Submitting more applications increases your chances of landing a job.

Here’s how busy the average job seeker was last month:

Opportunities viewed

Applications submitted

Keep exploring and applying to maximize your chances!

Looking for employers with a proven track record of hiring women?

Click here to explore opportunities now!
We Value Your Feedback

You are invited to participate in a survey designed to help researchers understand how best to match workers to the types of jobs they are searching for

Would You Be Likely to Participate?

If selected, we will contact you via email with further instructions and details about your participation.

You will receive a $7 payout for answering the survey.


User unblocked successfully
Michael Kossmann, Commercial Director

Michael Kossmann

Commercial Director·Goldenlay Agri

South Africa

Master's degree, Marketing

Work experience

Total years of experience: 36 years, 4 months

Commercial Director

April 2016 - Present

Goldenlay Agri

April 2016 - Present

Goldenlay is largest table egg producer in Africa with interests in South Africa, Zambia, DRC and Zimbabwe
Fully Integrated Poultry Producer (Breed, Feed, Process) - sector FMCG and Agri - SA, Zambia and SADC
Key Performance areas:
➢ Formulate and Deliver the Exit Strategy for the PE fund managers and majority stakeholders.
➢ Deliver the Revenue and EBITDA targets and gains
➢ Profit responsible for all commercial activity. Drive PIP's and Margin Enhancement Programmes.
➢ Develop profitable and sustainable RTM strategies and infra-structure
➢ Drive the Global and Africa expansion program and manage the commercial risk register
➢ Lead the cross functional management team: Sales, Marketing, Distribution, NPD, Operations and QC
➢ Introduce and support global best practices across breed, feed and production.
➢ Mange and audit the business process and value chain
➢ Group Marketing responsibility ATL and BTL (360° Brand Activation) - Brand custodian
➢ Drive the strategic direction and deliver the group revenue and operational targets.
➢ Responsible for the Strategic and Marketing Plan - Deliver the annual budget and sales targets
➢ Deliver the annual 5-year plan, quarterly reviews and board presentations to include the annual budget.
➢ Deliver Capital, Investment and expansion justifications - Abattoir and Facco's
➢ Direct and manage Media Planning, Creative and Research Agencies.
➢ Interpret Retail Audit and Consumer Insights
➢ Manage 3rd party Agents, distributors and service providers
➢ Maintain strategic Trade and Key Account relationships - CRM structures, protocols and training
➢ Drive the change management process from production centric model to consumer centric model
➢ Human Capital development and training - mentorship programs
➢ Corporate Social Responsibility and Community outreach programs
➢ Regulatory, Industry and Consumer Body interaction.
Notable Milestones:
✓ Responsible for delivering the exit strategy 2 years ahead of target date
✓ Exceeded profitability and margin targets in retarded economic climate
✓ Doubled the geographic footprint. Entered into and developed three new markets (Kenya, Tanzania and Malawi)
✓ Successfully delivered value add line extensions. (Egg powder and Frozen chicken)
✓ Corporate and Consumer Brand facelifts, repositioning and re launch
✓ Overhauled and Restructured CRM Protocols and RTM strategies
✓ Successfully entered QSR (Quick Service Restaurants - KFC Nandos) segment with stand-alone brand

Company industry:
Animal Production
Job role:
Management

Sales and Marketing Director

March 2013 - March 2016

March 2013 - March 2016

Country Bird Holdings (Brands CBH, Supreme, Nutri Feeds, Ross)
(CBH is JSE listed poultry producer with the largest African footprint)
Fully Integrated Poultry Producer (Breed, Feed, Process) - sector FMCG - RSA and Africa
Key Performance areas:
➢ Profit responsible for all poultry sales in Africa. Full commercial accountability.
➢ Lead the cross functional management team: Sales, Marketing, Distribution, NPD and QC
➢ Responsible for the B2B and Consumer platforms (QSR - Quick Serve Restaurants and FMCG)
➢ Group Marketing responsibility ATL and BTL (360° Brand Activation)
➢ Sole custodian of the Brand Portfolio: National and Rest of Africa.
➢ Responsible for the Strategic and Marketing Plan - Deliver the annual budget and sales targets
➢ Deliver the annual 5 year plan, quarterly reviews and board presentations to include the annual budget.
➢ Deliver Capital, Investment and expansion justifications
➢ Direct and manage Media Planning, Creative and Research Agencies.
➢ Interpret Retail Audit and Consumer Insights
➢ Develop and deliver an effective and dynamic RTM model to include 3rd party Agents and distributors
➢ Introduce CRM structures and maintain strategic Trade and Key Account relationships
➢ Negotiate annual retail trading agreements
➢ Lead the NPD process and project teams. (Stage and Gate)
➢ Cost Reduction and Margin Enhancement -Maximise operational efficiencies, output and indents
➢ Develop Packaging and maintain QC Standards and controls to include artwork and on line approvals
➢ Drive the change management process from production centric model to consumer centric model
➢ Human Capital development and training
➢ PR and Press Liaison
➢ Regulatory, Industry and Consumer Body interaction.
➢ Environmental policy development and Social Responsibility development
Notable Milestones:
✓ Responsible for business turn around - 120 mil loss 2012 - 60mil profit 2015.
✓ Re engineered corporate brand positioning and identity
✓ Supplier of the year KFC (YUM) 2015
✓ Launched 3 Consumer Brands
✓ Introduced 2 line extensions - Fresh Poultry and Further processed (Sausages and Patties)
✓ Developed the regional footprint to include Namibia and Zambia
✓ Overhauled and Restructured CRM Protocols and RTM strategies
Reason for Leaving: Opportunity to head up Goldenlay/Phatisa in Zambia

