Ben Stander

I am a results-driven and dependable professional with a strong work ethic and proven leadership abilities. Skilled in operational management, general maintenance, and manufacturing, with a talent for practical, innovative problem-solving. Demonstrates sound judgment, fairness, and accountability, with the ability to make effective decisions under pressure. Committed to achieving targets, embracing challenges, and consistently exceeding expectations, while maintaining a strategic, big-picture perspective and continuously learning from experience.

Meat Specialist and Owner at ButcherFix (2014-01 – Present)

Restored clients' butcheries to full operational potential through general maintenance, equipment repairs, operational restructuring and manufacturing solutions.

• Restored clients' butcheries to full operational potential through general maintenance, equipment repairs, operational restructuring and manufacturing solutions
• Trained staff in all aspects of butchery operations
• Identified and rectified all problem areas with immediate out-of-the-box solutions
• Opened and Operations of Rust Remover Pty/Ltd
• Broad-based self-taught knowledge of Engineering works, Electrical and Building Maintenance
• Vehicle maintenance
• Using A.I. to supplement and improve operations
• Reason for seeking new opportunity: Current butchery business volume is low due to market conditions

Owner and Manufacturer at Rust Remover (Pty) Ltd (2013-05 – Present)

Founder and full owner of Rust Remover (Pty) Ltd – a specialised manufacturing business producing high-performance rust removal products.

• Founder and full owner of Rust Remover (Pty) Ltd – a specialised manufacturing business producing high-performance rust removal products
• Developed, manufactured and quality-controlled a complete range of rust removers for industrial, commercial and general maintenance applications
• Products directly applied to equipment restoration, production-line maintenance and operational efficiency projects
• Concurrent ownership – active alongside ButcherFix

Manager – Wholesale Butcheries at Delthorn (2013-05 – 2013-12)

Opened the new Carnival Makro butchery and performed full operational setup and general maintenance. Turned around multiple Makro butcheries through targeted operational management and problem-solving.

• Opened the new Carnival Makro butchery and performed full operational setup and general maintenance
• Turned around multiple Makro butcheries through targeted operational management and problem-solving
• Managed all divisions, trained staff and handled disciplinary hearings

Meat Market Manager at Pick n Pay (2012-03 – 2013-05)

Full operational management of meat market: administration, orders, stock control, general maintenance and weekly P and L reports.

• Full operational management of meat market: administration, orders, stock control, general maintenance and weekly P and L reports
• Reason for leaving: Opportunity to start own business (ButcherFix)

Meat Market Manager at Shoprite Checkers (2011-01 – 2012-02)

Complete operational management including administration, orders, stock control, general maintenance and weekly P and L.

• Complete operational management including administration, orders, stock control, general maintenance and weekly P and L

Butchery Manager at Homestead Spar (2007-06 – 2011-01)

Full operational and general maintenance responsibility for the butchery: stock and quality control, administration, orders and weekly P and L.

• Full operational and general maintenance responsibility for the butchery: stock and quality control, administration, orders and weekly P and L
• Reason for leaving: Better opportunity

Butchery Manager at Squeeze In Super Spar (2006-09 – 2007-03)

Managed team of 12; operational management, general maintenance, stock and quality control, production standards, customer care, marketing and contracts.

• Managed team of 12; operational management, general maintenance, stock and quality control, production standards, customer care, marketing and contracts
• Reason for leaving: Company sold + injury on duty (22 Feb 2007)

Factory and Shop Manager/Business Manager at Malakai 21 cc t/a Oupa's Biltong (2002-02 – 2006-08)

Managed 2 shops and full factory (25 staff) – operational management, general maintenance of equipment, production, manufacturing, stock control, orders, contracts, administration and monthly P and L.

• Managed 2 shops and full factory (25 staff) – operational management, general maintenance of equipment, production, manufacturing, stock control, orders, contracts, administration and monthly P and L
• Reason for leaving: Company sold

Meat Market Manager at Shoprite/Checkers (2000-03 – 2002-01)

Operational management of meat markets (25 staff) and training school; full administration, orders, stock control, general maintenance and weekly P and L.

• Operational management of meat markets (25 staff) and training school; full administration, orders, stock control, general maintenance and weekly P and L

Store/Butchery Manager at Bedfordview Super Spar (2000-01 – 2000-02)

Store and butchery management with stock control, orders, contract management and general maintenance.

• Stock control, orders, contract management and general maintenance (short contract to assist opening)

Assistant Manager at Satellite Spar (1999-01 – 2000-01)

Stock control, orders, customer relations and general maintenance.

• Stock control, orders, customer relations and general maintenance
• Reason for leaving: Company sold

Apprentice Butchery at Primrose Spar (1996-02 – 1998-12)

Assisted with any and all tasks within the butchery, (Cutting, packing and arranging new orders).

• Assisted with any and all tasks within the butchery, (Cutting, packing and arranging new orders)
• Reason for leaving: Company sold

Grade 10 (1994) at Afrikaanse Hoër Skool Germiston