Olinah Thulisile Putini
General Manager
KZN & Johannesburg
Summary
Customer-oriented General Manager with 10 years of experience in FMCG focused on increasing revenues and expanding margin. Adaptive and deadline-oriented consistently executes and completes multiple projects in high-stress environments. Meticulous leader and strategic planner with comprehensive managerial acumen, offering vision and motivational acumen.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
Work History
General Manager
ProSave Logistics & The Brand and Beverage Company
11.2024 - Current
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Developed and executed strategic plans for business growth and expansion, resulting in increased market share.
- Implemented effective cost-saving measures to reduce overhead expenses without compromising quality or service.
- Analyzed market trends/data to identify potential opportunities for business growth within existing or emerging markets successfully.
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
- Led team to exceed sales targets, implementing motivational incentives and comprehensive training programs.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
Regional Sales Manager
Sebenzela Market Solutions - Heineken Account
01.2024 - 11.2024
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with clients in assigned sales territories.
- Organized regular sales meetings, providing comprehensive updates on market trends, competitor analysis, and new product developments.
- Managed a team of 4 Area Sales Managers, and consistently achieved high sales targets.
- Expanded market share within the region by identifying growth opportunities and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
- Executed successful marketing campaigns to generate new business and expand customer base.
- Achieved regional sales objectives by coordinating sales team, developing successful strategies, and servicing accounts to strengthen business relationships.
- Streamlined sales processes to improve efficiency, resulting in increased productivity and overall revenue growth.
- Developed a successful sales team through rigorous coaching, performance management, and ongoing training.
- Consistently exceeded annual territory revenue goals by prioritizing high potential accounts and executing customized action plans.
- Analyzed competitor offerings to devise targeted sales pitches, effectively differentiating our products from competitors in the marketplace.
- Increased regional sales by implementing strategic marketing plans and nurturing key client relationships.
- Established clear performance metrics for monitoring individual team member progress, fostering accountability towards achieving shared goals as a cohesive unit.
Regional Sales Manager
The Brand & Beverage Company (Campari)
07.2019 - 12.2023
- Coach sales teams in product specifications, sales incentives and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings.
- Exceeding targets by building, directing and motivating high-performing sales team.
- Collaborated with senior executives to evaluate performance in regional area and develop strategies to expand revenue generation.
- Understood and capitalized on industry trends to shape and enhance value-added solutions and strategies for new market developments.
- Participated in sales calls with direct reports to strengthen customer relationships and uncover possible opportunities for growth.
- Developed sales strategy based on research of consumer buying trends and market conditions.
- Contacted key accounts regularly and achieved high satisfaction scores by routinely re-assessing needs and resolving conflicts.
- Targeted prospects in other territories through careful research of competitor products, services and trends.
- Achieved regional sales objectives by coordinating sales team, developing successful strategies and servicing accounts to strengthen business relationships.
- Evaluated costs against expected market price points and set structures to achieve profit targets.
- Effectively recruited and hired highly talented individuals bringing exceptional skills and expertise to sales team.
- Boosted market share by establishing sales and distribution channels, developing new products and solidifying sales partnerships.
- Executed successful promotional events and trade shows.
- Finalized sales contracts with high-value customers.
- Introduced cost-saving initiatives to reduce losses and increase profit margin.
- Assessed each location's individual and team performances, analyzing data trends to determine best methods to improve sales results.
- Held regular performance evaluations to assess strengths and weaknesses of team members and provide counseling to improve outcomes
- Daily/Weekly stock Management & Cash Reconciliation
- Monthly Fleet Management & Audits
- Monthly In trade Sales audits & Assessments
- Monthly One on Ones and Yearly performance Reviews
Area Sales Manager
Sebenzela Market Solutions (Heineken)
12.2015 - 06.2019
- Led sales region to increase sales and boost team morale.
- Developed and implemented key account strategies and programs to optimize revenue contribution and return on investment.
- Executed proven strategies to hit sales quota and help company achieve goals.
- Modeled strong negotiation skills to help team members close tough deals with lucrative clients.
