Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Interests
Woodworking
Timeline
Generic
Willem Thomas

Willem Thomas

Operations Manager
Cape Town,WC

Summary

Exceptional Operations Manager focused on successful team building, cost-cutting and operational improvements. Determined to cut costs without impacting quality of products and services. Reliable team player committed to building high-performing teams.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Language

Work History

Operations Manager

Cabinet Craft
01.2020 - Current
  • Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them.
  • Reduced turnaround time for project completion through effective resource allocation and team management.
  • Spearheaded process improvements, resulting in increased productivity and reduced operational costs.
  • Optimized supply chain operations through strategic vendor partnerships and efficient logistics planning.
  • Managed budgets effectively, consistently delivering projects on-time and within financial constraints.
  • Championed safety protocols to maintain a secure working environment, reducing workplace accidents significantly.
  • Developed strong relationships with vendors, resulting in better pricing and improved service quality.
  • Analyzed data trends to identify potential bottlenecks in operations workflow, implementing strategies to mitigate risks accordingly.
  • Achieved higher employee retention rates by fostering a positive work environment and providing opportunities for professional growth.
  • Implemented quality control systems that boosted overall product consistency and reliability.
  • Implemented new inventory management system to optimize stock levels and reduce waste.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by establishing clear communication channels and addressing concerns promptly.
  • Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
  • Handled staff training initiatives aimed at upskilling the workforce to meet dynamic industry demands.
  • Oversaw facility maintenance, ensuring optimal functionality of equipment and infrastructure at all times.
  • Facilitated smooth collaboration between departments through clear communication channels.
  • Set, enforced, and optimized internal policies to maintain responsiveness to demands.
  • Identified and resolved unauthorized, unsafe, or ineffective practices.
  • Introduced new methods, practices, and systems to reduce turnaround time.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with external vendors and suppliers.
  • Devised processes to boost long-term business success and increase profit levels.
  • Led hiring, onboarding and training of new hires to fulfill business requirements.
  • Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
  • Managed inventory and supply chain operations to achieve timely and accurate delivery of goods and services.
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers to obtain best pricing and terms.
  • Developed and implemented strategies to maximize customer satisfaction.
  • Developed systems and procedures to improve operational quality and team efficiency.

Senior Kitchen Designer

Cabinet Craft
01.2017 - 12.2019
  • Presented innovative solutions to complex design challenges, maximizing both aesthetics and functionality within limited spaces.
  • Conducted thorough site visits to gather accurate measurements and assess existing conditions for each unique project scope.
  • Assisted clients in selecting materials, finishes, and appliances for cohesive kitchen design projects.
  • Increased customer satisfaction through meticulous attention to detail and a focus on optimal space utilization.
  • Streamlined the design process by utilizing advanced software tools, resulting in accurate project estimates and timely completion.
  • Collaborated with contractors and suppliers to ensure seamless execution of kitchen renovation projects.
  • Attended industry events and trade shows to stay current on emerging trends, materials, and technologies in kitchen design.
  • Developed comprehensive project timelines, ensuring all milestones were met without compromising quality or budget constraints.
  • Provided training for junior designers, sharing knowledge of best practices and guiding them towards successful project outcomes.
  • Enhanced kitchen functionality by creating custom designs tailored to individual client needs.
  • Created visually appealing 3D renderings to help clients visualize their new kitchen space before construction began.
  • Planned and presented project quotes for custom designs.
  • Maintained relationships with installers and suppliers.
  • Collaborated with contractors and suppliers for smooth execution of design plans.

Site Manager

MCT Construction
01.2012 - 12.2016
  • Coordinated training programs for new hires, ensuring all team members were knowledgeable about company policies, safety practices, and job-specific skills.
  • Established clear lines of communication among various departments involved in the construction process to ensure seamless collaboration toward shared objectives.
  • Improved client satisfaction with timely project completion through effective communication and coordination among team members.
  • Developed strong relationships with clients through consistent communication of project updates and prompt resolution of concerns or issues.
  • Implemented cost-saving measures, identifying areas for improvement in material procurement and labor utilization.
  • Oversaw budget management, consistently delivering projects within allocated financial resources.
  • Maintained detailed records of all site activities, providing valuable data for future planning efforts and analysis of best practices in site management techniques.
  • Conducted regular site meetings with team members, fostering open communication channels for efficient problem-solving and progress updates.
  • Managed subcontractors, ensuring quality workmanship and adherence to project timelines and specifications.
  • Reduced safety incidents by conducting regular site inspections and enforcing strict adherence to safety protocols.
  • Assumed responsibility for personnel deployed to work site.
  • Interviewed, hired, and trained new workers.

