RICUS VAN DER MERWE
Vanderbijlpark
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven General Manager with extensive experience leading a specialized packaging subdivision within the agricultural and packaging industry. Adept at overseeing cross-functional teams, managing nationwide service providers, and driving operational excellence. Skilled in budgeting, cash-flow management, foreign currency planning, international and local procurement, new business development, key account sales, contract management, stock oversight, and customer relationship management. Proven ability to deliver strategic objectives, enhance efficiency, and foster strong stakeholder relationships to support business growth.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
VS Agri Packaging Industry
11.2018 - Current
- Lead a subdivision specializing in packaging solutions for the agricultural sector, managing a team of 5 direct reports and coordinating a nationwide network of service providers.
- Develop and manage annual budgets, cash flow projections, and foreign exchange planning to ensure financial stability and cost efficiency.
- Oversee procurement processes, ensuring timely acquisition of high-quality materials while optimizing costs.
- Drive key account sales, securing and nurturing relationships with high value clients to achieve revenue targets.
- Grew sales revenue by 900% through strategic team leadership and supply chain optimization over a 6-year period.
- Negotiate and manage contracts with suppliers and service providers, ensuring compliance and favorable terms.
- Implement training programs to enhance team performance, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
- Monitor and optimize stock levels, ensuring seamless operations and minimizing waste.
- Address customer complaints promptly, delivering solutions that enhance satisfaction and loyalty.
- Facilitate high-level meetings with stakeholders, aligning business strategies with organizational goals.
Small Business Owner
Cookie Works (pty) Ltd
04.2014 - 05.2018
- Conceptualized and launched an innovative retail business offering customers a personalized, freshly baked cookie experience, designing brand identity, shop layout, product offerings, and e-commerce platforms.
- Recruited, trained, and motivated a team, fostering a customer-centric culture and driving operational excellence.
- Built company reputation through word-of-mouth, events, and social media marketing, establishing a strong market position.
- Streamlined operational processes, reducing costs and improving efficiency while innovating product offerings to meet retail market demands.
- Negotiated pricing structures with distributors and implemented multi-channel sales and marketing campaigns (email, social media, sports events, and sales representatives).
- Successfully launched e-commerce platform, increasing online sales by 40%.
- Developed a scalable operational model, reducing production time.
Small Business Owner
Cleveland Cycle Works Cape Town
03.2013 - 11.2014
- Distributed and sold CCW Motorcycles across Western and Eastern Cape, managing sales through a network of motorcycle dealers.
- Promoted brand awareness through events, social breakfast runs, and social media campaigns.
- Established after-sales service agents, enhancing customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.
- Managed budget and cash-flow, ensuring financial sustainability.
- Expanded dealer network by 160%, boosting regional sales.
- Increased brand visibility through targeted social media campaigns.
National Sales Manager
Flagon Import & Export Cape Town
05.2012 - 04.2014
- Built and expanded customer base for an importing company, identifying opportunities with large retail groups to develop customized products.
- Led a nationwide sales team, implementing measurable sales strategy to drive performance and maintain customer relationships.
- Developed private label products for large retailers, managing product listings and negotiations. Key achievements: New product launch to 40 stores.
- Grew customer base by 300%, securing contracts with Spar, Pick Pay, Checkers, Musica, Clicks and KaapAgri.
- Increased sales revenue through strategic team leadership and product customization.
Key Accounts Sales Executive
Franke Kitchen Systems
07.2008 - 03.2012
- Managed key accounts across multiple regions and countries (Botswana, Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northwest, Western Cape) for a global stainless-steel manufacturer.
- Expanded customer relationships through regular visits, negotiated deals, and resolved complaints.
- Developed and delivered training programs for customers, enhancing product adoption and satisfaction.
- Forecast-ed sales and negotiated with large retailers to meet revenue targets.
- Grew key account revenue through proactive relationship management.
- Implemented training programs that increased customer product knowledge.
- Developed sales presentations that effectively conveyed value proposition of our products and services.
- Boosted customer satisfaction with regular follow-ups and timely resolution of issues.
Education
Diploma - Managing Knowledge and Innovation
Eduvos (Stellenbosch Graduate Institute)
Stellenbosch, South Africa06.2025
Diploma - Managing Teams
Eduvos (Stellenbosch Graduate Institute)
Stellenbosch, South Africa01-2022
Diploma - Managing Operations
Eduvos (Stellenbosch Graduate Institute)
Stellenbosch, South Africa07-2021
Diploma - Managing Finances and Risk
Eduvos (Stellenbosch Graduate Institute)
Stellenbosch, South Africa03-2021
Diploma - Leadership and Emotional Intelligence
Eduvos (Stellenbosch Graduate Institute)
Stellenbosch, South Africa01.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Theology
University of Pretoria
Pretoria12-2005
High School -
CVO Gromar
Groblersdal12-2001
Skills
- Strategic Business Development & Sales
- Budgeting, Cash flow & Foreign Exchange Management
- Procurement & Supply Chain Optimization
- Brand Development & Digital Marketing
- Team Leadership, Training & Motivation
- Contract Negotiation & Key Account Management
- E-commerce & Retail Operations
- Process Streamlining & Cost Reduction
- Customer Relationship Management
- Innovation & Product Development
- Staff management
- Relationship building
References
Available upon request.
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Working Visa/ Visa Sponsorship
Open to visa sponsorship and relocating with family to drive organizational success.
Timeline
General Manager
VS Agri Packaging Industry
11.2018 - Current
Small Business Owner
Cookie Works (pty) Ltd
04.2014 - 05.2018
Small Business Owner
Cleveland Cycle Works Cape Town
03.2013 - 11.2014
National Sales Manager
Flagon Import & Export Cape Town
05.2012 - 04.2014
Key Accounts Sales Executive
Franke Kitchen Systems
07.2008 - 03.2012
Diploma - Managing Knowledge and Innovation
Eduvos (Stellenbosch Graduate Institute)
Diploma - Managing Teams
Eduvos (Stellenbosch Graduate Institute)
Diploma - Managing Operations
Eduvos (Stellenbosch Graduate Institute)
Diploma - Managing Finances and Risk
Eduvos (Stellenbosch Graduate Institute)
Diploma - Leadership and Emotional Intelligence
Eduvos (Stellenbosch Graduate Institute)
Bachelor of Arts - Theology
University of Pretoria
High School -
CVO Gromar
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