retention of superb performers., Influence a collaborative style of working and delegation., Creating, influencing, and leading a team with proven track record of delivering success through teamwork and interpersonal leadership skills., Able to comfortably manage complex issues whilst being culturally sensitive., Confident and articulate communicator with effective negotiation skills., Create an environment where all employees develop and excel., Constructively and fairly address negative contributions., Prepare a Situational Analysis to determine the overall performance of the business unit, Ensure business targets are meet by all lines of business in the retail branch., Align people with the overall direction of the company by highlighting important contribution of all individuals.
Community Participation
- Students In Free Enterprise 2009-2011
- United Nations Association Of South Africa 2011
Education And Qualification
- Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Business Management) - Pending
- RE5
- Matric (Grade 12) commercial subjects
Personal Information
Nationality: South African
References
Available on request
Timeline
General Manager
Thenjwayo Funeral Home
09.2021 - Current
Sales and Branch Manager
Buthu ke Bana (Sopema funeral services)
06.2020 - 08.2021
Retail Branch Manager
Old Mutual
12.2015 - 10.2018
Branch Manager
African Bank
09.2014 - 11.2015
Sales Consultant/Assistant Manager
African Bank
10.2013 - 08.2014
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