Hi, I’m
Reds C J H Lemmer
Operations Manager
PRETORIA
Summary
Solutions-driven professional with a proven track record of overcoming production challenges through a unique blend of creativity and cost-effectiveness. Expertise in the manufacturing sector, particularly in exhibition and shop fitting, as well as aluminum system manufacturing, consistently delivers innovative and efficient outcomes. Self-starting Operations Manager skilled in supervising workover and completion operations, adept at directing teams of completion consultants and supervisors. Committed to introducing lean manufacturing principles to enhance productivity while reducing costs, with a strong focus on safety and minimizing environmental impact.
Overview
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Self-employeedPretoria
Operations Manager
11.2024 - 07.2025
Job overview
- Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them.
- Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
- Led hiring, onboarding and training of new hires to fulfill business requirements.
- Developed and implemented strategies to maximize customer satisfaction.
- Facilitated smooth collaboration between departments through clear communication channels.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by establishing clear communication channels and addressing concerns promptly.
- Established positive and effective communication among unit staff and organization leadership, reducing miscommunications, and missed deadlines.
- Implemented quality control systems to boost overall product consistency and reliability.
- Developed and maintained relationships with external vendors and suppliers.
- Achieved higher employee retention rates by fostering a positive work environment and providing opportunities for professional growth.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- 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.
- Weekly production planning and material delivery to sites to enhance customer satisfaction
- Analyzed and reported on key performance metrics to senior management.
- Managed inventory and supply chain operations to achieve timely and accurate delivery of goods and services.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
Boutel ProjectsPretoria
Finishing Foreman/Site Manager
05.2019 - 10.2024
Job overview
- Proven track record in Project Management achieving on-time, on-budget delivery, ensuring client satisfaction.
- Streamlined site operations and strategic project planning.
- Expert coordination with Professional Teams for flawless project execution.
- Proficient in site administration and strategic planning.
- Skilled managing sub-contractors and leading diverse teams, promoting teamwork.
- Led planning and administrative tasks with precision.
- Managed the procurement of materials and equipment, maintaining optimal production on site.
- Ensure snagging of units keeping it to a minimum to ensure achieving deadlines.
- Repaired imperfect production products and performed or delegated other finishing processes for final acceptance in quality control process.
- Ensured timely completion of projects by closely monitoring progress and adjusting schedules as needed.
- Optimized workforce productivity by assigning tasks based on individual strengths and skills, maximizing team efficiency.
- Facilitated problem-solving sessions among team members to address project challenges quickly and efficiently.
- Collaborated with construction teams to identify potential issues and develop effective solutions for smooth project execution.
- Maintained and monitored finishing department equipment, tools and inventory and constantly emphasized team and customer safety.
- Mentored junior staff members in best practices for finishing techniques, contributing to their professional development and enhancing team capabilities.
- Coordinated with schedulers, other foremen, supervisors and subordinates and expedited finished orders to meet customer needs.
- Conducted pre-construction meetings with trade partners to establish expectations for project quality, safety, and timely completion.
- Maintained high-quality standards by conducting thorough inspections and addressing any deficiencies promptly.
- Mastered and taught wood finishing processes, tools and techniques.
- Reduced material waste through efficient allocation of resources and diligent inventory management.
- Oversaw daily operations at site, keeping team production moving at optimal pace.
- Inspected equipment and tools used for safe operation.
- Established strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating favorable terms for materials procurement and delivery scheduling.
- Developed comprehensive work plans to outline tasks, deadlines, and resource requirements for each project phase.
- Read, Interpreted and understood production and construction drawings and led completion of finishing work in full compliance to specifications.
- Coordinated with architects and engineers to ensure design specifications were accurately reflected in finished projects.
- Directed projects according to schedule and quality demands.
- Sourced suppliers and purchased necessary materials for work.
- Administered disciplinary actions to workers violating safety regulations and company policies.
- Documented construction and extraction workers' hours, wages and other pertinent information.
- Created weekly and monthly reports and presentations for management team.
- Oversaw all daily office operations and equipment maintenance.
- Managed site logistics to minimize disruptions and maintain clean and safe work environment.
- Enhanced client satisfaction by delivering projects that consistently met specifications and quality standards.
- Improved team productivity with targeted coaching and performance monitoring.
- Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
- Introduced innovative finishing techniques that improved overall aesthetics while also increasing durability and longevity of completed structures.
- Enhanced project efficiency by implementing streamlined finishing processes and coordinating with subcontractors.
B&W ExpographicsJohannesburg
Self Employed
09.2015 - 04.2019
Job overview
- Pioneered custom kitchen designs merging practicality with visual appeal for tailored culinary environments.
- Excelled in designing sophisticated reception areas, reinforcing client branding and visitor engagement.
- Demonstrated proficiency in aluminum fabrication for exhibition displays, ensuring premium quality and product highlighting.
- Orchestrated export and logistics for African markets optimizing international distribution networks for peak performance.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Sales, Marketing and manufacturing
Thuso Group
COO
10.2014 - 08.2015
Job overview
- Spearheaded event, exhibition, logistics and digital print operations, optimizing cost-efficiency and supplier engagement.
