Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Interests
Personal Information
References
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

Sarel Pretorius

Africa Sales Specialist
Meyerton

Summary

Dynamic professional with extensive experience in maintenance and sales environments, dedicated to enhancing planning and process improvement systems. Committed to driving continuous improvement in strategic sales planning through high standards, effective risk analysis, and a results-oriented approach. Proven ability to deliver on targets while fostering strong communication and interpersonal relationships. Passionate about integrating user-friendly applications that streamline management, reporting, and analysis, ultimately empowering business unit leaders with quick access to critical information.

Overview

31
31
years of professional experience

Work History

Sales Specialist - Africa

Orica
10.2022 - Current
  • To maintain and grow sales in Africa though Distributor Channels and direct, growth have been on average 20% year on year for the last 5 years
  • Creating brand awareness.
  • Responsible for quarterly reviewing of pricing in Africa and ensuring pricing is in line with opposition.
  • Assisting Distributors with onboarding of new clients, monthly follow-up regarding debtors and monthly tracking of sales growth.
  • Onsite and remote training & troubleshooting of all Axis products to clients and distributors.
  • Technical liaising with other regions regarding troubleshooting and product development.
  • Creating personalized training material for African region specific.
  • Managing stock at various distribution stock points throughout Africa and on site with clients.
  • Managing new stock to be sent to new/existing clients regarding additional stock.
  • Managing and ensuring frequent follow up communication between Axis, Distributors and clients in no particular order.
  • Promoting new products from Orica brand through Axis Distribution channels and direct.
  • Locating and establishing new distributors, assisting with the onboarding and training process.
  • Managing accounts and overseeing invoices to clients.
  • Managing client relations.
  • Creating opportunities for integration between various Orica brands in various Africa regions.
  • Analyzing various markets to ensure business development is successful by understanding markets, current and potential clients.
  • Managing travelling in Africa and ensure all is done in a safe and secure manner.
  • Responsible for creating all sales and rental quotes in SalesForce and follow-up until completion of transactions.
  • Developed and maintained strategic relationships with key stakeholders across the African region, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Conducted market analysis to identify growth opportunities, leading to the successful introduction of innovative solutions tailored for regional clients.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to design and implement comprehensive sales strategies, resulting in increased market penetration in diverse sectors.

Sales & Management Consultant

Drillshop
Lubumbashi
06.2016 - 09.2020
  • To maintain and grow sales in Zambia and the DRC.
  • Responsible for quotes, invoice, statements and tax calculations for Zambia Branch.
  • Responsible for quotes, invoices and statements for DRC Branch.
  • Sourcing of non-stock items from SA and also obtaining quotes for clearing for imports, including electrical equipment and electronic equipment which included: Gensets, cables, circuit breakers, AVR’s and all electrical and electronic equipment needed for camp set up for various clients in either 3 phase or single phase.
  • Onsite training on the use of AMC Products with assistance of AMC Area Manager.
  • Provided training in the use of AMC BOS unit.
  • Provided training on all Reflex products including HUB, EZ Gyro, IQ Logger.
  • Sourcing of various electrical and electronic equipment in country for clients.
  • Ordering of drilling chemicals, price calculation and advising clients on certain chemical products.
  • Responsible for all maintenance at the house/office.
  • Assisting clients with technical assistance regarding all stock products.
  • Maintaining, building and growing client relations.
  • Managing Reflex Stock in Zambia and DRC at offices and varies client sites.
  • Training of staff and clients on all relevant products.
  • Maintaining and building client relations with existing and potential clients.
  • Arranging Logistical aspects for quick supply and delivery of stock and non- stock items.
  • Mechanical, Electrical and electronic repairs of various equipment.

