Operations Manager

Lights by Linea

June 2018 to June 2020

OPERATIONS Managed, guided, mentored and motivated 24 stores, the warehouse/distribution centre and the furniture warehouse in the Western and Eastern Cape. Responsible for the supervision of 660 staffFormulate, implement and review the operations strategy and setting of objectives.Managed the operational and financial process, effectively control costs and developed operating budgets.Ensuring the correct controls are in place and that they are managed in accordance with the company contractual and legal requirements whilst researching and implementing new methods of efficiency.Developed new operational systems and functionalities, ensuring that thorough testing was conducted by the relevant parties before live implementation of IT and operational functions Implement and maintain all required systems, processes and procedures. Develop standard operating procedures for all areas and maximise the efficiency and productivity levels of the operation, ensure compliance with agreed standards, and continuously seek to optimize processes.Implement and ensure that there are quality processes are in place for all departments specific to their requirements and deliver sustainable cost benefits to the business.Accountable for day to day delivery of operational performance objectives in line with company values and promote operational goals and objectives, ensuring alignment across all departments. Continually investigates and introduces process improvement measure.Periodically review all company procedures and policies, implementing changes when necessary.Responsible for the leading, training, development and appraisal of the Operations Team.Managed all performance and governance activities.Attend regular meetings with internal auditors to ensure all company standards and controls are adhered to.Ensure all staff is efficient and strategy focused.Management of the Customer Processing and Collections departments, managing customer support queries and improving customer service.Lead operations toward significant productivity gains, capacity utilization, delivery performance and resource utilization.Monitor compliance with company's policies and operational guidelines, evaluate performance using key metrics and address issues to ensure improvement.Manage the process for ensuring that the proper work plans are in place, scheduling work, staffing and compliance in the execution of projects or work tasks, including resolution between departments.Enforce and develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) across all departments, ensuring efficiency and strict standards and ensure operational strategies according to company policy. Monitor employee productivity and optimise procedures to reduce costs.Provide guidance, leadership and coaching to Branch Managers on all operational matters. Document and review the overall production and maintenance strategy on an annual basis to ensure alignment with the business plan.Played a significant role in long-term strategic plans toward operational excellence, developed long-range forecasts and maintained long-range financial plans, developed and implemented organizational strategies and policies.Provide operational input for the opening of new stores and store renovations and upgrades and managed the process.Insurance claim are processed for vehicle accidents, break-ins and property damage. Supervised and increased effectiveness and efficiency of operational systems and processes/policies to support organization's mission; specifically, supported management reporting/information.Driving day to day operational performance, ensuring delivery of all SLAs and KPI's Development and maintenance of business information systems.Direct involvement in the new ERP project Axapta 3 and Axapta 12, implementation and roll-out. Ensure that stock is controlled and that stock holding is within Company standards, identify stock holding problems and act accordingly. Ensure that all external stakeholders (Authorities, Landlords, Suppliers and Communities) have good relationships with the business.Identify potential risks that might affect the successful operation and implement strategies to mitigate these risks.Manage and ensures that month-end stock-takes are planned and takes place in accordance with the stock take policy and the correct procedures are in place.Manage and implement stock control practices/processes to improve stock levels and minimise stock losses and shrinkage.FINANCELiaise with the Finance Manager to set out departmental budget projections.Draft branch budgets ( profit, sales expenses and stockholding)Effectively lead and direct the teams in the selected large stores to deliver on all agreed KPI's. Drive and deliver the expansion growth targets for the region and deliver convenience to the customer.Monitor branches daily/monthly sales and gross profits in accordance with branch budgets and take corrective action when applicable.Review financial statements, sales reports, or other performance data to measure productivity or goal achievement, to identify areas needing cost reduction or improvement.Manage and report on the operational budget, managing costs to ensure that costs are inline with the budget - Maintenance, Operational and capital control of expenditure budgets.Monitor, implement and ensure adherence to the company's financial policies, process and budgets.Accountability for the regional profit and loss, leading the team in delivering the financial performance for the region.Deliver business process improvements within the region which improved operational execution and managed risk.Responsible for the overall management of the project budget and monthly budget reviews with the Finance Manager.Hold monthly meetings with Branch Managers to review branch performance and branch income statement with relation to profit, sales, expenses and stockholding.Efficient and ongoing control is exercised over cash expenses and banking procedures.Identify and mitigate critical operational risk areas as well as the management of risks through the implementation of proper and up to date internal controls, systems, policies and procedures, ensuring effective operational governance and controls are in place to mitigate and minimise risk to the business.Ensure that all areas of financial loss are investigated and reported.Supporting