Ahmed Zawawi

Established business performance and planning functions for one of the largest agricultural and food-processing share stock companies in the Middle East and North Africa. Championed transformation of operating model; system transformation (SAP), streamlined product flow from source to customer while maintaining high quality and optimizing costs. Created new business streams, go-to-market models, and first-to-market objectives. Reviewed and architected 5-year strategy with proper plans and stage gates.
● Successfully concluded second Nadec operations transformation (Business Processes, Organization, & Systems) strategy and plans; finalized 5-year business strategy and updated business operation model.
● Achieved launch of two (2) new mega businesses in/outside of Saudi Arabia within two months in role with phase II slated for 2022.

Achieved core business goals and improved operational performance by aligning all organizational business units. Supervised new business planning and development to improve efficiency and profitability; identified risks and created sustainable business model as member of business continuity planning committee. Controlled costs and analysed operational performance.
● Created 4% increase in output while cutting operational overhead by 5% over two-year period.
● Slashed headcount by 16% without deliberated layoffs to streamline operations and generate revenue.
● Boosted corporate performance by successfully launching five (5) new products into market with zero investment spent.
● Promoted to Business Planning & Performance Director.

Oversaw 800 employees and all resource analysis as well as planning and development activities for operations. Improved systems and processes by devising LEAN manufacturing goals and strategies; spearheaded continuous improvement and performance enhancement initiatives including innovation management, company multi-function team (MFT) membership, and plant introduction and execution. Ensured safe working environment, created LEAN working culture, defined KPIs, initiated employee training plans, and imposed performance management standards; controlled losses management, reading, mapping and reduction.
● Generated 3% percent in end-of-year cost savings by formulating a Zero-Base budget method for seamless operations; delivered 5% decrease in production costs over 2-year period.
● Enabled minute-by-minute display of operational performance by implementing capacity utilization time efficiency (CUTE) tool.
● Established new innovations stage gate by coordinating MFT.
● Promoted to Operations Director.

Directed all project phases from inception to completion and on-time, on-budget delivery. Analysed requirements, devised strategies and ensured smooth mobilization by applying capital authorization request (CAR) and implementing SHERPA. Prepared documents; submitted to stakeholders for approval and alignment. Vetted and recruited suppliers. Served as member of losses board, master plan preparation and leadership team.
● Increased organizational revenues by 5% while precipitating 4% in cost savings by applying effective project management strategies.
● Promoted to leadership team within first year of tenure.
● Successfully secured safety projects with mother company Danone by urging increased investment spending without financial direct payback.

USA Patent candidate for “Smart Hospital Room” Product.