- Strategically planned production across business units to meet critical deadlines while maximize cost-effectiveness.
- Managed HR-related matters, ensuring alignment with organizational policies and employee satisfaction.
- Oversaw the utilization of company assets, guaranteeing optimal and responsible usage.
- Boosted Sales and Brand Impact.
- 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.
- Facilitated regular leadership meetings to discuss progress on strategic goals, identify opportunities for improvement, and address challenges proactively.
- Negotiated key partnerships with vendors, suppliers, and other stakeholders for improved collaboration and resource allocation.
- Aligned corporate strategy with industry trends by staying current on best practices within the competitive landscape.
B&W Expographics
Owner - Managing Director
09.1999 - 09.2014
Job overview
- Masterminded dynamic exhibitions and product launches, significantly enhancing brand presence and expanding market penetration and increasing customer engagement.
- Led business development efforts, establishing a strong sales pipeline and diversifying revenue resources.
- Pioneered cutting-edge design methodologies, boosting product allure and market differentiation.
- Refined procurement and production processes, achieving superior cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency.
- Directed all financial operations, upholding financial health and ensuring sustained profitability.
- Supervised logistics and supply chain operations, ensuring seamless delivery and inventory management.
- Utilized CRM tools to deepen client relationships and achieve outstanding level of customer satisfaction.
- Specialized in the design, manufacturing and roll out of shop fittings, exhibitions, events and launches.
- Cultivated a prestigious client portfolio, including national and international clients such as Sasol Pty Ltd, Hytec Holdings, Harley Davidson SA, Jeep SA, Multichoice and various clients in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Nigeria, Namibia and Swaziland.
- Led high-impact events, boosting brand reach.
- Devised strategic plans, spurring growth & engagement.
- Drove sales initiatives, expanding revenue streams.
- Innovated in design, strengthening market position.
- Further employment detail is available upon request - Siemens, Advertising Agency, Photo Scan a Print Production House, Anglo American and Eskom
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- 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.
- Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
- Increased customer satisfaction by implementing efficient business processes and providing exceptional service.
- Evaluated industry competition regularly to maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
- Mentored staff members on best practices in customer service and sales techniques, leading to increased performance levels.
- Successfully navigated challenging economic conditions by making informed decisions that protected the business''s financial stability.
- Hired trained, and managed a high-performing team of employees dedicated to achieving company goals.
- Monitored market conditions to set accurate product pricing and take advantage of emerging trends.
- Enhanced operational efficiency and productivity by managing budgets, accounts, and costs.
- Established a positive workplace culture that fostered employee engagement, collaboration, and loyalty.
- Implemented marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and attract new customers.
- Streamlined operations to improve efficiency, enabling more time to be spent on strategic planning and decision making.
- Established foundational processes for business operations.
- Expanded product offerings by researching market trends and identifying potential growth opportunities.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by staying abreast of industry-related changes and implementing necessary policies or procedures as needed.
- Achieved financial growth with strategic planning, cost control measures, and targeted marketing efforts.
- Generated revenues yearly and effectively capitalized on industry growth.
- Optimized supply chain operations, negotiating with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of high-quality products.
- Fostered strong relationships with clients to boost retention rates, conducting regular feedback sessions.
- Developed and implemented strategic plans for revenue growth, focusing on diversification and market expansion.
- Achieved significant cost savings by implementing energy-efficient solutions across company facilities.
- Improved team productivity by introducing innovative project management tools and techniques.
- Enhanced company's market position by identifying and pursuing new business opportunities.
- Led negotiations for major contracts, securing favorable terms that significantly reduced costs.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
- Elevated brand awareness with targeted marketing campaigns, leveraging social media and digital platforms.
- Organized and attended trade shows and special events to showcase products, network with other businesses and attract new customers.
- Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
- Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Identified and qualified customer needs and negotiated and closed profitable projects with high success rate.
- Strengthened client relationships with regular communication, timely project delivery, and high-quality services.
- Championed process improvement initiatives to streamline workflows, reduce costs, and enhance productivity.
- Drove company revenue growth, orchestrating effective sales and marketing strategy that targeted untapped markets.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- 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.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
Education
Vaal Triangle TechnikonVanderbijlpark
National Diploma in Graphic Design from Graphic Design, History, Print Production Processes and advanced Printing Techniques
01.1985
University Overview
- Photography as part of the National Diploma.
- Actively engaged on the Student Council with a focus on Graphic Design Initiatives
- Member of Student Council
Skills
Availability
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Timeline
Operations Manager
Self-employeed
11.2024 - 07.2025
Finishing Foreman/Site Manager
Boutel Projects
05.2019 - 10.2024
Self Employed
B&W Expographics
09.2015 - 04.2019
COO
Thuso Group
10.2014 - 08.2015
Owner - Managing Director
B&W Expographics
09.1999 - 09.2014
Vaal Triangle Technikon
National Diploma in Graphic Design from Graphic Design, History, Print Production Processes and advanced Printing Techniques
References
J, Botes, Director, +2783 407 6769, Boutel Projects
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