Desired job title
Branch managerChief operations officerManaging directorSheep- and Wool AdvisorWork Type
Full timeConsultingLocation preference
HybridLocation: South Africa
Open to relocation: Yes
Open to work
Riaan Ferreira
Ermelo,Mpumalanga
Work preference
Summary
Results-driven Professional experienced in influential communication, business development, and marketing strategies. Achieved significant contributions in operational strategy and profit and loss management through organisational ability and multitasking proficiency. Focused on driving business growth and fostering an inclusive work environment while enhancing employee engagement and performance.
Overview
3
3
Languages
5
5
years of post-secondary education
33
33
years of professional experience
Work history
Branch manager
BKB Livestock
Dundee, KwaZulu-Natal
2024.05 - Current
- Achieved cattle unit sales growth above 1000% using dedicated execution during FMD disruption.
- Directed branch turnaround actions, transforming loss-making operations into profitable performance.
- Resolved customer complaints swiftly, enhancing customer trust and protecting company reputation.
- Built partnerships with local businesses fostering community relations.
- Organised local marketing activities, increasing brand visibility and engagement within the community.
- Fostered positive work environment, elevating team morale and collaboration.
- Improved branch productivity by implementing efficient work schedules.
- Resolved customer complaints swiftly, restoring farmer confidence and company reputation.
- Liaised with clients, resulting in strong relationships and repeat business.
- Managed daily operations to ensure smooth running of the branch.
- Ensured compliance with company policies, maintaining ethical standards.
- Identified and resolved operational issues impacting productivity, performance or profitability.
Chief operations officer
Nilazone (Pty) Ltd
Ermelo, Mpumalanga
2011.01 - 2023.09
- Oversaw daily operations, aligning activities with financial targets to support overall profitability.
- Directed day-to-day work of 500 employees and motivated teams to exceed objectives.
- Created long-term business strategy to drive company success.
- Developed key operational initiatives to drive and maintain substantial business growth.
- Championed the implementation of key operational projects, enhancing overall business performance.
- Led cross-functional teams for successful project execution and timely completion.
- Navigated complex business challenges with strategic planning and decision-making abilities.
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement by initiating change management processes.
- Pioneered innovative solutions for overcoming operational bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
- Managed budgeting processes, ensuring financial health by preventing overspending and optimising resource allocation.
- Established performance metrics to drive quality improvements and customer satisfaction levels.
- Championed customer-centric approach, resulting in enhanced client satisfaction.
- Analysed subordinate management reports to identify operational improvement opportunities, enhancing strategic decision-making.
- Maintained a high-performance work environment by focusing on personnel development and motivation strategies.
- Developed professional relationships with business partners, shareholders and authorities to establish trust, rapport and reliability.
Managing director
JWL Agricultural Suppliers (Pty) Ltd
Ermelo, Mpumalanga
1999.01 - 2010.12
- Worked with board of directors to establish objectives and decisively lead operations.
- Spearheaded strategic planning and decision-making processes aligning with mission and stakeholder interests.
- Owned development of business strategies to expand into largest regional dealership.
- Identified market trends, leading to business expansion opportunities.
- Drove innovation for improved product offerings.
- Fostered partnerships to expand business opportunities.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement, driving operational excellence.
- Established performance metrics, resulting in increased team efficiency.
- Developed key operational initiatives to drive and maintain substantial business growth.
- Managed crisis situations with strategic planning.
- Oversaw financial operations for fiscal control and profitability.
- Directed administration and optimisation of financial operations, payroll and accounting processes.
- Enhanced staff morale with effective communication and engagement strategies.
- Delivered high-quality services by maintaining customer focus at all times.
- Served as official representative of organisation to public groups or government agencies.
Sheep- and Wool Advisor
BKB (Pty) Ltd
Ermelo, Mpumalanga
1994.01 - 1998.12
- Delivered customer service to improve client experience through responsive support and communication.
- Assisted during special events and large-scale operations ensuring smooth running of activities.
- Owned conflict resolution process, maintaining customer trust and protecting company reputation.
- Improved team efficiency with regular training sessions.
- Worked diligently under pressure whilst preserving high-quality output.
- Facilitated smooth communications between departments for better coordination.
- Maintained high standards of personal conduct, contributing to a positive work environment.
- Executed assigned duties responsibly thus meeting departmental expectations consistently.
- Actively participated in community engagement initiatives fostering good relations between the force and local farmers.
- Collaborated with colleagues for effective teamwork.
- Assessed production performance against operational targets to ensure alignment. by assessing performance versus operational strategy.
- Maintained comprehensive knowledge of products to provide informed suggestions.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns and providing solutions.
- Combined human experience and expertise with technological insights to present sound, informed advice.
- Built and carefully managed loyal, profitable client bases.
Education
Bachelor of Agricultural Science - Economics/Management
University of the Orange Free-State
Bloenfontein, South-Africa 1992.01 - 1994.12
Bachelor of Agriculture - Agriculture
University of Orange Free-State
Bloemfontein, Orange Free State, South-Africa 1989.01 - 1991.12
Higher National Diploma (Matric) - National Curriculum
Ermelo Highschool
Ermelo, Mpumalanga, South-Africa 1982.01 - 1986.12
Skills
- Operational efficiency
- Profit and loss management
- Business development
- Operational strategy
- Marketing and sales experience
- Marketing strategies knowledge
- Crisis management
- Sustainability initiatives
- Digital skills
- Organisational skills
- Intercultural communication
- Influential communication
- Leadership
Languages
English
Upper intermediate
Afrikaans
Proficient (C2)
Zulu/Swazi
Upper intermediate
Affiliations
- Travelling
- Sport
- Fishing
Accomplishments
Highschool Prefect and First Team Rugby Captain
Luitenant Defence Force
Merit Award - Best Performing Woolproduction Branch (1996) - BKB
Dealer of the Year 1994 - Massey -Ferguson
Mpumalanga MEC Agriculture Award for Five Top Serve Suppliers to Department - 2011
Timeline
Branch manager
BKB Livestock
2024.05 - Current
Chief operations officer
Nilazone (Pty) Ltd
2011.01 - 2023.09
Managing director
JWL Agricultural Suppliers (Pty) Ltd
1999.01 - 2010.12
Sheep- and Wool Advisor
BKB (Pty) Ltd
1994.01 - 1998.12
Bachelor of Agricultural Science - Economics/Management
University of the Orange Free-State
1992.01 - 1994.12
Bachelor of Agriculture - Agriculture
University of Orange Free-State
1989.01 - 1991.12
Higher National Diploma (Matric) - National Curriculum
Ermelo Highschool
1982.01 - 1986.12