Sicelo Kunene

Lead the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of a consulting and business development enterprise serving clients across multiple sectors.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee compliance administration and corporate governance activities.
• Manage financial administration and operational performance.
• Negotiate commercial agreements and service contracts.
• Conduct market research and business intelligence analysis.
• Prepare proposals, reports, business plans, and funding submissions.
• Coordinate project implementation and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Developed strategic initiatives to drive organisational growth from being a start up doing R300 000 turnover in the first and maintaining a steady annual growth of between 20 and 30% in the first five years and averaged out at 12% over the next 7 years while enhancing operational efficiency and navigating Covid 19 economic impact.
• Established key partnerships and collaborations to expand service offerings and market reach.
• Directed budget management processes, optimising resource allocation for maximum impact.
• Implemented performance metrics to evaluate program effectiveness and support continuous improvement efforts.
• Spearheaded community engagement initiatives, enhancing brand visibility and corporate social responsibility efforts.
• Oversaw compliance with industry regulations, ensuring adherence to best practices in operations and governance.
• Established and maintained relationships with key stakeholders.
• Led cross-functional teams to successfully complete major projects on time and within budget constraints while maintaining quality standards.
• Implemented innovative solutions to streamline operations, reduce overhead costs, and increase overall efficiency.
• Successfully executed turnaround strategies for underperforming divisions or departments resulting in improved performance and increased profitability.
• Launched new products or services that filled gaps in the market, generated increased revenue streams, and solidified the company''s position as a leading provider within its industry.
• Expanded market reach by identifying new business opportunities and implementing targeted marketing campaigns.
• Steered the organisation through periods of change and transformation by effectively managing resources, addressing employee concerns, and aligning organizational objectives with overall industry trends.
• Enhanced employee engagement by creating an inclusive work environment, fostering open communication channels, and providing opportunities for career growth and development.
• Established a successful organisation by developing and executing strategic plans, securing funding sources, and building a strong team.
• Safeguarded company assets with comprehensive risk management strategies that included thorough due diligence processes for investments and partnerships.
• Cultivated positive working relationships with external stakeholders including vendors, suppliers, regulators, local communities which contributed to successful collaborations benefiting all involved parties.

Impact and achievements:

Managed teams of up to 30 employees within the enterprises I consulted for..

Masibambane Investments a forestry Startup increased revenue for 0 to R6.8 million in the first 8 months of through Business Development initiatives and and introduction of internal systems and implementation of a QMS that optimised operations and streamlined work flows.

Tensrant Business Develpment startup secured 35% average revenue growth year on year, for their group of 500 informal traders through the introduction of a formalised and aggregated supply chain.

Nguni Harvest secured R10 million funding for their frozen fries Processing plant and an off-take agreement with the Spar group to supply frozen French fries for heir KZN retailers through our Business Plan optimisation and strategic intervention , leveraging our relationship with the Spar Group

Prepared and submitted tenders, RFQs, and business proposals.

• Managed client acquisition and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Developed operational plans and business growth strategies.
• Coordinated equipment sourcing and operational readiness..
• Streamlined operational processes to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Led cross-functional teams to implement strategic initiatives and improve service delivery.
• Analyzed workflow data to identify areas for process improvement and optimization.
• Coordinated supply chain activities, ensuring alignment between procurement, production, and distribution functions.
• Fostered a safety-conscious work environment through rigorous compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Managed inventory and supply chain operations to achieve timely and accurate delivery of goods and services.
• Developed and maintained relationships with external vendors and suppliers.
• Enhanced customer satisfaction by establishing clear communication channels and addressing concerns promptly.
• Developed and implemented strategies to maximize customer satisfaction.
• Directed initiatives to improve work environment, company culture or overall business strategy.
• Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers to obtain best pricing and terms.
• Supported product and service development programs.

Impact and achievements:

Secured contracts with Eskom and Anglo American Mines for Scrap metal handling. Demolition and Waste management through applying innovative approaches to waste management and revenue generation from recycling initiatives. This increased the company revenue by 150% during my time with the company

Assisted on achieving ISO 9000 certification for the company by developing and implementing a custom QMS

• Coordinated executive travel and project logistics.
• Analyzed market trends to identify opportunities for expansion and competitive positioning.
• Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
• Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
• Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Implemented innovative solutions to solve complex problems, resulting in increased productivity and streamlined operations.
• Managed strategic client relationships.
• Supported business development and partnership initiatives.
• Oversaw financial administration and reporting
• Led strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency across multiple departments.
• Developed and implemented comprehensive business strategies to drive growth and profitability.
• Oversaw budget planning, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and resource allocation efficiency.