Technical Sales Manager - Africa

Axis
10.2020 - 10.2022
  • To maintain and grow sales in Africa though Distributor Channels.
  • Responsible for creating brand awareness.
  • Responsible for quarterly reviewing of pricing in Africa and ensuring pricing is in line with opposition.
  • Assisting Distributors with onboarding of new clients, monthly follow-up regarding debtors and monthly tracking of sales growth.
  • Onsite and remote training & troubleshooting of all Axis products to clients and distributors.
  • Technical liaising with other regions regarding troubleshooting and product development.
  • Creating personalized training material for African region specific.
  • Managing stock at various distribution stock points throughout Africa and on site with clients.
  • Managing new stock to be sent to new/existing clients regarding additional stock.
  • Managing and ensuring frequent follow up communication between Axis, Distributors and clients in no order.

Country Manager

Mincon Tanzania
10.2015 - 04.2016
  • Is responsible for managing all operations within Tanzania. This involves taking responsibility for profit, revenue, cash and targets.
  • The role is client facing and so daily contact with clients is an important part of the job, therefore constant and effective communication with customers is essential.
  • Manage staff, including performance monitoring, and possibly mentoring and training.
  • Constant management of all sales.
  • Develop business and maintain healthy relationships with current customers.
  • Responsible to map potential customers and generate leads and new opportunities.
  • Drive the sales team at a pace that will deliver results whilst leading from the front and personally delivering a targeted number of exchanges.
  • Maintaining and increasing sales to ensure sales targets are reached.
  • Servicing the needs of existing customers.
  • Aid and maintain marketing activities.
  • The handling, co-ordination and clearing of all import and export shipments to and from Tanzania. On export shipments, constant communication with customers.
  • Liaise and arrange transport with clients where required.
  • Submitting activity and results reports, such as daily call reports, weekly work plans, and monthly and annual territory analyses to management.
  • Monitor competition by gathering current marketplace information on pricing, products, new products, delivery schedules, merchandising techniques, etc.
  • Recommend changes in products, service, and policy by evaluating results and competitive developments.
  • Resolve customer complaints by investigating problems; developing solutions; preparing reports; making recommendations to management.
  • Maintain professional and technical knowledge of the product offering by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
  • Pay or arrange payment of duties and VAT on imports once assessed. Ensure all import assessments are done and processed correctly by TRA.
  • Ensure that clients receive stock and orders, in a timely manner.
  • Resolve problems arising from movement of stock between warehouses and cross borders.
  • Direct the day to day operational management of the business, applying as required a hands-on approach to producing solutions to strategic, technical, commercial, operational and personnel related challenges which impact on customer service and performance.
  • Develop an annual sales plan for existing and future customers and ensure excellent client relationships are maintained by building openness and trust.
  • Act as a key focal point for communications with clients on issues requiring the influence and authority of the Country Manager.
  • Ensure day-to-day operations maintain a continued alignment with overall corporate policy, strategy and direction.
  • Lead the constant drive and focus to improve operational efficiency via process, people or practical measures. In effect raise the bar on business performance delivery.
  • Maintenance, uploading and control of the online filing and back-up system in Google Drive. Ensure all original file copies and documents are backed up and uploaded to Google Drive.
  • To manage and maintain all inter-warehouse transfers.
  • Ensure the company complies with national, state, and local financial legal requirements by studying existing and new legislation, enforcing adherence to requirements, and advising management on needed actions.
  • Ensuring all written communication is appropriate, accurate and follows company standards.
  • Source and assist with sourcing of non-stock items.