the sales team with the implementation of regional business strategies and plans consistent with the overall marketing and sales strategies.SALESDrive regional business opportunities, resulting in sales and operating profit growth whilst reinforcing the brands competitive edge.Analyse branch sales performance against approved budgetary requirements.Participate in the sales process by identifying business development potential.Identify, develop and secure business opportunities in line with the business plan.Interfaced and assist sales representatives with data for customers regarding delinquency, daily sales outstanding (DSO) and payment history; resolved rates and discrepancy issues.Work directly with the sales department and provide them with client's information, billing resolutions and dispute analysis.Assist Sales in large corporate accounts in line with procedures and product deliveriesInteract with Sales and create a pro-active working relationship to deliver world-class service. Manage customer satisfaction experience, client interface and retention of the client by adhering to highest standards of service delivery.Participate in the measurement and reporting of internal and external SLAs and address any process failures specific to the business unit.FACILITIESEnsure strict adherence to maintenance work management principles to obtain maximum availability at minimum maintenance cost.Responsible for the effective operations management of the branches and facilities.Initiate business improvements to increase productivity and the sharing of information to facilitate workflow.Responsible for the negotiations of all maintenance and service contracts.Maintain and implement the Planned Preventative Maintenance schedule for the Western Cape region.Management of all Health, Safety and Environmental statutory obligations and ensure the systems and procedures are adhered to.Appointed as the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) 16.2 for the Western Cape region and was responsible to ensure the region complies with OHS legislation and policies.Ensure that all Compliance Training is completed by all staff.Developed safety programmes that reduced incidents.Administered all emergency situations in accordance with OHS and responded accordingly.Management of all maintenance, security, cleaning and upgrading of the company buildings Conducted cost analysis, surveyed, instructed, and inspected when necessary Operation and management of all maintenance systems, such as air conditioners, emergency generators, hysters/pallet jacks, building maintenance, dock levellers, all fire-fighting equipment, lift maintenance and all preventive maintenance schedules.Monitored all company buildings and identified potential building problems.Responsible for property management functions, including, facility security/maintenance, and oversight of contracted services.Earned title of special projects captains due to the ability to organize and execute large-scale department reorganization, including refits and retrofits.Oversaw inventory ordered new equipment and scheduled repairs for damaged machinery. Performed or managed preventative and on-demand maintenance programs improving building conditions and extending the life of the facility.Improved efficiencies and cost-effectiveness of contracted services through proper selection and management of vendors including, janitorial, security, plumbing, electrical, waste collection and any contractors visiting the site. Cost-effective control of fuel usageManaged the general upkeep and maintenance of buildings, ensuring that they meet health and safety standards and also the legal requirements.Build effective, value-adding, transparent relationships with all stakeholders (suppliers, employees, customers) through regular communication, reporting and personal interaction.I was a member of the team who was involved in the building and planning of the new Woodstock Warehouse and the rebuild/renovations of the Regional Head Office building.Managed all contracts with service providers including, but not limited to security, cleaning, air conditions, all building maintenance, electrical contractors, plumbers and lift contractors.HUMAN RESOURCESEnsure adherence to HR policies and procedures aligned with corporate governance.? Responsible for determining staffing requirements.Ensure that all new staff are correctly interviewed, meet the position's specification requirements and that all new appointment documentation is sent to the HR department. Review all KPI information relating to the performance of each department on a regular basis. Management of staff development and KPI strategies, ensuring staff growth and development.In collaboration with the HR department ensure all employees are suitably qualified and trained for their positions.Develop a culture of pride and excellence in the work-place.Overall responsibility for short/medium-term planning and organisation of all resources.Management of contractors, contract procurement and service level agreements.Manage staff costs by effective overtime management in line with shift structures.Manage a team of staff to ensure effective delivery of Key performance measures and operational efficiencies within the company.LOGISTICSEnsure consistent improvement in the stores operating standards and taking the necessary corrective action where necessary.Execute the correct operational procedures at all stores and the warehouse.Ensure appropriate resources are in place to meet operational and project requirements. Responsible for setting, monitoring and reviewing workload schedules.Improve the delivery and inventory turnover, minimising obsolete and excess stock.Plan, coordinate and manage all operational activities within the supply chain, including the point of origin to the point of delivery.Ensure all technical, compliance and occupation health and safety requirements are adhered to and oversee operational functions.Responsible for fleet management and managing maintenance and services of vehicles, licence renewals, audit fuel reports and fines, vehicle tracking systems, monitor the usage.Control all vehicles running cost, ensure that the vehicles are well maintained, are clean and are roadworthy. Streamline administration and filing of documents.Management of the department's targets and budgets as well as vehicle tracking systems.

