Nathi Mlotshwa
PRODUCT MANAGER
Kempton Park
Summary
A self-driven individual always ready for a challenge. My strengths include taking ownership, attention to detail and being a executioner. I self manage and excels in a team environments. Having attended various leadership courses and diversity training, I understand different people background and what may influence their thinking.
I have displayed my leadership skills in a business when I led Product Team during Management change-over (beginning of COVID-19) while we were waiting for new Manager. I have also led various Launch Teams in BMW for example X3 (G01), 7 Series (G70), XM (G09) and M2 (G87). Currently, I lead the GKL - BMW luxury range - Project Team.
In my personal capacity, I have led Sectional Title Body Corporate and Non-Profit organization; both as a chairman. Currently, I am the Vice President of Young Men's Guild of Kempton Park Methodist Church.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Product Manager
BMW Group South Africa
10.2013 - Current
- Successful planning and launch of the G01 Local Hero in 2017 and local production in 2018. New Price positioning strategy implementation to ensure volume increase for local market. With all interventions, G01 doubled the annual volumes compared to predecessor model F25.
- Lead Product Management Team for few months during COVID-19 in 2020 while we were waiting for new manager appointment. Led the Team to navigate volatile Pricing situations during this time while we were working from home.
- Proposed, planned and executed the first-ever Mzansi Edition for G01 models. Mzansi Editions facilitated the run-out of the pre-LCI models for G01, 400 units were retrofitted. Success of G01 Mzansi Edition had spill over to other models and we created a Brand Mzansi Edition.
- Implemented Customer Centric Offer Structure (CCOS) for model portfolio. Increase product value proposition for Customer and increased contribution margins for business, while reducing complexity in model portfolio and ordering processes.
- Ensured business continuity during restrictions and Semi-conductor global shortages. Ensured agility in terms of continuous vehicle supply and manage systems to ensure zero production loss due to restrictions.
- Leading the GKL+ Product offensive, #Chefsache. Successful Product launches of entire GKL+ portfolio and gained number 1 position against strong competition in 2023.
- Long Range Planning and Mission 2025.
Product Marketing Specialist - Scirocco, New Beetle and Golf Range
Volkswagen South Africa
04.2010 - 09.2013
- Introducing new Passat model. Repositioned the new model and managed to increase monthly volumes from average of 9 cars per month to an average of 15 cars per month.
- Contributed on the Team that planned and executed the first Polo Vivo GT Edition produced only for ZA market.
- Successful planning of Johannesburg International Motor Show display vehicles. Arrange vehicles from different country factories and manage team of technicians to prepare vehicles to show level. All vehicles arrived in time; no airfreighting of vehicles was required.
- Launched Golf 7 model in South African Market. Price positioned the Golf GTI at the sweet spot of hot hatch and became the bestseller of the Golf model range at around 40% mix of all Golf 7 models sold in South Africa.
Project Engineer in Manufacturing Engineering Division (MED)
Toyota South Africa
01.2007 - 01.2010
- Identified and managed project risks impacting projects timings from different areas; work together with departments involved to develop countermeasures thus avoiding delays in the project.
- Status report to Senior Management on projects matters including key next actions. Status report to planning division lead in Japan and Thailand (partner plant).
- Trainee Project Engineer in building of Waterborne Paint Shop for Bumpers. I was involved in Project from building construction phase, equipment installation and Commissioning. Waterborne Paint shop increased Toyota Paint facility output or efficiency, high quality, reduced Paint shop operating (labour & material) cost.
- Management of local equipment installation, installing and commissioning Air Plant and Boiler room managing contractors and subcontractors in specified time and budget.
- Designed and implemented new Paint Circulation system for Solvent Bumper Paint shop. New Paint circulation system saved R200,000 per year (reduced weekend work, cleaning solvent, paint wastage)
- Project Leader for Hilux model year change. I successfully achieved shortest change over for model year change with only 10 minutes down time for all affected departments.
Graduate Trainee
Toyota South Africa
01.2005 - 01.2006
- Responsible for all utilities and utility projects in Resin Plant. Ensuring that electricity supply usage is kept to minimum, water and gas piping are kept in good condition.
- Responsible for Safety, Health and Environmental projects. Installation of emergency warning equipment for all work areas and evacuation signals. Colour Coding of pipes according to use or content they carry.
Education
BSc - Mechanical Engineering
University of KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa01.2004
Skills
Communication and Presentation
References
- Dieter, Herbst, Lead Product & Launch Management NCAR China,
Dieter.Herbst@bmw.com, +49 89 382 27344, BMW, Germany
- Christian, Galli, Head of Business Development C3 and Area Management Korea, Christian.Galli@bmw.de, +49 151 601 18213, BMW Germany, Germany
- Mr, A Dlamini, Head of VW SA Group Communications, 011 911 2726, 082 451 5415, Volkswagen South Africa, South Africa
Timeline
Product Manager
BMW Group South Africa
10.2013 - Current
Product Marketing Specialist - Scirocco, New Beetle and Golf Range
Volkswagen South Africa
04.2010 - 09.2013
Project Engineer in Manufacturing Engineering Division (MED)
Toyota South Africa
01.2007 - 01.2010
Graduate Trainee
Toyota South Africa
01.2005 - 01.2006
BSc - Mechanical Engineering
University of KwaZulu-Natal