Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Languages
Timeline
Hobbies and Interests
Generic
Verlan Govender

Verlan Govender

Durban

Summary

Dynamic and results-oriented Technical Sales Engineer with a solid history of collaborating effectively with sales teams to exceed targets and drive significant revenue growth. I am now Business Development Manager and passionate about delivering exceptional customer experiences and excel in fostering relationships that enhance the sales cycle. Eager to contribute my expertise and enthusiasm to your team, ensuring client satisfaction and business success.


Results-driven business professional with proven track record in driving growth and fostering strong client relationships. Skilled in strategic planning, market analysis, and negotiation, consistently delivering impactful solutions. Known for strong focus on team collaboration, adaptability, and achieving targets, ensuring reliable performance in dynamic environments. Proficient in sales forecasting, and business growth strategies.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience

Work History

Business Development Manager

Swagelok Sub-Saharan Africa
01.2024 - Current


  • Enhanced product positioning, increasing market share substantially.
  • Generating knowledge around Africa and the market availability.
  • Created a differentiation strategy to our customer base
  • Gained African market knowledge, enhancing strategic opportunities within the Oil & Gas market
  • Increased client base by identifying new business opportunities and cultivating strong relationships with key decision makers.
  • Generated new business with marketing initiatives and strategic plans.
  • Represented company and promoted products at conferences and industry events.
  • Managed a diverse portfolio of accounts, consistently exceeding revenue targets through upselling strategies and exceptional customer service.
  • Established relationships with key decision-makers within customer's organization to promote growth and retention.
  • Mentored junior team members in effective sales techniques, fostering a high-performance culture within the organization.
  • Leveraged industry events to network with potential clients, generating significant brand exposure and driving new business acquisition efforts.
  • Established valuable partnerships with complementary businesses, creating mutually beneficial synergies that accelerated growth for both parties.
  • Improved sales team performance with targeted training programs focused on advanced sales techniques and product knowledge.
  • Responsible for Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, Hydrogen Markets
  • Revenue responsible for ZAR 25m p/a

Technical Sales Engineer

Swagelok Southern Africa
01.2010 - 12.2023
  • Collaborated with product and engineering teams to ensure product features and capabilities met customer needs and requirements.
  • Conducted sales calls and presentations to educate customers on the features and benefits of the product, resulting in an increase in sales conversions and securing future business.
  • Analyzed customer data and identified opportunities for upsell and cross-sell, resulting in an increase in revenue from existing customers.
  • Negotiated and closed complex deals with multiple stakeholders, resulting in an increase in average order size.
  • Identified upsell and cross-sell opportunities, increasing existing revenue.
  • Negotiated complex deals, driving higher average order sizes successfully.
  • Building sustainable customer relationship with continued growth.
  • Conducted and engaged in sales presentations, boosting conversions and future business.
  • Partnered closely with project management teams to ensure smooth handoffs between pre-sales activities and implementation phases.
  • Enhanced company reputation within the industry through participation in trade shows, conferences, and other networking events.
  • Responsible for Transportation, Petrochemical, Oil & Gas, Pulp & Paper, Research & Development, Storage Terminals and Pharmaceutical customer based, in this role I have generated a wealth of experience and knowledge on Swagelok products and applications for the mentioned market and customers such as Shell, BP, Petronas, Sappi, Mondi, Bidvest Tank Terminals to name a few.
  • I have have achieved an annual growth rate (CAGR) 19.84% per year period January 2010 - December 2023

Customer Service Representative

Johannesburg Valve&Fitting Co. (Swagelok South Africa)
04.2006 - 01.2010
  • Managed high-stress situations effectively, maintaining professionalism under pressure while resolving disputes or conflicts.
  • Resolved customer complaints with empathy, resulting in increased loyalty and repeat business.
  • Handled escalated calls efficiently, finding satisfactory resolutions for both customers and the company alike.
  • Responded to customer requests for products, services, and company information.
  • Developed rapport with customers through active listening skills, leading to higher retention rates and positive feedback from clients.
  • Maintained detailed records of customer interactions, ensuring proper follow-up and resolution of issues.
  • Provided coaching and mentoring to new hires, contributing to their successful integration into the team.
  • Trained new Customer Service Representatives on company policies, procedures, and best practices.
  • Participated in training programs to enhance product knowledge and customer service skills.
  • Improved resolution time with effective problem-solving for customer complaints.
  • Analyzed customer service metrics to identify trends and develop strategies for improvement.
  • Developed feedback system for customers to share their service experience, leading to actionable improvements.
  • Participated in cross-functional teams to discuss ways to improve overall customer satisfaction across company.

Education

Bachelor of Commerce - Marketing (Honors)

Management College of Southern Africa
12.2019

National Diploma - Marketing Management

IMM Graduate School of Marketing
South Africa
12.2012

Matric - undefined

Newhaven Secondary School
12.2004

Skills

  • Effective team leadership
  • Business development strategy
  • Client support
  • Team-based negotiation skills
  • Strategic decision-making
  • Sales strategy development
  • Relationship management
  • Market expansion initiatives
  • Organizational strategy development
  • Client engagement strategies
  • Persuasive sales presentations
  • Cross-functional collaboration
  • Account relationship development
  • Building professional relationships
  • Sales performance optimization
  • Strategic planning proficiency
  • Sales growth strategies
  • Product presentations
  • Project coordination
  • Business administration
  • Professional development
  • Strategic relationship management
  • Strong relationship-building abilities
  • Consumer insights research
  • Strategic marketing planning
  • Skilled in [software]
  • Strong background in marketing
  • Market research
  • Industry expertise

Accomplishments

  • Brought in 2 new customers in 2018, with a total value of ZAR 8000000 over 6 years
  • Devised 1 successful new program focused on Engineering Services at Sasol and now we are being listed as an Engineering Consultant.

Languages

English
Afrikaans
Zulu

Timeline

Business Development Manager

Swagelok Sub-Saharan Africa
01.2024 - Current

Technical Sales Engineer

Swagelok Southern Africa
01.2010 - 12.2023

Customer Service Representative

Johannesburg Valve&Fitting Co. (Swagelok South Africa)
04.2006 - 01.2010

Matric - undefined

Newhaven Secondary School

Bachelor of Commerce - Marketing (Honors)

Management College of Southern Africa

National Diploma - Marketing Management

IMM Graduate School of Marketing

Hobbies and Interests

  • Outdoor Activities
  • Cycling
  • Running
  • Swimming
  • Mountain Climbing
  • Charity Event Participation

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Verlan Govender