- Formulated tactics and strategies to target new potential customers within prioritized markets.
- Helped team stay productive and focused on higher-value tasks to improve sales efficiency.
- Built lasting relationships with clients through outstanding customer service interactions.
- Directed sales support staff in administrative tasks to help sales reps close deals.
- Evaluated costs against expected market price points and set structures to achieve profit targets.
- Accompanied sales reps in field for ride-alongs to teach, observe and work one-on-one.
- Reported sales activity, generated sales quotations and proposals and maintained customer contact database to achieve sales objectives and quota.
- Prepared sales presentations for clients showing success and credibility of products.
- Set and achieved sales targets for KZN region.
Sales Team Leader
South African Breweries
01.2013 - 11.2015
- Increase Sales by offering consultation on products and services applying customer service and upselling techniques
- Calling on trade outlets in townships, CBD & Rural areas
- Distribution and driving of brands as per daily targets set
- Daily RTM's & Re Distributor visits & pulling of stock for direct selling
- Drive price management in line with competitor brands and RSP's
- Control & Management of POS material and promotional elements
- Management of territory and company assets
- Building and maintaining customer relationships
- Database management to continuously grow sales and identify new opportunities
- Led sales team to exceed quarterly sales goals.
- Reported sales data to upper management for review.
- Monitored sales team performance and provided constructive feedback.
- Set ambitious sales goals and motivated strong performance to keep team growing effectively.
- Led regular team meetings to keep sales personnel motivated with tips, techniques and relevant information.
- Forecasted sales to management and collaborated to build effective sales team.
- Supported stores conducting sales promotions and special events.
- Grew sales and boosted profits, applying proactive management strategies and enhancing sales training.
- Balanced traditional and innovative sales tactics to complete sales and trained employees on current sales protocols.
Inventory Controller
South African Breweries
01.2010 - 12.2012
- Completed physical inventory counts daily and Hardclose Monthly
- Worked with supervisors and team members to understand supply needs and bring levels within desired tolerances.
- Conferred with managers, sales teams and to revise plans and achieve demanding targets.
- Completed stock inventories to identify and address issues negatively impacting controls.
- Recorded information, shortages and discrepancies to keep records current and accurate.
- Unloaded shipments, reviewed merchandise and tracked paperwork.
- Audited and corrected discrepancies in inventory numbers.
Education
Diploma - Marketing
Tshwane University of Technology
01.2021 - Current
Diploma - Accounting
Durban University of Technology
01.2002 - 12.2004
Skills
Operations management
Customer relationship management
Team leadership
Project management
Team building
Business development
Client relations
Financial administration
Sales analysis
Additional Information
Identity Number : 8207290315087
Nationality: South African
Home Language : IsiZulu
Other Language: English, Afrikaans & Tshwana
Computer literacy: Powerpoint, Ms excel, Ms Word, Email
Drivers License : Yes (Code 8)
References
Ntsiki Manzana (General Manager) - The Brand & Beverage Company ( 084 777 3588)
Bongani Msomi (Sales Manager) - Heineken (067 0280 925)
Nathi Mthombeni (Sales Manager) - South African Breweries (072 888 3677)
Accomplishments
Quarterly & Yearly Awards for Consistent performing & growing Region
Successfully building Sales teams and developing them to great sales specialists and Managers
Timeline
General Manager
ProSave Logistics & The Brand and Beverage Company
11.2024 - Current
Regional Sales Manager
Sebenzela Market Solutions - Heineken Account
01.2024 - 11.2024
Diploma - Marketing
Tshwane University of Technology
01.2021 - Current
Regional Sales Manager
The Brand & Beverage Company (Campari)
07.2019 - 12.2023
Area Sales Manager
Sebenzela Market Solutions (Heineken)
12.2015 - 06.2019
Sales Team Leader
South African Breweries
01.2013 - 11.2015
Inventory Controller
South African Breweries
01.2010 - 12.2012
Diploma - Accounting
Durban University of Technology
01.2002 - 12.2004
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