Ntombozuko Sibande
Sector Manager - Horticulture
Nigel,Gauteng
Summary
Landscaping services Section Leader experienced in establishing and enhancing production initiatives to achieve performance objectives. Well-versed in establishing work priorities to support personnel duties and tasks to promote quality service. Monitors cost-effectiveness and develops countermeasures and process improvement activities to train workers and enhance productivity.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
19
19
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Help-desk assistant / florist / assistant manager
Schaffler's Garden Centre, Lyndhurst, Johannesburg
10.2012 - 11.2013
- Customer consult & service, help-desk assistant, filing, florist, display arrangements, assistant manager, plant sales, stock control
- Streamlined support processes for increased efficiency and reduced response times
- Assessed, troubleshot and repaired various machines such as desktops, printers and sorters
- Developed strong relationships with clients, leading to repeat business and client referrals
- Conducted regular system maintenance, ensuring optimal performance and minimal downtime for clients
- Created detailed reports on common trends in help desk requests, assisting management in making informed decisions about future training needs
- Managed user accounts, including password resets and access modifications as needed
- Diagnosed and troubleshot hardware, software and network issues
- Responded to customer inquiries and provided technical assistance over phone and in person
- Researched and identified solutions to technical problems
- Created user accounts and assigned permissions
- Configured and tested new software and hardware
- Tested new software and hardware prior to deployment
- Broke down and evaluated user problems, using test scripts, personal expertise, and probing questions
- Developed and implemented preventive maintenance procedures
- Supported head florist with daily tasks, improving overall efficiency and workflow within the store
- Prepared incoming flower stocks for inclusion in arrangements, bouquets and [Type]
- Prepared flowers for sale by trimming stems, removing leaves, and arranging them attractively in vases or other containers according to best practices for visual appeal and longevity
- Designed general purpose and special occasion flower arrangements using recommended floral design guidelines
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, ensuring a safe and efficient work environment for all staff members
- Created custom flower arrangements and [Type] for in-store customers
- Managed social media accounts for the store, showcasing current projects, promotions and events to increase online presence resulting in higher engagement rates
- Provided support during promotional events, effectively setting up displays, engaging with customers, and handling increased demand for products
- Processed customer orders accurately and efficiently, contributing to increased sales revenue
- Placed floral arrangements in refrigerated cases and arranged other merchandise on display fixtures
- Supported in-store sales promotions, frequently engaging in product upsell activities
- Developed strong relationships with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of high-quality fresh flowers at competitive prices
- Performed daily cash register opening and closing functions and generated daily sales reports
- Developed individualized arrangement recommendations based on customers' budget, occasion and preferences
- Managed daily opening and closing of florist shop to prepare for incoming customers and balance payments
- Developed positive relationships with clients and vendors to boost rapport and trust
- Prepared new flower and greenery shipments for arrangement by stripping leaves below waterline, cutting new flowers, mixing flower food solutions and filling floral containers with food solutions
- Inspected stock to identify shortages, replenish supply and maintain consistent inventory
- Prepared potted plants and bouquets based on customer requirements
- Maintained thorough knowledge of needs, characteristics, and varieties of flowers and greenery used in shop to inform arrangement decisions and provide information to customers
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes
- Communicated clearly with employees, suppliers and stakeholders to keep everyone on same page and working toward established business goals
- Developed and implemented business strategies to achieve business goals and stay competitive
- Monitored and analyzed business performance to identify areas of improvement and make necessary adjustments
- Improved marketing to attract new customers and promote business
- Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development
- Managed budgets effectively, ensuring optimal financial performance while investing in necessary resources for business growth
- Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics
- Planned and budgeted accurately to provide business with resources needed to operate smoothly
- Built high-performing teams through effective recruitment, onboarding, and talent development initiatives
- Improved safety procedures to create safe working conditions for workers
- Developed a strong company culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities
