Paul Gerard Pretorius
General Manager
Pretoria
Summary
Results-driven professional with 19 years of extensive experience across multiple industries, demonstrating expertise in leadership, project management, operations, strategic planning and sales. Proven ability to drive efficiency, optimize processes, and lead high-performing teams to success. Adept at problem-solving, decision-making, and delivering results in fast-paced environments. Strong communicator with a track record of fostering collaboration and driving business growth. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals. Meticulous leader and strategic planner with comprehensive managerial acumen, offering vision and motivational acumen. Seeking to leverage extensive experience and leadership skills in a challenging role to contribute to organizational success.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages
Work History
Group General Manager
Container King
09.2024 - Current
- Develop and execute high-quality business strategies and plans ensuring their alignment with short-term and long-term objectives.
- Decisions about new product lines, generating (and/or maintaining) competitive advantages, potential new markets, and mitigating risks or seizing on opportunities.
- Plan, develop, implement and direct the organization’s operational and fiscal function and performance.
- Lead and motivate subordinates to advance employee engagement develop a high performing managerial team.
- Make high-quality investing decisions to advance the business and increase profits.
- Implement, improve, and enforce policies and procedures that will increase the financial and operational effectiveness of the company.
- Build trust relations with key partners and stakeholders and act as a point of contact for important shareholders.
- Mentor and interact with staff members at all levels to foster growth and encourage development among the senior executive team and all staff members.
Private Banker
Investec Bank
11.2022 - 08.2024
- Boosted client satisfaction by offering tailored financial solutions based on individual goals and risk tolerance.
- Built strong referral networks with external partners such as attorneys or accountants to bring in new business opportunities.
- Developed tailored solutions to meet individual banking needs.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams, such as credit specialists and wealth managers, to provide comprehensive financial solutions for clients.
- Negotiated favorable loan terms for clients while balancing the bank''s risk profile through prudent decision-making processes.
- Streamlined operational efficiency within the team by implementing process improvements that reduced errors and increased speed of service delivery.
- Maintained long-term relationships with clients through regular communication, proactively addressing concerns, and providing market updates.
- Enhanced team productivity by mentoring junior bankers on relationship management techniques and product knowledge.
- Generated new business leads by leveraging existing connections and attending industry conferences.
- Improved client retention rates by consistently exceeding expectations in terms of service quality and responsiveness.
Owner
P Squared Consulting
11.2020 - 10.2022
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently by team members.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers for better pricing and terms, reducing overall costs for the business.
- Improved workflows and increased productivity, evaluating and standardizing operational processes.
- Managed daily operational strategy, applying business acumen and industry-specific knowledge.
COO
Brands Unplugged
06.2016 - 08.2020
- Executed performance management process, evaluating progress against goals and developing workable solutions.
- Developed and implemented operating policies to support organizational objectives.
- Worked with CEO and directors to develop business plans and implement new processes and policies.
- Reviewed departmental productivity levels and work functions to properly allocate human resources.
- Developed competitive benefits packages and managed benefits administration and oversight.
- Created budgetary objectives, administered financial plans and reviewed financial reports.
- Coordinated with HR on recruitment, hiring and compensation, developing plans for talent acquisition and retention.
- Evaluated operational metrics and spearheaded process improvements to increase productivity and reduce expenses.
- Mentored employees at all levels within the organization to support their professional development goals.
- Collaborated with cross-functional departments to optimize workflow and enhance communication channels.
- Boosted operational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing cost-saving measures.
- Partnered with HR on employee engagement initiatives that enhanced workplace morale while reducing turnover rates.
Senior Brand Manager
British American Tobacco South Africa: Dunhill
04.2015 - 05.2016
- Scheduled campaign launches and supported continued brand messaging to increase product exposure.
- Evaluated competitive market positioning and consumer trends to inform decision-making.
- Collaborated with senior leaders to support commercial plan development.
- Oversaw marketing communication strategy and innovation roadmap.
- Developed and monitored adherence to marketing budget, overseeing expenses and vendor choices.