Technical Sales Representative

Reflex Africa
03.2012 - 10.2015
  • Provide training for magnetic and non-magnetic survey instruments, core orientation and Down Hole Motors (Directional drilling).
  • Provide on-site and remote assistance for magnetic and non-magnetic survey instruments, core orientation and Down Hole Motors (Directional drilling).
  • Introduced, did demos and provided training on Reflex EZ Gyro (true north seeking gyro), TN14 Rig aligner and Reflex (Olympus) XRF.
  • Explore marketing options for new clients.
  • Maintain and improve relationships with existing clients.
  • Assist with debtors.
  • Area of responsibility and Extensive travelling in greater Central and East Africa.
  • Analyzing surveying and core orientation.
  • Constructing stock sheets in Excel for agents.
  • Assisting in establishing agents.
  • Compiling quotations as per client requests.
  • Assisting in compiling sales and marketing strategies.
  • Developing reports for clients.
  • Responsible for obtaining sales to meet individual goals.
  • Increase sales volume through direct sales efforts, such as calling on key clients, preparing quotes and proposals and following up with customers.
  • Provide weekly, monthly and trip activity/call reports concerning customer-related activities for quotes, orders, and problems concerning customer/vendor relationships.
  • Remain current on market trends, competitive activity and product development.
  • Attend trade shows and related conventions as needed to promote company products and services.
  • Performing in house and site training.
  • Compiling reports with Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
  • Pronto stock takes.
  • Sales quotes done in Pronto.
  • Stock availability checked on Pronto when local and abroad.

Maintenance & Facilities Manager

Woolworths Distribution Center
07.2007 - 03.2012
  • To attend to breakdowns, do maintenance and preventative maintenance on all electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electronic and plc equipment. Analyze breakdowns and determining cause.
  • Responsible for Refrigeration, Fire Fighting, Water purification, Grey water system, Electrical, Generators and logistical maintenance.
  • Negotiating Service level agreements with contractors.
  • Managing 15-17 Contractors.
  • Planning Preventative maintenance.
  • Performing and developing preventative maintenance.
  • Only electrical person on site.
  • Assisting finance department with outstanding invoices and queries.
  • Has been appointed as GMR 2.1 by the department of Labour.
  • Responsible for developing technical training material.
  • Responsible for water and electrical accounts.
  • Responsible for water and electrical consumption and saving initiatives.
  • Responsible for analyzing expenses.
  • Responsible for 11 kV switching on site.
  • Responsible for general maintenance at the site which is currently 79 km2.
  • Responsible for compiling annual budget and adhering to the budget.
  • Responsible for investigating, generating and implementing cost saving methods without compromising standards.
  • In house training of staff.
  • Generating SOP’s, implementing thereof and ensuring that staff adhere to them.
  • Assisted with half yearly and annual audits.
  • Accountable for all cost in my department, keeping track of running costs which had to be presented on a monthly basis.

Millwright

Seton S.A.
04.2004 - 07.2007
  • To attend to breakdowns, do maintenance and preventative maintenance on all electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electronic and plc equipment. Analyze breakdowns and determining cause.
  • Installing, upgrading and testing of new equipment.
  • Planning of preventative maintenance and checking for spares and ordering if necessary.
  • Maintenance and attending to breakdowns on 3, 4 and 8 ton boilers.
  • Basic boiler making and welding.
  • Working voltages incl. 110VAC, 220VAC, 380VAC, 24VDC.
  • Installing and fault-finding on 2 speed motors.
  • Joining of conveyors.
  • Installing, maintaining and repairing of mono, Gormann Rub and Pioneer Pumps.
  • Appointed as Portable tool supervisor.

Shift Millwright

Tafibra
12.2002 - 04.2004
  • To attend to breakdowns, do maintenance and preventative maintenance on all electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electronic and plc equipment. Analyze breakdowns and determining cause.
  • Fault-finding and installing of invertors.
  • Installing, upgrading and testing of new equipment.
  • Basic boiler making and welding.
  • Working voltages incl: 24Vdc, 48Vdc, 110Vdc, 110Vac, 220Vac, 380Vac and 22KVa.
  • Assisting Production in operating of production process.
  • Conveyor alignment, splicing and joining.
  • Installing, repairing of mono and dose pumps.
  • Installing and alignment of belt and chain drives.

