Dewald Laas

Experienced Business Development Specialist, Recruitment Consultant, and Solutions Sales Professional with a proven track record of driving revenue growth, developing strategic client partnerships, and delivering tailored talent and workforce solutions across South Africa and the United Kingdom. Extensive experience in engineering, manufacturing, construction, facilities management, and technical recruitment, with a strong history of successfully placing skilled professionals, senior management, and specialist engineering talent within highly competitive markets. Skilled in business development, consultative solutions sales, account management, executive search, talent acquisition, and recruitment strategy.

Adept at identifying client challenges, developing customized recruitment and workforce solutions, generating new business opportunities, negotiating commercial agreements, and building long-term relationships that deliver measurable value and sustainable growth.

Team Leader/Account Manager/BDM at PeopleSolved International (2025-05 – Present)

• Led and mentored a team of recruitment consultants, providing coaching, performance management, and daily operational support.
• Drove business development activities by identifying, approaching, and securing new clients within targeted industries.
• Managed and grew existing client accounts, ensuring high levels of service delivery and long-term partnerships.
• Conducted client meetings to understand hiring requirements and provide tailored recruitment solutions.
• Oversaw the end-to-end recruitment process, ensuring quality candidate delivery and successful placements.
• Monitored team performance against KPIs, revenue targets, and recruitment metrics.
• Collaborated with senior management to develop recruitment strategies and improve business performance.
• Resolved client and candidate issues promptly while maintaining exceptional customer service standards.

Account Manager/BDM at PeopleSolved International (2024-08 – 2025-04)

• Managed the full 360 recruitment lifecycle, from business development and client acquisition to candidate placement and aftercare.
• Developed new business opportunities through cold calling, networking, referrals, and client meetings.
• Managed and expanded a portfolio of client accounts, building long-term relationships, and identifying repeat business opportunities.
• Consulted with clients to understand hiring needs and provide tailored recruitment and talent solutions.
• Sourced, screened, interviewed, and shortlisted high-caliber candidates across technical and specialist sectors.
• Coordinated interviews, managed offer negotiations, and facilitated successful placements.
• Negotiated recruitment terms, fees, and service agreements with new and existing clients.
• Maintained accurate CRM records, managed recruitment pipelines, and ensured achievement of sales and placement targets.
• Delivered exceptional client and candidate service while ensuring a seamless recruitment experience.
• Collaborated with internal teams to meet client deadlines and maximize account growth.

Senior Talent Consultant (United Kingdom) at Humres (2024-01 – 2024-07)

• End-to-end recruitment: Lead full cycle hiring for Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) roles from briefing clients to sourcing, screening, interviewing and offer negotiation.
• Candidate sourcing & engagement: Use LinkedIn, job boards, networking, database and research to build strong pipelines for M&E professionals.
• Client advisory: Work closely with hiring managers and clients in the construction/M&E space to understand role requirements and provide market insight on talent availability and salary trends.
• Relationship management: Build and maintain strong relationships with both clients and candidates to drive ongoing business and repeat placements.
• Negotiation & closure: Lead offer discussions, negotiate terms between clients and candidates, and ensure smooth placements.
• Business growth support: Contribute to business development and desk growth by identifying new client opportunities and supporting revenue targets.

Specialist Recruiter (United Kingdom) at Humres/Huntech (2023-08 – 2023-12)

• Source & attract talent: Find and engage qualified M&E professionals (e.g. engineers, project managers, technicians) using job boards, LinkedIn/networks, and industry contacts.
• Candidate engagement: Screen CVs, interview candidates, assess skills and fit for roles, and manage candidate communication throughout the process.
• Client liaison: Build and maintain relationships with construction and engineering clients to understand their M&E staffing needs.
• Match & place: Recommend suitable candidates to clients, coordinate interviews, and support offer negotiation and placement.
• Market insight: Provide clients with info on salary benchmarks, candidate availability, and sector trends.
• Pipeline management: Maintain an active pipeline of M&E talent for current and future roles.
• Admin & CRM: Keep recruitment records up to date and manage vacancy workflow in internal systems.

SME Business Development Consultant at Pnet (2022-08 – 2023-07)

• Lead generation & pipeline management – source and qualify high-quality SME business leads to drive continuous growth.
• Prospecting & sales – cold-call, pitch PNet solutions, and close deals with small and medium businesses.
• Client relationship management – build and maintain strong relationships with SME clients; identify upsell and renewal opportunities.
• CRM & administration – accurately log activities, update the CRM, handle contracts and reporting.
• Understand client needs and match them with PNet products/solutions (e.g. recruitment or talent solutions).
• Contribute to growth strategies for the SME segment and help shape how PNet engages smaller businesses.

Sales Manager at Planet Fitness (2019-04 – 2022-04)

• Lead and manage the sales team — setting, driving and tracking daily/weekly/monthly targets and KPIs.
• Recruit, train, mentor and motivate sales staff to hit revenue and membership goals.
• Generate revenue by increasing gym membership sales and improving member retention.
• Plan and run outreach events and promotional activities to attract new members.
• Oversee sales administration and ensure smooth processes.
• Maintain excellent member service and uphold company compliance standards.

General Manager at MoreCorp (2018-06 – 2019-03)

Senior Sales Consultant at Virgin Active (2017-08 – 2018-05)

Sales Consultant at Planet Fitness (2017-04 – 2017-08)

Sales Executive/Project Manager at Kitchen & Bedroom Gallery (2014-01 – 2017-03)

Site Supervisor at Fibre Optics (2012-01 – 2013-12)

Acting Foreman at Siltech (2010-01 – 2011-12)

Process Controller at Siltech (2008-01 – 2010-12)

Diploma in Human Resources – Alison (2026-01 – 2026-12)

Short Course in Email – Damelin (2009-01 – 2009-12)

Short Course in Windows – Damelin (2009-01 – 2009-12)

Short Course in Internet – Damelin (2009-01 – 2009-12)

Short Course in Excel – Damelin (2009-01 – 2009-12)

Short Course in Word – Damelin (2009-01 – 2009-12)

Certification in Red Seal – Auxiliary Plant Intervention – Learning Solutions (2008-01 – 2008-12)

Certification in Red Seal - Plant Safety Regulations Unit Standard 14062 – Learning Solutions (2008-01 – 2008-12)

Matric – Eldoraigne High School (2006-01 – 2006-12)