- Conducted competitive analysis to identify market trends and capitalize on emerging opportunities for growth
- Launched new products and services with thorough market research, leading to increased revenue growth
- Established robust risk mitigation strategies to safeguard against potential operational challenges or disruptions
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members
- Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability
- Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty
- Developed detailed plans based on broad guidance and direction
- Identified and communicated customer needs to supply chain capacity and quality teams
- Improved staffing during busy periods by creating employee schedules and monitoring call-outs
- Planned, created, tested and deployed system life cycle methodology to produce high quality systems to meet and exceed customer expectations
- Managed senior-level personnel working in marketing and sales capacities
- Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones
Florist Manager
Kailflora Florist - Sandton
12.2011 - 01.2012
- Flower arrangements, inventory control, budgeting, bookkeeping, teleflorist arrangements, cashier, purchasing, supervision, customer service
- Supervised 10 employees in floral department
- Decreased shrink by 10% through close monitoring of department
- Monitored special orders to promote timely deliveries of floral displays, bouquets and decorative items
Medical Technologist
National Health Laboratory Services - Far East Rand Laboratory Services
Johannesburg
03.1996 - 06.2007
- Blood test analysis, daily & monthly quality control, SANAS Accreditation Audits compliance, machine calibration & maintenance, customer service, training students
- Identified patient and labeled specimens with correct information to protect patient from adverse errors
- Analyzed laboratory findings to check accuracy of results
- Upheld regulatory compliance by adhering to all relevant laws, guidelines, policies, and procedures related to medical laboratory practice
- Employed microscopic techniques to collect and study blood samples to determine number of cells, morphology, and blood group, assessing compatibility for transfusion purposes
- Increased efficiency by troubleshooting equipment malfunctions and performing routine maintenance tasks as needed
- Collected and reviewed patient medical histories to accurately interpret test results
- Developed and implemented quality assurance programs to maintain accuracy of results
- Trained and oriented new medical technologists to perform and interpret tests
- Conducted chemical analysis of body fluids to determine presence of normal and abnormal components
- Prepared tissue for microscopic examination by pathologists
- Supported clinical research projects through precise execution of specialized tests and effective communication of findings to investigators
- Completed specimen collection and analysis while complying with OSHA, Universal Precautions, and quality assurance policies
- Identified and troubleshot technical issues related to laboratory procedures
- Completed comprehensive diagnostic testing of blood, urine and other body fluids
- Prepared reports to document laboratory results and findings
- Collected and studied blood samples to determine number of cells, morphology, blood group and blood type
- Evaluated and interpreted laboratory results to determine diagnoses
Student Horticulturist
Flora Farm Garden Centre - Boksburg
- Customer & advisory services, plant propagation, display & pot arrangements, pest identification & control, greenhouse plants monitoring, pruning
Florist Trainee
Twiggs Florist cc - Kensington
- Customer service (contractors), events decorations, flower arranging: bouquets for all occasions
Horticulturist
Randwater - EMS (Central Depot)
12.2012
- Project Management, Environmental & Risk Management, Financial (Budget) & human resource Management, Formulate daily, monthly maintenance schedule, Develop departmental strategic plans, objectives & implementation plan, Horticultural site management, Health and Safety management, Staff management, Arboriculture: Alien Invasive Identification & Removal, Contractor management - Compilation of specifications, Compile standard working procedures for the department
Sector Manager
University of Pretoria, AIM
Pretoria
07.2024 - Current
- Identified areas of inefficiency within gardens and university premises; recommended solutions for improvement.
- Conducted thorough research on market trends and customer preferences to inform product development initiatives.
- Developed comprehensive reports detailing sector performance metrics.
- Enhanced team performance by implementing strategic plans and monitoring progress.
- Coordinated efforts across departments to drive cohesive action toward achieving sector goals.
- Implemented data-driven decision-making processes to optimize resource allocation in the sector.
- Formulated long-term strategies to capitalize on emerging trends in the sector, positioning the company for future success.
- Trained and mentored employees, increasing their skills and fostering professional growth.
- Evaluated competitor actions and adjusted strategies accordingly to maintain competitive advantage in the market.
- Streamlined operations for improved efficiency, reducing costs and increasing profitability.