Operations Manager

BIDVEST WALTONS

May 2006 to April 2017

OPERATIONS Managed, guided, mentored and motivated 24 stores, the warehouse/distribution centre and the furniture warehouse in the Western and Eastern Cape. Responsible for the supervision of 660 staff Formulate, implement and review the operations strategy and setting of objectives. Managed the operational and financial process, effectively control costs and developed operating budgets. Ensuring the correct controls are in place and that they are managed in accordance with the company contractual and legal requirements whilst researching and implementing new methods of efficiency. Developed new operational systems and functionalities, ensuring that thorough testing was conducted by the relevant parties before live implementation of IT and operational functions Implement and maintain all required systems, processes and procedures. Develop standard operating procedures for all areas and maximise the efficiency and productivity levels of the operation, ensure compliance with agreed standards, and continuously seek to optimize processes. Implement and ensure that there are quality processes are in place for all departments specific to their requirements and deliver sustainable cost benefits to the business. Accountable for day to day delivery of operational performance objectives in line with company values and promote operational goals and objectives, ensuring alignment across all departments. Continually investigates and introduces process improvement measure. Periodically review all company procedures and policies, implementing changes when necessary. Responsible for the leading, training, development and appraisal of the Operations Team. Managed all performance and governance activities. Attend regular meetings with internal auditors to ensure all company standards and controls are adhered to. Ensure all staff is efficient and strategy focused. Management of the Customer Processing and Collections departments, managing customer support queries and improving customer service. Lead operations toward significant productivity gains, capacity utilization, delivery performance and resource utilization. Monitor compliance with company's policies and operational guidelines, evaluate performance using key metrics and address issues to ensure improvement. Manage the process for ensuring that the proper work plans are in place, scheduling work, staffing and compliance in the execution of projects or work tasks, including resolution between departments. Enforce and develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) across all departments, ensuring efficiency and strict standards and ensure operational strategies according to company policy. Monitor employee productivity and optimise procedures to reduce costs. Provide guidance, leadership and coaching to Branch Managers on all operational matters. Document and review the overall production and maintenance strategy on an annual basis to ensure alignment with the business plan. Played a significant role in long-term strategic plans toward operational excellence, developed long-range forecasts and maintained long-range financial plans, developed and implemented organizational strategies and policies. Provide operational input for the opening of new stores and store renovations and upgrades and managed the process. Insurance claim are processed for vehicle accidents, break-ins and property damage. Supervised and increased effectiveness and efficiency of operational systems and processes/policies to support organization's mission; specifically, supported management reporting/information. Driving day to day operational performance, ensuring delivery of all SLAs and KPI's Development and maintenance of business information systems. Direct involvement in the new ERP project Axapta 3 and Axapta 12, implementation and roll-out. Ensure that stock is controlled and that stock holding is within Company standards, identify stock holding problems and act accordingly. Ensure that all external stakeholders (Authorities, Landlords, Suppliers and Communities) have good relationships with the business. Identify potential risks that might affect the successful operation and implement strategies to mitigate these risks. Manage and ensures that month-end stock-takes are planned and takes place in accordance with the stock take policy and the correct procedures are in place. Manage and implement stock control practices/processes to improve stock levels and minimise stock losses and shrinkage. FINANCE Liaise with the Finance Manager to set out departmental budget projections. Draft branch budgets ( profit, sales expenses and stockholding) Effectively lead and direct the teams in the selected large stores to deliver on all agreed KPI's. Drive and deliver the expansion growth targets for the region and deliver convenience to the customer. Monitor branches daily/monthly sales and gross profits in accordance with branch budgets and take corrective action when applicable. Review financial statements, sales reports, or other performance data to measure productivity or goal achievement, to identify areas needing cost reduction or improvement. Manage and report on the operational budget, managing costs to ensure that costs are inline with the budget - Maintenance, Operational and capital control of expenditure budgets. Monitor, implement and ensure adherence to the company's financial policies, process and budgets. Accountability for the regional profit and loss, leading the team in delivering the financial performance for the region. Deliver business process improvements within the region which improved operational execution and managed risk. Responsible for the overall management of the project budget and monthly budget reviews with the Finance Manager. Hold monthly meetings with Branch Managers to review branch performance and branch income statement with relation to profit, sales, expenses and stockholding. Efficient and ongoing control is exercised over cash expenses and banking procedures. Identify and mitigate critical operational risk areas as well as the management of risks through the implementation of proper and up to date internal controls, systems, policies and procedures, ensuring effective operational governance and controls are in place to mitigate and minimise risk to the business. Ensure that all areas of financial loss are investigated and reported. Supporting