John Fouché

Highly passionate individual with excellent relationship building skills. I thrive in a challenging environment where I can utilize a hands on approach. I am able to solve complex issues with my positive and eager characteristics. Extensive experience in procurement and logistics management. Available in 4 weeks to serve out notice period.

Head of Procurement & Logistics - Red Fox Create (PTY) Ltd

(2023-02 - 2026-02)

• Design and manage an effective procurement process
• Identify preferred suppliers and establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to support the efficient management of supplies
• Work closely with the Technical & Production teams to understand their procurement and logistic needs
• Collaborate with key people to ensure clarity of the specifications and expectations of the company
• Negotiate with suppliers to secure advantageous terms
• Plan, source and manage the delivery of all materials
• Track and report key functional metrics to reduce expenses and improve effectiveness
• Expect unfavorable events through analysis of data and prepare control strategies
• Take the lead on all procurement activities, giving suggestions and innovative practices to the organization
• Control spend and build a culture of long-term saving on procurement costs
• Monitor storage and movement of inventory
• Plan, manage and evaluate logistics operations liaising with internal stakeholders, suppliers, logistics providers, transportation companies and customers
• Create and implement best practice logistics principles, policies, and processes across the organization to improve operational performance
• Deliver solutions to logistics problems while maintaining high levels of quality and service within budgetary requirements
• Monitor quality, quantity, delivery times, and transport costs
• Negotiate rates and contracts with transportation and logistics providers
• Select carriers/suppliers and monitor service against performance criteria
• Resolve problems concerning transportation, logistics systems, imports or exports or customer issues
• Review impact of logistics changes, such as routing, shipping modes, product volumes or carriers and report results to others
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and identify inefficiencies and cost optimisation opportunities

Procurement Manager - Way Up Front Media (PTY) Ltd

(2021-09 - 2023-01)

• Strategic Procurement: Developed and executed procurement strategies to source raw materials, substrates, and components for POS display manufacturing, ensuring cost savings and optimal supplier performance.
• Supplier Management: Built and maintained relationships with local and international suppliers, negotiated favorable terms, and established supplier performance metrics to drive reliability and quality.
• Cost Control & Budgeting: Implemented cost-saving initiatives through vendor negotiations, bulk purchasing, and alternative sourcing without compromising on quality.
• Inventory & Logistics Oversight: Monitored stock levels, implemented effective inventory control systems, and coordinated logistics to ensure uninterrupted production flow and on-time project delivery.
• Quality Assurance: Worked closely with production and design teams to ensure procured materials met required specifications and compliance standards.
• Contract & Compliance Management: Drafted, reviewed, and managed procurement contracts to align with company objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partnered with production, finance, and project management teams to streamline operations, forecast demand, and deliver client projects efficiently.
• Market Research: Conducted continuous market analysis to identify new suppliers, assess industry trends, and implement innovative procurement solutions.
• Negotiated supplier agreements that reduced material costs while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Optimized procurement and logistics processes, reducing lead times for critical materials.
• Strengthened supplier partnerships that supported consistent production output and improved project delivery timelines.
• Contributed to the company's reputation for reliable, high-quality POS display solutions by ensuring procurement aligned with project requirements.

Procurement Manager - Forge Tools (division of Setsolar)

(2021-03 - 2021-09)

Business Manager - Setsolar: Renewable Energy Solutions

(2011-07 - 2015-07)