- Improved employee retention rates by creating a supportive work environment that encouraged personal growth and career advancement opportunities.
- Ensured compliance with relevant laws regulations applicable to the organization.
- Delivered presentations to senior executives outlining sector performance, challenges, and recommendations for improvement.
- Established strong relationships with key industry stakeholders, enhancing company reputation and influence.
- Supervised, encouraged and evaluated cross-functional teams by coaching and empowering team members to meet production goals.
- Oversaw projects, equipment and manpower needs to properly allocate resources and training.
- Conducted performance reviews to identify employee strengths and encourage professional development opportunities.
- Monitored production targets to meet company and customer demands.
- Coordinated safety improvement activities and training to promote safety awareness.
- Developed production schedules to maintain sufficient shift coverage.
- Collaborated with other department to support projects, identify issues and implement improvement activities.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
Education
Project Management NQF level 5 - Project Management
North-West University
North West 01.2016 - 03.2016
M Tech - Horticulture (NQF8 credits) - Ornamental Horticulture
Tshwane University Of Technology
TUT Tshwane University Of Technology 01.2013 - 05.2016
Btech - Horticulture (NQF7 credits) - Ornamental Horticulture
University Of South Africa
UNISA - University Of South Africa 01.2011 - 05.2013
National Diploma: Horticulture (NQF6 credits) - Ornamental Horticulture
University Of South Africa
UNISA - University Of South Africa 01.2004 - 05.2011
National Diploma: Medical Technology - Medical Technology
Cape University of Technology
Cape Town Belville 01.1992 - 05.1996
Matric -
Gcisa High School, Tsolo, Eastern Cape
Tsolo 01.1986 - 12.1987
Skills
Computer skills (Ms Word, Excel, Power – point, Database, SAP & AutoCad)
Analytical & technical skills
Interpersonal & communication skills (written & verbal)
Flower arranging
OHSA Act
Risk Management
Contractor management
Quality Control Skills
Project management
Presenting skills
Contactdetails
23 Napier Street, Sharon Park, Nigel, 1498, 072 122 6814/ 082 899 0032, Code 8
Personal Information
- ID Number: 701122 0988 083
- Ethnicity: Black
- Gender: Female
- Nationality: South Africa
- Marital Status: Married
Healthstatus
Excellent
References
- Ms Sanelisiwe Mongai, Senior Horticulturist, Ekurhuleni Metropolitan, 073-870-7062
- Mr. Lucas Kgoetiane, Laboratory Manager, National Health Lab. Service, 083-292-4445
- Mr. Phanuel Ngobeni, Senior Horticulturist, Randwater, 082-786-2088, 011 724 9245
Languages
IsiXhosa
Timeline
Sector Manager
University of Pretoria, AIM
07.2024 - Current
Project Management NQF level 5 - Project Management
North-West University
01.2016 - 03.2016
M Tech - Horticulture (NQF8 credits) - Ornamental Horticulture
Tshwane University Of Technology
01.2013 - 05.2016
Horticulturist
Randwater - EMS (Central Depot)
12.2012
Help-desk assistant / florist / assistant manager
Schaffler's Garden Centre, Lyndhurst, Johannesburg
10.2012 - 11.2013
Florist Manager
Kailflora Florist - Sandton
12.2011 - 01.2012
Btech - Horticulture (NQF7 credits) - Ornamental Horticulture
University Of South Africa
01.2011 - 05.2013
National Diploma: Horticulture (NQF6 credits) - Ornamental Horticulture
University Of South Africa
01.2004 - 05.2011
Medical Technologist
National Health Laboratory Services - Far East Rand Laboratory Services
03.1996 - 06.2007
National Diploma: Medical Technology - Medical Technology
Cape University of Technology
01.1992 - 05.1996
Matric -
Gcisa High School, Tsolo, Eastern Cape
01.1986 - 12.1987
Student Horticulturist
Flora Farm Garden Centre - Boksburg
Florist Trainee
Twiggs Florist cc - Kensington
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