Group Sales Manager at Bothongo Group (2021-04 – 2022-04)
- Designed and implemented sales strategies, plans, and tactics to achieve profit targets for various brands within the Group.
- Mentored and guided sales teams across the Group to accomplish sales growth, revenue, and profitability targets.
- Established and monitored weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual objectives for all sales teams.
- Evaluated monthly sales rep productivity to ensure effective time management and goal achievement.
- Followed up on goal progression and provided solutions to overcome challenges faced by the salesforce.
- Directed reporting and analysis of the business development pipeline.
- Collaborated actively with the Group's marketing team to execute sales initiatives through multiple channels, including internet, print, and electronic media.
- Maintained open communication channels among key departments such as sales, operations, and marketing.
- Partnered closely with fellow Exco members to devise a comprehensive business growth strategy.
Founder at AfroTravel (2019-09 – 2021-04)
Launched an online travel booking platform dedicated to the African continent. Unfortunately, the project was halted due to the Covid pandemic.
Sales and Marketing Director at BCD Travel (2018-02 – 2019-09)
- Spearheaded the creation of the local BCD Travel website, winning the 2018 Bidvest Academy Award and receiving a nomination for the Standard Bank Top Women Awards 2019, while securing new business worth R90 million in one year.
- Oversaw the strategic direction of the organization with shareholder approval.
- Championed the establishment of a new sales and marketing division; created a sales portfolio that equipped sales staff with essential informational and selling tools, leading to higher sales and better time management efficiencies.
- Compiled and presented quarterly board pack reports.
- Secured new business with corporate and government clients.
- Cultivated strong relationships with the Head of Travel at the National Treasury.
- Formulated annual marketing plans and operational budgets.
- Executed marketing strategies in partnership with BCD Global by collaborating with web teams to design email campaigns, print advertisements, and marketing collateral aimed at enhancing brand awareness and generating leads.
- Showcased products and services at industry events, including ABTA and Meetings Africa; conceptualized and coordinated the BCD Women's Day event.
- Streamlined marketing processes and systems using Salesforce as the CRM tool.
- Crafted all internal and external communications.
- Negotiated and managed contracts and vendor relationships on behalf of clients and BCD Travel.
- Developed and instituted company-wide sales incentive programs.
- Recruited, trained, and managed the performance of the sales team.
Sales Manager Commercial Segment at AVIS (2017-01 – 2018-01)
- Fostered and reinforced partnership relationships with clients including eBucks, Momentum Multiply, ABSA, and Diners, among others.
- Negotiated and managed vendor contracts and relationships on behalf of Avis, ensuring the stability and sustainability of superior service through distribution channels such as airlines, travel agents, tour operators, and rewards program partnerships.
Inland Corporate Sales Manager at AVIS (2010-02 – 2016-12)
- Managed a team of 6 staff members dedicated to increasing revenue for our client portfolio by promoting the Avis Total Transport Solution.
- Achieved a 25% annual increase in sales revenue.
- Negotiated annual rate adjustments.
- Organized and executed sales blitzes, alongside incentive and referral programs for clients and third-party organizations.
- Constructed a robust sales infrastructure to effectively manage client acquisition and retention efforts.
- Implemented best business practices to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of existing tools.
- Identified, promoted, and supported continuous improvement projects that delivered excellent service and customer satisfaction throughout the organization.
- Participated in client events to enhance brand visibility.
Group Sales & Marketing Manager at Don Suites Hotels (2008-02 – 2010-01)
- Led 4 departments, comprising 16 staff members: Key Account Management Team, Groups Department, Direct Sales and Reservations, as well as the Marketing Team.
- Created and delivered a marketing brief for Vega students to design a new corporate identity for the brand.
- Identified key target markets, predominantly comprised of travelers from Africa, utilizing travel data from SA Tourism, and visited these markets in collaboration with SA Tourism to boost brand awareness.
- Directed the advertising campaign for Big Brother Africa and produced a corporate promotional video.
- Coordinated, managed, and attended industry events such as IT Berlin, Indaba, and Meetings Africa.
- Established strategic partnerships with key industry players including travel agencies, tour operators, airlines, and car rental companies, aiming to align the brand with reputable associations.
- Developed new and untapped accounts through solicitations, networking events, and marketing initiatives, competing against other hotels with larger meeting spaces.
- Enhanced the group's revenue through the sales team while managing consumer perceptions of the Don Brand through targeted direct marketing efforts.
- Trained, recruited, and managed staff performance.
National Corporate Sales Manager at Rennies Travel (2006-06 – 2008-01)
- Managed a national sales team of 8 members spread across Gauteng, Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Kimberley, and Bloemfontein.
- Guided and mentored the national sales team to achieve a traded turnover of R1.5 billion, averaging R500 million per annum.
- Effectively managed promotional and advertising budgets, resulting in increased sales and profitability.
- Contributed to fostering a cooperative team atmosphere, leading to enhanced internal collaboration and morale.
New Business Sales Executive at Rennies Travel (2006-01 – 2006-05)
- Presented HRG Rennies Travel solutions to prospective clients, securing deals and compiling tender submissions for both corporate and government sectors.
- Closed 20 new accounts with a collective turnover of R25 million per annum within 6 months.
- Executed complex contractual negotiations at a senior level with existing accounts.
- Implemented existing sales and marketing strategies that increased monthly revenues in the territory.
Marketing Research Consultant at BMW SA (2004-01 – 2006-12)
- Contributed to a revision of the marketing plan by identifying a new customer base through secondary research that revealed emerging industry trends.
- Collaborated with marketing research firm AC Nielsen to uncover consumer insights and develop market intelligence to support customer retention.
- Planned focus group sessions with existing and potential clients to gather their perceptions of the BMW brand and specific product lines.
Market Analyst at BMW SA (2001-01 – 2004-12)
- Led the design, construction, and launch of a company-wide intranet system, drastically improving internal communication.
- Coordinated with marketing staff to manage relationships with partners, clients, affiliates, and media contacts.
- Analyzed data from monthly business plans and actual statistics to identify profitable revenue growth opportunities.
- Monitored the performance of each product line in relevant categories and reported findings to the Board on a monthly basis.
