Efce van Heerden

Bahrain Polytechnic is a government-owned tertiary education institute established in July 2008. The Polytechnic delivers technical education, skills-based and occupational training. www.polytechnic.bh

• Working within the Logistics Department, teaching the Bachelor of International Logistics Management course, accredited by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.
• Develop and deliver courses in all areas of logistics including, warehousing and freight operations, fleet management, customer care, supply chain management and resource planning
• Using real life situations and industry problems develop practical assessments and exam papers
• Actively participate in the development and promotion of the School of Logistics, meet with regional and international third level institutions, prepare MOU's and collaboration agreements
• Meet with industry experts and government departments to keep abreast of new developments in industry

• Work with the Board of Directors to set targets and implement operational improvements across the production facility, with a view of maximising profits and ensuring high levels of quality
• Overall responsibility for managing and co-ordinating all inbound, outbound logistics and warehousing, processing an average of 350 shipments per month, equating to more than 25, 000 items
• Design, plan, execute, control, and monitor distribution activities with the objective of improving net value, building a competitive infrastructure, leveraging logistics, synchronizing supply with demand and measuring performance
• Instigated a new operating procedure for monitoring of stock levels to ensure product availability to meet customer demands ensuring optimal stock levels are maintained
• Introduced a quality control systems, resulting in a reduction of customer complaints by 30% over 6 months
• Prepare reports for distribution statistics and efficiency addressing deviations and areas of improvement
• Accountable for dealing with situations that are affecting warehousing and logistics performance, such as health and safety regulations
• Manage and develop business relationships with principal carriers and other main suppliers ensuring service level agreements are adhered to, failures are addressed and controls implemented to prevent future occurrences
• Motivate, coach and train a team of managers and supplementary staff, assessing individual and team performance on a monthly basis ensuring KPI’s are achieved and best business practice is implemented and maintained

• Worked alongside directors preparing and presenting proposals, resulting in exclusive distributor rights for three Chinese automotive companies, Geely (owners of Volvo), Zoyte, and Hunan
• Worked in a highly regulated environment of customs clearance and safety standards
• Conducted regular analysis to improve operational efficiencies throughout the supply chain from China to Africa
• Responsibilities included the recruitment of 37 distributors, developed a distributor KPI system to monitor their performance, conducted training in stock holding, forecasting demand and loss prevention
• Accountable for managing the relationship with the manufacturing facility in China, ensuring quality standards, procedures and service level agreements were adhered to
• Managed and coordinated a variety of events, dealer conferences, new product launches, several automotive trade shows, stand design, marketing collateral, media press packs etc.
• Developed sales business plans, prepared reports on sales and marketing performance. Excellent sales ability exceeding sales targets by selling over 3000 units in 18 months

• Managed the distribution department, ensuring seamless integration between sales, operations and logistics
• Worked with peers to create yearly distribution plan, set volume, output targets and customer satisfaction levels, focused on cutting costs, fleet efficiency and productivity
• Managed team of 23, created a human resources policy which minimised staff turnover, provided training, developed succession planning, that improved staff motivation and performance
• Developed existing client relationships by conducting regular visits increased market share and sales
• Customised service delivery packages improving customer service, efficiency and productivity of distribution fleet by effectively routing and scheduling truck delivery routes
• Conducted fleet and distribution audits, in line with ISO9000 operating health and safety standards

• Analysed and monitored competitor strong holds, developed counter strategies for customer acquisition
• Implemented customer segmentation and outlet tearing to provide optimal service delivery, introducing customized service delivery to maximise sales
• Grew customer base by 130% by securing 1, 200 new accounts in 18 months
• Excelled at understanding, anticipating customer needs and being proactive to shifting trends

• Developed and implemented brand strategies for growing and sustaining brand equity and market share
• Managed point of sale and ensured brand initiatives were being executed
• Measured effectiveness of promotions and programs through both qualitative and quantitative analysis

• Managed and co-ordinated special events, including sporting, music and product launch events