National Operations Manager
SGS Australia, Geochem, Perth Airport
May 2018 – Present
As a Regional Operations Manager and later National Operations Manager at SGS Australia, I played a pivotal role in driving business performance, managing client relationships, leading key projects and contributing to the company's overall growth. I guide my team by encouraging individual skills, enabling them to initiative and nurturing a feeling of accountability.
Achievements
- Promoted from Project Manager Finance to Regional Operational Manager of Western Australia within 10 weeks.
- Transformed loss-making branches into profitable businesses by optimizing cost reductions, labour efficiency, and process flows. Renegotiation of contract terms with client to create a win-win scenario for all.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute business strategy as a part of the Geochem Senior Management team, overseeing two commercial and eight onsite laboratories.
- Manage key client relationships, negotiate new laboratory agreements, and maintain existing contracts for renewals.
- Lead multiple projects to improve business efficiency across safety, production, and financial performance.
- Establish budgets and conduct monthly financial reviews for remote sites, implementing financial management tools and cost allocation models.
- Develop laboratory managers' skills to understand and manage their P&L statements.
- Lead the Graduate program, fostering the growth of future leaders.
- Manage procurement for laboratory consumables and equipment.
- Oversee recruitment and industrial relations management.
- Resolve queries in a timely and efficient manner.
It's Logic Pty Ltd | May 2016 - May 2018
Founder & Director
- Founded and successfully established the company, specializing in eco-friendly and efficient lightweight walling and façade solutions.
- Provide strategic businesses direction, marketing plan, and operations management, achieving projected revenues of AU$1.5 million for FY2018.
- Implemented robust project management framework and led business development, securing significant contracts such as the KPMG building facades and Johannesburg CBD projects.
- Maintained strict cash flow control, lean inventory, and debtor management to meet contractual obligations.
Capital Africa (Recruitment & Staff Placements) | Oct 2012 - Apr 2016
General Manager (Dec 2013 – May 2016) |
Operations & Administration Manager (Oct 2012 – Dec 2013)
- Led the turnaround of an underperforming branch, resulting in a net contribution of AU$2.1 million (PBIT) from previous losses and revenue growth to AU$60 million.
- Re-established key client relationships mobilized major contracts, and managed Opex/Capex budgets with a focus on cost reduction and labour utilization.
- Implemented a financial framework that mitigated risk, improved compliance, and increased profit margins through workforce and labour agreement negotiations.
- Introduced innovative technology solutions, such as tablet-based systems and online recruitment portals, to streamline processes and capitalize on market opportunities.
- Recruited and led a team of 35 professionals across Operations, Recruitment, Payroll, Site Agents, and Sales Agents.
Freelance Management Consultant | Apr 2012 - Oct 2012
- Consulted for Agri Invest Feeds, optimizing management systems, staff management, and process improvements, resulting in increased output from 600 tons/m to 920 tons/m.
Tarisiro Mining | Jun 2010 - Feb 2012
Chief Operating Officer
- Spearheaded the start-up of the mining business in Southern Africa, managing all aspects of operations.
- Successfully established two new mines and imported earthmoving equipment from South Africa to Zimbabwe, with a budget of US$10 million.
- Implemented world-class safety management culture and managed a workforce of over 300+ employees.
Central Rand Gold (Pty) Ltd | Feb 2007 – May 2010
Risk and Loss Control Manager
- Developed and implemented an enterprise-wide risk management program, loss control strategies, and emergency response plans for the mining operation.
- Led investigations into accidents, incidents, and near-misses, implementing corrective actions and ensuring regulatory compliance.
- Managed a team of risk and loss control professionals and fostered relationships with external stakeholders.
Chubb Electronics Security & Armed Response | Jun 2003 – Jan 2007
National Projects and Business Improvement Manager
- Drove operational efficiency, enhanced customer experience, and increased profitability through national project initiatives and business improvement strategies.
- Managed project risks conducted process reviews, and prepared reports on project progress for senior management.
- Ensured compliance with laws, regulations, and company policies.
Operations Manager
Clicks Distribution Centre, Oct 2001- Jun 2003
As an Operations Manager at Clicks Distribution Centre, I successfully led a team to increase productivity, reduce shrinkage, and manage a wide range of responsibilities in a fast-paced environment feeding retail operations consistent of 328 stores in Gauteng.
Achievements
- Boosted productivity by 55% in order picking.
- Reduced shrinkage from R12M to R2M per annum.
Key Responsibilities:
- Directed daily operations, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness across finance, admin, inventory, loss control, and inbound operations.
- Managed and coached a large team to achieve company goals and objectives.
- Developed and executed operational strategies in alignment with company vision.
- Monitored operational performance, taking corrective action as needed.
- Ensured compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and policies.
- Fostered strong relationships with key stakeholders.
- Continually improved processes to enhance operational efficiency.
Risk and Loss Control Manager
Cadbury, Feb 2000- Oct 2001
In this role, I developed and implemented an enterprise-wide risk management program, focusing on the distribution of food and beverage products.
Key Responsibilities
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to create loss control strategies.
- Led investigations and implemented corrective actions for accidents and incidents.
- Developed a comprehensive emergency response plan.
- Ensured compliance with regulations and contractual requirements.
- Provided employee training on risk management and loss control best practices.
- Managed a team of risk and loss control professionals.
- Conducted regular audits to assess program effectiveness and identify improvements.
Head of Security (Security Manager)
Rex Consolidated, Aug 1996- Sept 1999
As Head of Security, I developed and implemented a security program to manage potential risks related to mining operations, working closely with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Developed security strategies, policies, and procedures.
- Managed a team responsible for physical security, access control, and CCTV monitoring.
- Conducted regular risk assessments and implemented mitigation strategies.
- Investigated security incidents and implemented corrective actions.
- Created an emergency response plan, including incident response and crisis management.
- Collaborated with regulatory agencies and law enforcement to ensure compliance.
- Trained employees on security best practices and procedures.
- Managed the budget for the security function, maintaining cost control.
Counterintelligence Officer
South Africa National Defence Force,
Jan 1990- Aug 1996