the sales team with the implementation of regional business strategies and plans consistent with the overall marketing and sales strategies. SALES Drive regional business opportunities, resulting in sales and operating profit growth whilst reinforcing the brands competitive edge. Analyse branch sales performance against approved budgetary requirements. Participate in the sales process by identifying business development potential. Identify, develop and secure business opportunities in line with the business plan. Interfaced and assist sales representatives with data for customers regarding delinquency, daily sales outstanding (DSO) and payment history; resolved rates and discrepancy issues. Work directly with the sales department and provide them with client's information, billing resolutions and dispute analysis. Assist Sales in large corporate accounts in line with procedures and product deliveries Interact with Sales and create a pro-active working relationship to deliver world-class service. Manage customer satisfaction experience, client interface and retention of the client by adhering to highest standards of service delivery. Participate in the measurement and reporting of internal and external SLAs and address any process failures specific to the business unit. FACILITIES Ensure strict adherence to maintenance work management principles to obtain maximum availability at minimum maintenance cost. Responsible for the effective operations management of the branches and facilities. Initiate business improvements to increase productivity and the sharing of information to facilitate workflow. Responsible for the negotiations of all maintenance and service contracts. Maintain and implement the Planned Preventative Maintenance schedule for the Western Cape region. Management of all Health, Safety and Environmental statutory obligations and ensure the systems and procedures are adhered to. Appointed as the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) 16.2 for the Western Cape region and was responsible to ensure the region complies with OHS legislation and policies. Ensure that all Compliance Training is completed by all staff. Developed safety programmes that reduced incidents. Administered all emergency situations in accordance with OHS and responded accordingly. Management of all maintenance, security, cleaning and upgrading of the company buildings Conducted cost analysis, surveyed, instructed, and inspected when necessary Operation and management of all maintenance systems, such as air conditioners, emergency generators, hysters/pallet jacks, building maintenance, dock levellers, all fire-fighting equipment, lift maintenance and all preventive maintenance schedules. Monitored all company buildings and identified potential building problems. Responsible for property management functions, including, facility security/maintenance, and oversight of contracted services. Earned title of special projects captains due to the ability to organize and execute large-scale department reorganization, including refits and retrofits. Oversaw inventory ordered new equipment and scheduled repairs for damaged machinery. Performed or managed preventative and on-demand maintenance programs improving building conditions and extending the life of the facility. Improved efficiencies and cost-effectiveness of contracted services through proper selection and management of vendors including, janitorial, security, plumbing, electrical, waste collection and any contractors visiting the site. Cost-effective control of fuel usage Managed the general upkeep and maintenance of buildings, ensuring that they meet health and safety standards and also the legal requirements. Build effective, value-adding, transparent relationships with all stakeholders (suppliers, employees, customers) through regular communication, reporting and personal interaction. I was a member of the team who was involved in the building and planning of the new Woodstock Warehouse and the rebuild/renovations of the Regional Head Office building. Managed all contracts with service providers including, but not limited to security, cleaning, air conditions, all building maintenance, electrical contractors, plumbers and lift contractors. HUMAN RESOURCES Ensure adherence to HR policies and procedures aligned with corporate governance.? Responsible for determining staffing requirements. Ensure that all new staff are correctly interviewed, meet the position's specification requirements and that all new appointment documentation is sent to the HR department. Review all KPI information relating to the performance of each department on a regular basis. Management of staff development and KPI strategies, ensuring staff growth and development. In collaboration with the HR department ensure all employees are suitably qualified and trained for their positions. Develop a culture of pride and excellence in the work-place. Overall responsibility for short/medium-term planning and organisation of all resources. Management of contractors, contract procurement and service level agreements. Manage staff costs by effective overtime management in line with shift structures. Manage a team of staff to ensure effective delivery of Key performance measures and operational efficiencies within the company. LOGISTICS Ensure consistent improvement in the stores operating standards and taking the necessary corrective action where necessary. Execute the correct operational procedures at all stores and the warehouse. Ensure appropriate resources are in place to meet operational and project requirements. Responsible for setting, monitoring and reviewing workload schedules. Improve the delivery and inventory turnover, minimising obsolete and excess stock. Plan, coordinate and manage all operational activities within the supply chain, including the point of origin to the point of delivery. Ensure all technical, compliance and occupation health and safety requirements are adhered to and oversee operational functions. Responsible for fleet management and managing maintenance and services of vehicles, licence renewals, audit fuel reports and fines, vehicle tracking systems, monitor the usage. Control all vehicles running cost, ensure that the vehicles are well maintained, are clean and are roadworthy. Streamline administration and filing of documents. Management of the department's targets and budgets as well as vehicle tracking systems.