Operations Manager

Sharpline Signs & Graphics
01.2007 - 12.2011
  • Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them.
  • Reduced turnaround time for project completion through effective resource allocation and team management.
  • Spearheaded process improvements, resulting in increased productivity and reduced operational costs.
  • Optimized supply chain operations through strategic vendor partnerships and efficient logistics planning.
  • Championed safety protocols to maintain a secure working environment, reducing workplace accidents significantly.
  • Developed strong relationships with vendors, resulting in better pricing and improved service quality.
  • Developed robust contingency plans to ensure business continuity during unforeseen disruptions.
  • Implemented quality control systems that boosted overall product consistency and reliability.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by establishing clear communication channels and addressing concerns promptly.
  • Handled staff training initiatives aimed at upskilling the workforce to meet dynamic industry demands.
  • Increased profit by streamlining operations.
  • Developed systems and procedures to improve operational quality and team efficiency.
  • Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
  • Identified and qualified customer needs and negotiated and closed profitable projects with high success rate.
  • Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
  • Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
  • Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.

Shop Fitter

Sharpline Signs & Graphics
01.2005 - 12.2006
  • Implemented creative solutions for challenging spaces or layouts without sacrificing aesthetic appeal or functionality.
  • Maximized workspace efficiency with well-designed storage solutions customized for each client''s unique needs.
  • Developed strong communication skills while liaising with clients, suppliers, and team members to ensure project success.
  • Enhanced store functionality by efficiently installing fixtures and fittings.
  • Streamlined the installation process by effectively coordinating with other tradespeople, such as electricians and plumbers.
  • Ensured timely completion of projects by consistently meeting deadlines and staying on budget.
  • Delivered quality craftsmanship in carpentry tasks, producing durable structures that withstand heavy use.
  • Increased project efficiency with thorough planning and accurate measurements.
  • Exceeded client expectations through meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of shopfitting work completed.
  • Observed safety regulations on job sites to minimize accidents.
  • Operated power equipment to move materials and promote job efficiency.
  • Worked independently in fast-paced environment while meeting productivity and quality expectations.
  • Demonstrated safe and proper operation of equipment and tools to prevent harm to team members.
  • Conducted daily site inspections to identify potential safety hazards.
  • Followed blueprints and diagrams to complete projects according to specifications.

Graphic Designer

Sharpline Signs & Graphics
01.1999 - 12.2004
  • Provided creative direction on photoshoots to ensure alignment with overall campaign themes and objectives.
  • Designed eye-catching event collateral, contributing to successful fundraising campaigns and increased event attendance.
  • Developed innovative design concepts that effectively communicated brand identity and boosted overall brand awareness.
  • Worked closely with copywriters to develop cohesive visual storytelling elements for print and digital campaigns.
  • Optimized digital assets for seamless integration into web designs, enhancing user experience and site functionality.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure consistent branding and messaging across all company materials.
  • Conceptualized unique logo designs for startups, establishing strong visual identities that resonated with target markets.
  • Produced high-quality product packaging designs that successfully captured target audience attention and led to increased sales revenue.
  • Elevated corporate presentations with custom infographics, effectively communicating complex data in an easily digestible format.
  • Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion of deliverables while maintaining high-quality standards.
  • Improved client satisfaction by creating visually appealing and impactful graphic designs for various marketing materials.
  • Met with customers to present mockups and collect information for adjustments.
  • Completed final touches for projects such as images sizes and font selection.
  • Created digital image files for use in digital and traditional printing methods.
  • Completed final touches for projects before rollout.
  • Developed creative design for print materials, banners and signs.

Education

High School Diploma -

HTS Louis Botha
Bloemfontein
04.2001 -

Skills

Performance monitoring

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Interests

Golf

Padel

Woodworking

I have been interested in woodworking since i was in high school. I have built furniture for my home and have become a bit of an expert in my hobby.

Timeline

Operations Manager

Cabinet Craft
01.2020 - Current

Senior Kitchen Designer

Cabinet Craft
01.2017 - 12.2019

Site Manager

MCT Construction
01.2012 - 12.2016

Operations Manager

Sharpline Signs & Graphics
01.2007 - 12.2011

Shop Fitter

Sharpline Signs & Graphics
01.2005 - 12.2006

High School Diploma -

HTS Louis Botha
04.2001 -

Graphic Designer

Sharpline Signs & Graphics
01.1999 - 12.2004
Willem ThomasOperations Manager