James McAloon

I am a General Manager with over 10 years of full P&L responsibility leading a multimillion-rand automotive aftermarket and industrial supply business. I specialise in the import, wholesale, and cross-border export of heavy duty and commercial vehicle brake components (brake drums and discs) and solid forklift tyres — sourced from China and Sri Lanka, distributed across South Africa and throughout Southern Africa. I bring a strong economics foundation combined with hands-on commercial acumen in strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, supply chain risk mitigation, and SARS customs compliance. I have built durable supplier and client relationships across multiple international markets and have a consistent track record of delivering revenue growth.

General Manager at DLFG Importers & Exporters (2014-09 – Present)

Full P&L responsibility for a multimillion-rand automotive aftermarket and industrial import/export business — overseeing procurement, logistics, client sales, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence.

• Manage end-to-end international supply chain for heavy duty brake drums, brake discs, and solid forklift tyres: importing from China and Sri Lanka, wholesaling across South Africa, and exporting throughout Southern Africa.
• Cultivate long-term supplier relationships across Asia; lead strategic sourcing and contract negotiation in accordance with Incoterms 2020, securing competitive pricing and supply continuity.
• Drive revenue growth through competitive market analysis, strategic procurement decisions, and identifying new export opportunities across the Southern African automotive aftermarket.
• Manage full SARS customs compliance including HS code classification, import duty calculation, and customs clearing and forwarding; experienced in obtaining ITAC import permits for automotive components and industrial goods.
• Oversee warehousing operations including inventory optimisation, demand forecasting, SOP development for logistics and distribution, and customer delivery coordination.
• Manage the full debtors book including invoicing, account reconciliation, and active debtor collections to maintain healthy cash flow across the business.
• Navigate B-BBEE compliance requirements in supplier selection and client dealings, ensuring the business operates in accordance with South Africa's broad-based black economic empowerment framework.

Junior Economist (Internship) at SacOil Holdings Limited (2014-03 – 2014-09)

Supported economic analysis and research for the senior economics team within a listed African oil and gas company.

• Supported economic analysis and research for the senior economics team within a listed African oil and gas company.
• Gained exposure to petroleum economics, energy markets, and commercial decision-making frameworks.

Bachelor of Commerce in Economics – University of South Africa (UNISA) (2013)

National Senior Certificate in Matric – South African College High School (SACS) (2007)