Regional Credit Manager

Bidvest Waltons

May 1998 to September 2016

In May 1998, I started my employment in the position of Credit Manager, in June 2006 I took on the additional role
of Regional Operations Director for the Western Cape. In June 2013 I took on the role of Divisional Operations Manager due
to the restructuring of the company within the Western Cape.
MAY 1998 ? SEPTEMBER 2015
DIVISIONAL CREDIT MANAGER
Reporting to the Regional Director.
Maintain the credit department?s organisational structure to meet all goals and objectives to include a fail-proof succession plan.
Assisted Sales teams with regards to credit limits and terms in accordance with the company's Delegations of Authority and Credit Control policies
Implemented proper working structures in Credit Control teams to achieve optimum efficiency and results
Manage, motivate, train and develop credit and collections staff whilst measuring departmental performance and provide leadership to the team.
Manage, assess and report on the adequacy of various Accounts Receivable financial accounts including and not limited to Bad Debts Provision, Settlement Discount, Customer Incentives as per the company's reporting requirements
Manage relations with collection agencies, credit reporting agencies and credit insurance providers.
Monitor and manage the group's credit granting processes and procedures.
Implement and sustain effective credit management systems and controls.
Assess, motivate and approve accounts in accordance with the company?s credit policy.
Assess, motivate and approve the Group's large accounts in line with the delegated authorities as per the credit management policy.
Conduct audits in their division, investigating and analyzing any problem areas and reporting on any deviations, and high-risk areas and implement action to resolve the problem area and minimize the company?s exposure.
Providing support to the Credit Control team and being the point of contact for problem-solving.
Manage and monitor that ongoing control is exercised over debt collection and appropriate and speedy action is taken to rectify identified problems
Monitor and maintain the integrity of the group?s debtor master file.
Early collections of outstanding money and ensure that the monthly collection target are achieved.
Supervise and assess the creditworthiness of potential customers, with the goal being to optimise the mix of company sales and bad debt losses.
Develop and implement a company credit policy and support ?Standard Operating Procedures?.
Oversee the processing of all credit applications, approving or rejecting credit applications and establishing credit limits.
Working closely with the Financial Director to develop a new system for processing credit applications and implementing and sustaining effective credit management systems and controls.
Establish good relations with Credit Bureaus and banks.
Enforce and uphold the credit policy, recommending changes to the credit policy to senior management.
Work with the General Manager in developing a cheque acceptance procedure and managing its implementation including staff training.
Responsible for debt collection and debt recovery, reviewing accounts receivable on a daily basis and pursuing collection of accounts previously written off.
Minimize bad debt write-off by completing a comprehensive credit review of the customer base in order to set appropriate credit limits.
Ensuring adherence and improvement of policies and procedures across Accounts Receivable and Point of Sales.
Implement recommended changes in the credit policy to senior management.
Manage collections for major regional and national with employee strength of 45 employees.
Responsible for the strategic implementation of special projects to improve cash flow and debtor?s days.
