Denis Alexander

Estate and operations leader with 15+ years of senior management experience, currently responsible for maintenance and facilities operations at DeMorgenzon wine estate in Stellenbosch. Combines disciplined budget ownership, cost control, and variance reporting with hands-on building and renovation project management — including four complete personal home renovations delivered from brief to completion.

Known for building the systems behind the numbers: designed and implemented a full job-costing and maintenance management system covering job intake, scheduling, asset maintenance, and cost allocation across 18 departments. Operational leadership backed by NOSA health and safety training and Google data analytics certification.

Maintenance Manager - DeMorgenzon Wine Estate - Stellenbosch

(2025-01)

• Responsible for maintenance and facilities operations across the estate: buildings, farm machinery, tools, and structures
• Designed and implemented a job-costing and maintenance management system covering job intake, scheduling, cost estimation, and cost allocation across 18 departments and 17 cost categories, with photo documentation of works
• Structuring and implementing new cost controls and expenditure tracking, with live dashboard reporting to estate leadership
• Managing budgets, purchasing, and supplier relationships; maintaining detailed operational records and maintenance schedules
• Recruiting, training, and managing team productivity with a visible, on-the-ground leadership approach

Operations Manager - Noola | Silverline Brands (Pty) Ltd

(2020-01 - 2025-01)

• Managed a team of 20 across operations, warehousing, and logistics
• Oversaw imports with an annual value of approximately R100 million; owned supplier relationships and inventory forecasting
• Reduced local courier costs by 7% through carrier negotiation and consolidation
• Produced monthly operational and financial analysis to guide executive decisions; significantly reduced out-of-stocks through improved forecasting and cashflow planning

Operations Manager - Clifplumb Plumbing Services

(2016-01 - 2020-01)

• Led operations across 3 site managers on Balwin Property Developers construction projects and a separate maintenance division
• Managed contractor scheduling, procurement, and quality on residential development sites
• Achieved a 5% cost reduction through procurement and cost optimisation strategies
• Introduced systems to improve workflow efficiency and performance tracking

Owner / Contractor - Self-Employed - Building Industry

(2014-01 - 2016-01)

• Delivered building, renovation, painting, plumbing, and home maintenance projects in Clarens and Bloemfontein, managing scope, cost, and quality directly with clients

Trade Intelligence Manager (2012–2014); Trade Marketing Manager (2008–2012); Regional Sales Manager (2007–2008) - Pernod Ricard South Africa

(2007-01 - 2014-01)

• Analysed sales and market data to drive pricing and promotional decisions; built reports supporting executive strategy
• Managed the market plan at trade level, interfacing between Sales and Marketing; measured ROI against plan
• Led a regional sales team of 8 across the Free State and Northern Cape

Operations Manager, Long Distance and Pick n Pay Western Cape Distribution - Liebentrans

(2001-01 - 2007-01)

• Managed up to 100 employees; fleet scheduling, maintenance, performance analysis, and reporting
• Managed dry goods and cold chain distribution channels; trained new junior operational managers

Distribution Manager - Spekenam (Kolosus Holdings) - Bellville

• Distribution Manager role including a 95%+ service level on the Woolworths distribution account

Distribution Manager - Supreme Foods - Bloemfontein

• Distribution Manager role including a 95%+ service level on the Woolworths distribution account

Diploma - Marketing and Sales Management - Damelin

Personnel Management 1; Administrative Management 1; Management 1 - Technikon SA