Mandy Dearlove-van Heerden

Travel and tourism professional with more than 27 years of experience delivering personalised travel solutions, managing key client relationships and providing exceptional customer service within the travel industry. My career has progressed from Trainee Travel Consultant to General Manager and later Key Accounts Manager with Carlson Wagonlit Travel, where I managed strategic national and global corporate travel accounts, developed long-term client relationships and delivered tailored travel solutions for multinational organisations. Throughout my career I have specialised in consultative selling, understanding individual client requirements and designing customised travel solutions that balance client expectations, budgets and operational requirements.

My recent experience managing international export logistics has further strengthened my project management, stakeholder engagement, international coordination and remote working capabilities. I am passionate about creating memorable travel experiences, building trusted client relationships and delivering service that consistently exceeds expectations.

Export Sales & Logistics / Key Account Manager at Sparta Beef (Pty) Ltd (2015-09 – Present)

• Manage international customer relationships across multiple countries.
• Prepare detailed quotations and pricing proposals.
• Coordinate complex international logistics from enquiry to delivery.
• Liaise daily with international customers, freight partners and suppliers.
• Deliver exceptional customer service throughout the customer journey.
• Manage multiple high-value projects simultaneously.
• Work independently while collaborating remotely with multiple stakeholders.

Area Sales Consultant at Steiner Hygiene | Welkom (2013-07 – 2015-09)

Managed an established portfolio of commercial clients while developing new business opportunities across the Free State region.

• Developed new business through proactive prospecting and consultative sales.
• Managed long-term customer relationships across multiple industries.
• Conducted site assessments and recommended tailored hygiene, pest control and deep-cleaning solutions.
• Prepared quotations, proposals and service agreements.
• Negotiated contracts and maintained high customer retention levels.
• Planned and managed daily customer visits and sales activities.
• Coordinated installations and service delivery with operational teams.
• Resolved customer concerns promptly to ensure exceptional service.
• Achieved monthly sales targets through relationship-based selling.
• Managed customer accounts from initial enquiry through implementation and after-sales support.

Key Accounts Manager at Carlson Wagonlit Travel (2007-09 – 2013-07)

• Managed strategic national and multinational corporate travel accounts.
• Built trusted relationships with executive-level clients.
• Consulted with customers to understand their travel requirements.
• Developed tailored travel management solutions.
• Negotiated supplier agreements.
• Conducted quarterly and annual client reviews.
• Analysed travel spend and identified value-added opportunities.
• Trained client travel coordinators.
• Managed complex customer requests and escalations.
• Delivered exceptional service to high-value corporate clients.

General Manager at Sure Youth Travel (2006-06 – 2007-08)

• Managed the daily operations of a busy travel agency.
• Designed customised travel arrangements for leisure and business travellers.
• Managed supplier relationships and customer service.
• Led sales and business development activities.

General Manager at Sure Quinn Travel (2001-03 – 2005-05)

• Managed all aspects of agency operations including customer service, travel consulting, supplier relationships and business development.

Senior Travel Consultant at Sure Quinn Travel (1998-11 – 2001-02)

• Designed domestic and international travel itineraries.
• Prepared travel quotations.
• Booked flights, accommodation and car hire.
• Delivered personalised travel advice.
• Built strong client relationships through exceptional service.
• Leisure and Corporate Travel

Junior / Intermediate Travel Consultant at Travel Experience (1997-06 – 1998-10)

• Assisted leisure and corporate travellers with customised travel arrangements.
• Prepared quotations and travel itineraries.
• Booked flights, accommodation and vehicle hire.
• Developed strong destination knowledge and reservation expertise.
• Leisure and Corporate Travel

Trainee Travel Consultant at Rennies Travel (1997-02 – 1997-05)

• Completed practical training in travel reservations, airline ticketing, customer service and itinerary preparation.

Diploma in Travel & Tourism – Damelin Business School (1996)

School of Shipping - Essential Import Export Procedure Course (2021)

School of Shipping - Advanced Import Export Course (2025)