• Developed and executed procurement strategies for solar panels, inverters, batteries, and related renewable energy components.
• Managed local and international supplier sourcing, negotiating favorable terms and ensuring on-time material delivery.
• Oversaw the end-to-end purchasing process — from requisition to delivery — ensuring accuracy and cost efficiency.
• Evaluated supplier performance based on quality, reliability, pricing, and compliance with environmental and technical standards.
• Collaborated with engineering, logistics, and project management teams to align procurement with installation schedules.
• Ensured compliance with import/export regulations and managed customs clearance for international shipments.
• Maintained optimal inventory levels to support project timelines and prevent material shortages or overstocking.
• Conducted market research to identify new suppliers, cost-saving opportunities, and emerging solar technologies.
• Created and maintained supplier databases, purchase records, and procurement reports for management review.
• Ensured all procurement activities adhered to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and B-BBEE requirements.
• Reduced solar component procurement costs through effective supplier negotiations and improved sourcing strategies.
• Established long-term partnerships with leading global solar manufacturers, ensuring product quality and supply stability.
• Improved procurement turnaround times by implementing standardized purchasing and approval processes.
• Supported successful rollout of large-scale solar projects across South Africa and neighboring regions.
• Enhanced supplier performance tracking and introduced measurable KPIs to maintain consistent service delivery.

General & Procurement Manager - Fouché Engineering cc

(2016-09 - 2021-02)

• Oversaw daily business operations, including procurement, production planning, and general management of the workshop.
• Managed sourcing and purchasing of raw materials such as stainless steel, mild steel, aluminium, and mechanical components.
• Negotiated pricing, lead times, and contracts with suppliers to ensure cost efficiency and continuity of supply.
• Supervised production schedules, job prioritization, and project delivery timelines.
• Implemented quality control standards and ensured adherence to customer specifications and engineering tolerances.
• Managed budgets, cost analysis, and expense tracking to maintain profitability across multiple projects.
• Coordinated logistics for incoming raw materials and outgoing finished products, ensuring on-time delivery to clients.
• Maintained strong relationships with suppliers, subcontractors, and key clients to support business growth and operational stability.
• Introduced process improvements in inventory management, reducing material waste and improving turnaround times.
• Led a multidisciplinary workshop team, ensuring safety, efficiency, and continuous skills development.
• Successfully reduced material procurement costs by negotiating long-term supplier agreements.
• Streamlined production and procurement processes, resulting in improved project turnaround and reduced downtime.
• Expanded the supplier network, improving material availability and quality consistency.
• Played a key role in diversifying the company's client base across precision engineering and metal fabrication sectors.
• Oversaw the company's steady growth and maintained operational continuity during challenging market conditions.
• Improved cost control and project profitability through effective planning and resource allocation.

Procurement / Stock Control Manager - PAM Refrigeration

(2015-07 - 2016-08)

• Assisted in the procurement of refrigeration components, mechanical parts, piping, and electrical materials for large-scale industrial projects.
• Oversaw all aspects of stock control, including monitoring inventory levels, managing reorder points, and conducting regular audits.
• Negotiated supplier contracts and ensured competitive pricing while maintaining product quality and compliance with technical standards.
• Coordinated with project and installation teams to align material availability with site schedules and project deadlines.
• Developed and maintained supplier databases, ensuring consistent quality, reliability, and cost efficiency.
• Implemented procurement and stock control procedures to improve traceability and reduce stock variances.
• Managed logistics for local and imported materials, ensuring timely delivery to project sites.
• Worked closely with the finance department to reconcile purchase orders, invoices, and delivery notes.
• Assisted in forecasting material demand based on project pipelines and historical usage data.
• Enforced company compliance with safety standards, ethical sourcing, and B-BBEE procurement policies
• Improved stock accuracy and reduced excess inventory through structured stock control systems.
• Negotiated favorable supplier terms that resulted in significant cost savings for the company.
• Reduced lead times on critical components by optimizing supplier communication and logistics coordination.
• Played a key role in maintaining uninterrupted material flow for multiple concurrent refrigeration installation projects.
• Introduced better forecasting methods that aligned material procurement with project demands, improving efficiency and minimizing waste.

Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced Microsoft Excel - Apsol Training (2022)

Certificate - Project Management NQF5 - Northlink College (Tygerberg Campus) (2010)

Certificate - Computer Practice N4 - Northlink College (Tygerberg Campus) (2010)

Bachelors - Matric - Boston Private School (2009)