Wendel Naidoo
Operations Manager
Bluff
Summary
Seasoned operations management professional with over a decade of experience in FMCG and Distribution. Hands-on leader adept at providing teams with training, guidance, support and motivation to succeed while ensuring adherence to safety regulations and corporate policies, procedures and standards.
Overview
8
8
years of post-secondary education
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales & Marketing Manager
Bluff Milk distribution Centre
2006-01 - 2009-12
- Worked alongside retail representatives to boost sales by enhancing product presentations and advertising collateral.
- Maintained records related to sales, returns and inventory availability.
- Trained and developed new sales team associates in products, selling techniques and company procedures.
- Maintained organized, presentable merchandise to drive continuous sales.
- Implemented up-selling strategies, encompassing recommendation of accessories and complementary purchases.
- Applied security and loss prevention training toward recognizing risks and reducing store theft.
- Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers and promote specific merchandise.
- Tracked stock using company inventory management software.
- Analyzed and properly processed product returns, assisting customers with finding alternative merchandise to meet needs.
- Increased sales by offering consultation on products and services and applying customer service and upselling techniques.
- Engaged with customers to effectively build rapport and lasting relationships.
- Processed product returns and assisted customers with other selections.
Operations Manager
Bluff Milk Distribution Centre
2010-01 - Current
- Implemented policies and standard operating procedures for continuous improvement.
- Reduced average contract expenses through aggressive negotiations with vendors.
- Conducted performance reviews , offering praise and recommendations for improvement.
- Directed day-to-day operations focused on attainment of key business metrics, continuous improvement initiatives and management team with related direct reports.
- Set, enforced and optimized internal policies to maintain efficiency and responsiveness to demands.
- Protected company assets from loss such as theft or damage by setting and enforcing effective security policies.
- Developed and implemented daily operations plans such as delivery routes, employee assignments and promotional strategies.
- Evaluated suppliers by assessing quality, timeliness and compliance of deliveries to maintain tight cost controls and maximize business operational efficiency.
- Verified compliance with best business practices throughout organization.
- Spearheaded quality control measures to minimize downtime and propel sales.
- Provided excellent customer care to maintain and improve customer relations, strengthen loyalty and increase product and service sales.
- Led warehouse improvement initiatives to advance operational efficiencies and increase revenue.
- Generated comprehensive reports regarding incidents, events and important business matters.
- Executed local market strategies aligned to overall strategic and marketing plans, creating tactical initiatives to meet operational, budgetary and productivity goals.
- Built relationships with customers and managed accounts to drive revenue and profit.
- Maintained constructive client and vendor relationships.
- Drove operational improvements which resulted in savings and improved profit margins.
CEO
Wolf & Wallstreet Events
2015-02 - 2017-12
- Fostered relationships with local and national wedding suppliers to obtain best price, quality, and delivery of products.
- Interviewed clients to understand event scopes of work, establish budgets and determine timelines for venue selection, guest list finalization, and rehearsal, ceremonies, and receptions.
- Managed administrative logistics of events planning, including contract signing, fee collection, event booking and event promotions.
- Coordinated florists, photographers, videographers, musicians, officiants and ceremony participants during rehearsals and pre-ceremony, ceremony and reception events.
- Fulfilled contractual obligations, including communications, vendor coordination, schedule creation, budget administration and rehearsal and day of event coordination.
- Attended bridal industry events to promote services and build relationships with prospective vendors.
- Evaluated existing plans, processes and events planning services to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Supervised onsite teams including caterers, audio-visual technicians, and facility management team.
Education
Diploma - Marketing Management
ICESA
2004-02 - 2006-12
Matric - English, Afrikaans, Math, Biology, Technical Drawing, Travel & Tourism
Grosvenor Boys High School
1999-01 - 2003-11
Skills
Creative problem solving
Clients
Leadership
Director
Sales
Time Management
Sales pitching
Sales strategizing
Risk analysis and management
Supply Chain Management
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Additional Information
I am a responsible, honest, trustworthy, refreshing individual with a great sense of humor. I thrive on pressure and can cope with varied situations. I am readily able to adjust to any working environment and communicate with co-workers on all levels. I love a challenge and take immense pleasure in working to overcome that challenge. I am very resourceful and find satisfaction in finding solutions to problems. Being a positive team player adds to my character. I am creative, ambitious, outspoken and generally leave a very good first impression. My confidence comes from my positive attitude that is very contagious. I have no doubt I will be an asset to your organization.
Quote
If you really look closely, most overnight successes took a long time.
Steve Jobs
Timeline
CEO
Wolf & Wallstreet Events
2015-02 - 2017-12
Operations Manager
Bluff Milk Distribution Centre
2010-01 - Current
Sales & Marketing Manager
Bluff Milk distribution Centre
2006-01 - 2009-12
Diploma - Marketing Management
ICESA
2004-02 - 2006-12
Matric - English, Afrikaans, Math, Biology, Technical Drawing, Travel & Tourism
Grosvenor Boys High School
1999-01 - 2003-11