Shift Millwright

Iscor
09.1997 - 11.2002
  • To attend to breakdowns, do maintenance and preventative maintenance on all electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electronic and plc equipment. Analyze breakdowns and determining cause.
  • Maintenance and breakdowns on overhead cranes, Pendant and cabin control.
  • Basic boiler making and welding.
  • Installing, upgrading and testing of new equipment.
  • Acting as shift Foreman.
  • Completing shift reports and checking for spares via SAP on pc.
  • Safety Representative.
  • Assisting Production in operation of Blast Furnace.
  • Working voltages: incl. 110VAC, 220VAC, 380VAC, 3.3kV, 24VDC, 48VDC, 440VDC.
  • Replacing, setting and maintenance of electromechanical actuators.
  • Conveyor alignment.
  • Maintenance on vibrators and screens.

Apprentice

Iscor
01.1995 - 09.1997

Education

N2 Certificate -

Olifantsfontein

Red Seal trade papers - undefined

Olifantsfontein

No Degree - Downhole Surveying & Core Orientation Trainer

Reflex
Alberton, South Africa
04.2001 -

No Degree - Downhole Surveying And Core Orientation Trainer

Axis Mining Technology
Kempton Park, South Africa
04.2001 -

Skills

Sales management

Client communication

Market analysis

Distributor onboarding

Training development

Product troubleshooting

Stock management

Invoice processing

Brand promotion

Technical training

Client relations

Territory management

Business development

Team leadership

Performance monitoring

Technical support

Relationship building

Team collaboration

Customer service and care

Performance tracking

Personnel training

Contract negotiations

Systems and software expertise

Websites

Interests

Computers
Software
Cars
Reading
Sport

Personal Information

  • ID Number: 7501265043083

References

  • David Ludlow, Orica Global Opertions Manager, +61 438 995 769
  • Riaan Naude, IMDEX Area Manager Central Africa, +27 (0) 79 254 1809
  • Sarel Brits, Operations Manager, Reflex Africa, +27(0) 76 728 3280
  • Mr Altus Huisamen, Site Support Manager, Woolworths, 0837012775
  • Mr Connie Bosch, Site Service Manager, Woolworths, 083 254 6195
  • Mr Paul Kirby, Site Engineer, Woolworths, 083 632 5577
  • Mr Pat Quinn, Consultant, (011) 360 7646
  • Mr Charles Holloway, Seton Assistant Engineer, 082 779 5722

Additional Information

Surveying experience with all Reflex and Axis Products

Core orientation experience with Reflex and Axis Products

In the industry since 2012

Was responsible for all training at Kibali from 2012 until 2015

Was responsible for training at Lumwana for 2012 and 2013, also designed core orientation success rate sheet used at Lumwana until drilling was stopped in 2014. This sheet covered 26 DD rigs across 4 contractors

Have dealt with 100+ Drilling Contractors all across Africa in the last 13 years

Understand drilling principles of Diamond Drilling and RC

Understand target specific drilling surface and underground

Based on surveying able to advise on whether drillhole needs to drift/lift positive or negative

Understand importance of Core orientation and Surveying from both Drilling and Geology view point.

Timeline

Sales Specialist - Africa

Orica
10.2022 - Current

Technical Sales Manager - Africa

Axis
10.2020 - 10.2022

Sales & Management Consultant

Drillshop
06.2016 - 09.2020

Country Manager

Mincon Tanzania
10.2015 - 04.2016

Technical Sales Representative

Reflex Africa
03.2012 - 10.2015

Maintenance & Facilities Manager

Woolworths Distribution Center
07.2007 - 03.2012

Millwright

Seton S.A.
04.2004 - 07.2007

Shift Millwright

Tafibra
12.2002 - 04.2004

No Degree - Downhole Surveying & Core Orientation Trainer

Reflex
04.2001 -

No Degree - Downhole Surveying And Core Orientation Trainer

Axis Mining Technology
04.2001 -

Shift Millwright

Iscor
09.1997 - 11.2002

Apprentice

Iscor
01.1995 - 09.1997

Red Seal trade papers - undefined

Olifantsfontein

N2 Certificate -

Olifantsfontein

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Sarel PretoriusAfrica Sales Specialist