Impact and achievements:

Secured a two year contract with Gijima to provide Business development services within the Eastern Cape, after noticing that the company didn't enjoy a footprint in the region. The contract yielded business work valued at over R300 million with the municipalities in EC'

• Department: Housing and Land – Survey Division
• Managed township development surveys and land development projects.
• Coordinated subdivision and consolidation applications
• Led survey projects, ensuring compliance with municipal regulations and standards.
• Mentored junior surveyors, enhancing team capabilities and technical skills.
• Implemented process improvements, increasing efficiency in data collection and analysis.
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to support urban development projects.
• Utilized advanced surveying equipment and software for accurate data representation.
• Conducted field surveys, producing detailed reports for project stakeholders.
• Safeguarded environmental resources during construction activities through accurate identification of sensitive areas.
• Ensured legal compliance by executing cadastral surveys in accordance with relevant land use regulations and guidelines.
• Achieved client satisfaction through diligent communication and regular progress updates on survey activities.
• Streamlined field operations, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and reducing risks for on-site personnel.
• Delivered comprehensive boundary surveys, resolving property disputes in a timely manner.
• Assisted in the design of transportation routes by providing accurate topographical data to engineers and planners.
• Implemented GIS technologies to create visually impactful maps and reports for presentation to clients and stakeholders.
• Performed hydrographic surveys for coastal engineering projects, resulting in improved shoreline management strategies.
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide accurate geospatial information for urban planning initiatives.
• Contributed to floodplain management efforts by conducting elevation surveys used in determining flood risk levels.
• Conducted topographic surveys for large-scale infrastructure projects, contributing to efficient construction processes.
• Advanced subdivision designs by providing precise topographic data necessary for optimal lot placement.
• Disbursed survey information to general public, developers and professional communities.

Impact and achievements:

Completed over 20 new township developments which provided formal housing and enhanced spatial development from informal dwellings and impacting in access of 4000 households.

Trained and directed 2 assistants to complete professional surveys of different types of properties.

Managed topographical, cadastral, expropriation, and hydrographic surveys.

• Led survey projects, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Trained staff on best practices for equipment maintenance and safety protocols in the field.
• Completed complex geodetic calculations for land development projects, contributing to successful project outcomes.
• Participated in cross-functional teams for large-scale infrastructure projects, demonstrating effective communication skills across various disciplines.
• Enhanced project accuracy by meticulously collecting and analyzing field data for topographic, boundary, and construction surveys.
• Collaborated with engineers and architects to deliver comprehensive site plans based on precise survey measurements.
• Trained junior technicians on advanced surveying techniques and technology applications, fostering professional growth within the team.
• Performed boundary, topographic and traverse land surveys.
• Performed AutoCAD and Civil Designer drafting.
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• Liaised with clients and project stakeholders.
• Utilized advanced surveying technology, including GPS and Total Stations, for precise measurements.
• Generated maps and map products based upon data collected from different project.

Impact and achievements:

Participated in a SANRAL project surveying all National Roads collecting and surveying all cadastral data for expropriation and land acquisition through out the Eastern Cape. Project value R10 million.

Supported major infrastructure and development projects (Port of Ngqurha) Contract value for civil works R2.6 billion

• Coordinated warehouse logistics and inventory operations.
• Managed goods receiving and quality assurance processes.
• Supported WCSS AS400 system administration.
• Provided network support and desktop troubleshooting.
• Assisted with management reporting and performance measurement systems.
• Supported team members in inventory management, enhancing stock accuracy and availability.
• Implemented best practices for inventory control, contributing to improved overall warehouse performance.
• Developed skills in warehouse management systems, optimising tracking of shipments and inventory levels.
• Supported organisational objectives with help from existing employees.
• Promoted positive collaboration among trainees, encouraging teamwork and problem-solving skills.
• Engaged in problem-solving activities with peers to develop critical thinking skills, enhancing team resilience.

Impact and achievements:

Executed the migration from Windows NT Network to Windows 2000 Network and installation of new servers

Managed a 400 user network as well as providing desktop support

Coordinated all inbound deliveries to the KZN Distribution Centre

• Conducted topographical, Cadastral, engineering surveys, GIS data capture, and construction surveys.
• Assisted with township development layouts.
• Supported cadastral processing and mapping functions.
• Performed computer-aided drafting and technical documentation.
• Analyzed topographic data to create detailed maps and reports for project planning.
• Conducted precise land surveys using advanced GPS and total station equipment.