Assisting in the management of the Bank's numerous credit functions and maintenance of a strong credit culture, ensuring compliance with all appropriate regulatory and sound banking best practices.
Directly responsible for establishing and managing the materials utilised in reporting and monitoring all credit-related activities to the Board of Directors and Risk Management Committees.
Measure department performance using the appropriate metrics.
Regular meetings with Attorneys to handover accounts and to assess the progress of accounts handed over for collection.
Visit high-risk customer to assess outstanding debt and formulate an agreement to bring the account up to date
Implemented a credit risk management system to effectively measure credit.
Exposure and collateral requirements (in both current market conditions and stressed scenarios).
Arrange repayment schedules based on the client?s financial situations within established guidelines and persuaded large clients to pay amounts on the due date.
Manage the (DSO) debtors? days outstanding according to targets, ensuring credit risk targets are achieved.
Interface with sales organisations in order to communicate credit decisions and ensure timely reviews of new customers.
Monthly branch visits to assess credit risks and review and audit the Debtors book.
Identify and report on high-risk accounts and implement a process to ensure collection of any outstanding funds
Built and maintained effective accounts receivable and cash flow monitoring systems
Manage advice and support staff on credit strategies and developments in the market relating to their credit management functions.
Developed and implemented company credit policies and procedures.
Key role player and go-between for the business and the IT department in terms of identifying and clarify specifications for automation and development of the debtor?s module.
Maintain an accurate and clean ageing report, ensuring cash and credits have been timeously applied and processed.
Created an environment as the go-between the business and the IT department in terms of identifying and clarify specifications for automation in the credit space
Management of the activities of the collections staff in order to maintain favourable ageing statistics as directed by upper management.
Management of accounts receivable transactions in order to ensure that credits are provided to clients, meeting company guidelines.
Worked with end-users to specify and design functionality that improves the efficiency, effectiveness and usability of firm software.
Regularly visit high profile customers to build customer relations.

Manager

Hyperama Limited

November 1994 to May 1998

I was responsible for the ordering of company assets, handling expenses, processing of salaries and wages, responsible for shrinkage control, handling of merchandising, provide branch reports, responsible for Accounts payable, Debtors and Creditors, management of staff and subordinates for various branches

Manager

OK Bazaars

May 1985 to October 1994

I was responsible for the ordering of company assets, handling expenses, processing of salaries and wages, responsible for shrinkage control, handling of merchandising, provide branch reports, responsible for Accounts payable, Debtors and Creditors, management of staff and subordinates for various branches

Matric

January 1972 to October 1979

Career Goals

I possess 24 years? experience overseeing Credit and Operational management of a group of services by delivering better results every day. As a true professional who can ensure that personalised, cost effective and high-quality services.

Industries of interest

Areas of interest

Availability to travel and work outside the city

Yes

Interests and hobbies

Golf
Woodworking