Wesley Stephen

Key Accounts Manager experienced in managing key accounts for major national chains. Proven in growing revenue, range views and promotions to drive tile category performance. Strong commercial acumen with established relationships across retail buyers and independent networks.

Key Accounts Manager - Sunbromate (Pty) Ltd

(2021-10)

Subsidiary of Twyford Intl

• Grew the business network from one chain to approximately all major tile outlets nationwide
• Responsible for growing the company's relationships with independent tile merchants nationwide
• Attending to listing of most independent tile merchants nationwide
• Grew monthly company sales in key accounts from approximately R2 million to +/- R30 million
• Negotiation of pricing and growing the company through the forging of retail relationships in the tiling industry
• Ensuring that customer support and service levels are consistently maintained
• Retention of key accounts (which, during my tenure has maintained a 100% retention rate)
• Conducting monthly meetings with key stakeholders to secure exclusive ranges for the company
• Monitoring of stock on hand and conducting future forecasts to enable stock continuation

Area Manager - Afrika Tile Distributors

(2017-01 - 2021-12)

• Acquiring of new product ranges for various target markets within the lower to middle income group, i.e. township areas
• Orchestrating various promotional and media related campaigns in order to bolster sales revenue
• Negotiation of deals with suppliers for specific products to be promoted in-store

Managing Director / Operations Manager - National Tile Traders

(2013-01 - 2017-12)

The purchasers of the company recruited me in order to improve company performance during financially stressful times. I was tasked with the restructuring of company policy and direction, which included:

• Increasing market share and sales revenue
• Improvement of merchandising and presentation of products
• Relocation of poor performing branches

Operations Manager - Tile II Tile

(2010-01 - 2013-12)

• Strategic planning and the sourcing of new locations for the opening of new stores
• Implementation of staff training programs and monitoring staff performance levels across all branches
• Establishing new supplier networks and monitoring of supplier accounts
• Marketing of company products across various media outlets in order to increase sales
• Implementation of individual staff and store targets, and the monitoring thereof

Founder / Managing Director - National Tile Traders

(2002-01 - 2009-12)

Company sold in 2009.

• Establishment of the company, opening of various branches and overseeing all operational functions
• Establishment of store targets and the monitoring thereof
• Ensuring and maintaining of high level customer and supplier satisfaction
• Conducting monthly stock-takes and addressing shrinkage in order to minimize stock losses
• Buying of all imported stock and overseeing distribution to branches nationwide
• Conducting monthly exco meetings to address individual branch performances

Trainee Manager / Branch Manager / Regional Manager - Ceramic Tile Market (CTM)

(1990-01 - 2002-12)

• Overseeing daily operational duties and developing marketing strategies for the company
• Ensuring effective stock management to maintain shrinkage at a minimal level
• Compiling financial budgets for individual branches
• Monitoring and reviewing budgeted expenditure and all operational costs
• Maintaining high level negotiations with suppliers
• Drafting optimal training and operational schedules, planning and organization of store events, and monitoring staff performances

Matriculation - Windsor High (1982-01 - 1982-12) Ladysmith