- Developed strategies to translate goals into marketing campaigns and targets.
Project Manager: 000
British American Tobacco South Africa
08.2013 - 03.2015
- Implemented standards, methods and tools to complete project work and mitigate constraints.
- Created and delivered status reports and identified pending action items for resolution.
- Equipped team with required knowledge, resources and materials to successfully execute project work.
- Determined interdependencies to analyze and establish project critical paths.
- Established goals and timelines to successfully implement action plans.
- Reviewed and amended company processes to ensure to ensure zero deviations.
Area Sales Manager
British American Tobacco South Africa
02.2013 - 07.2013
- Oversaw regional and local sales managers and staff and offered performance feedback.
- Established ambitious quotas and helped each team member implement personalized plan to achieve targets.
- Worked closely with all sales personnel to assist with routine sales and handle advanced issues.
- Increased customer satisfaction with targeted sales team training in relationship management and negotiation strategies.
- Restored satisfaction by quickly resolving customer complaints with acknowledgment and tactful communication.
- Located and pursued business opportunities for company to consistently meet targets.
Area Manager: HORECA
British American Tobacco South Africa
10.2011 - 01.2013
- Applied knowledge of business and management principles to strategically plan and allocate necessary resources to achieve targets.
- Located and pursued business opportunities for company to consistently meet targets.
- Developed realistic plans and executed multi-year growth plan to meet financial and operational targets. Increased customer satisfaction with targeted sales team training in relationship management and negotiation strategies.
- Reviewed operational metrics and sales data to inform sales strategy.
- Engaged customers to quickly identify needs, negotiate contracts and close sales.
- Worked closely with all sales personnel to assist with routine sales and handle advanced issues.
Education
BCom - Bachelor of Commerce
Regent Business School
Pretoria, South Africa 04.2001 -
BTech - Hospitality Management
Tshwane University of Technology
Pretoria, South Africa 04.2001 -
High School Diploma -
Pretoria Boys High School
Pretoria, South Africa 04.2001 -
Skills
Team building
Analytical thinking
Business best practice and processes
Time Management
Problem Solving
Leadership and Development
Emotional Intelligence
Customer relationship management
Project management
Operations oversight
Additional Information
Completed Project Management and Prince 2 Fundamentals.
Leaders to Change - Derek Jackson
Growth Academy - British American Tobacco
Vice-Chairman of Titans Veterans Cricket - Current
Treasurer of Phobians Veterans Cricket Club - Current
Married DOB: 17 March 1982
Driver's License: B
References
- Stephen Jadrejevich, Investec, 082 332 5787
Timeline
Group General Manager
Container King
09.2024 - Current
Private Banker
Investec Bank
11.2022 - 08.2024
Owner
P Squared Consulting
11.2020 - 10.2022
COO
Brands Unplugged
06.2016 - 08.2020
Senior Brand Manager
British American Tobacco South Africa: Dunhill
04.2015 - 05.2016
Project Manager: 000
British American Tobacco South Africa
08.2013 - 03.2015
Area Sales Manager
British American Tobacco South Africa
02.2013 - 07.2013
Area Manager: HORECA
British American Tobacco South Africa
10.2011 - 01.2013
BCom - Bachelor of Commerce
Regent Business School
04.2001 -
BTech - Hospitality Management
Tshwane University of Technology
04.2001 -
High School Diploma -
Pretoria Boys High School
04.2001 -
Similar Profiles
BABU CHINTAKUNTABABU CHINTAKUNTA
Asst. General Manager at MAXICON CONTAINER LINE, Maxicon Container Line LLCAsst. General Manager at MAXICON CONTAINER LINE, Maxicon Container Line LLC
Philip NdinduruvugoPhilip Ndinduruvugo
Machine Operator, Work Line at Schutz Container SystemsMachine Operator, Work Line at Schutz Container Systems
Maria Del Sol BahenaMaria Del Sol Bahena
Inspector at Dart Container CorporationInspector at Dart Container Corporation