Job role:
Management

General Manager

December 2008 - December 2012

Modern Food Industries

Saudi Arabia

December 2008 - December 2012

MFI is a JV between Almarai Dairies KSA and Chipita Greece)
Manufacturers of Baked Snacks and layered cakes - sector FMCG - region MENA, DACH
Key Performance areas:
➢ Responsible for the setting and achieving of EBIT, Profit, Sales and Production targets. Total P&L Accountability
➢ Lead the cross functional management team: Sales, Marketing, HR, Finance, Procurement and Operations
➢ Ensure investor relations and JV partner interests are secured and individually serviced
➢ Execute all Fiduciary, Legal and Administrative Requirements. (Brand Registration, trademark etc)
➢ Responsible for the Annual Business, Strategic and Marketing Plan - Deliver the annual budget and sales targets
➢ Deliver the annual 5-year plan, quarterly reviews and board presentations (Annual report and Audited financials)
➢ Deliver Capital, Investment and expansion justifications
➢ Manage 3rd party service provider agreements. (Warehouse, Distribution, Technical, Brand and Support Services)
➢ Develop and deliver an effective and dynamic RTM model
➢ Maintain strategic Trade and Key Account relationships - Negotiate annual retail trading agreements
➢ Stock Management, forward planning and Supply Chain Management
➢ Cost Reduction and Margin Enhancement -Maximise operational efficiencies, output and indents
➢ Develop Packaging and maintain QC Standards and controls to include artwork and on line approvals
➢ Brand Custodian: Brand Activation, Development, Positioning and Equity (Corporate and Product)
➢ Evaluate Retail Audit, Research and Consumer Insights (Nielson, TNS, Synovate)
➢ Regional adaptation of all communication of the European Brand
➢ Commission and produce local and regional TVC’s in accordance with the brand owners positioning.
➢ Develop cutting edge Point of Sale, Merchandising material and Trade Support.
➢ Implement Pricing Strategy and annual Increases
➢ Responsible for geographic expansion to the rest of the GCC (Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE, Qatar, Oman)
➢ Plan and execute National and Regional Media Advertising Campaigns and Promotional Calendar (BTL and ATL)
➢ Fiscal and Budget controls
➢ New Product development and Launches
➢ Manage National and Regional Govt Ministries and Agencies (Health, Trade and Industry)
➢ Human Capital Development. (Training, Succession Planning)
➢ Member of Exco team on acquisition of Hadco Poultry - Re positioned and Rebranded to AlYoum.
Notable Milestones:
✓ Established JV infrastructure in 11mths - S&M, RTM
✓ Delivered 5 yr business plan targets in 3 years - revenue, profit, and dividend
✓ Achieved market leadership position in 19mths from launch - 59% Share as read by AC Nielson
✓ Launched in all GCC countries in 20mths
Reason for Leaving: Return to South Africa to care for 83yr mother - terminal cancer

Company industry:
FMCG
Job role:
Management

GM

January 2007 - January 2012

Almarai

United Arab Emirates

January 2007 - January 2012

Marketing: Beverages:

Company industry:
FMCG
Job role:
Management

March 2007 - December 2008

March 2007 - December 2008

Marketing Director

January 2001 - February 2007

Aluminium Foil Converters

January 2001 - February 2007

Flexible Packaging Suppliers to FMCG Manufacturers - sector Manufacturing FMCG - region Africa and Asia Pacific
Litho, Flexo and Gravure Printing - Foil and multiple laminates
Key Performance areas:
➢ Responsible for the setting and achieving of EBIT, Profitability, Sales and Production targets. Total P&L
accountability
➢ Deliver the annual Marketing plan and Sales budgets
➢ Lead the management team: Marketing, Sales, Distribution, Product Development in SA and Offshore (Exports)
➢ Expand existing Export and European Union Markets. Identify and Develop New Export Opportunities
➢ Quarterly Board Reviews and execution of Directors Fiduciary Responsibilities
➢ Prepare and deliver capex, investment and expansion justifications.
➢ Responsible for the Annual Business, Strategic and Marketing Plan (Both Business Units)
➢ Responsible for establishing Distribution and Sales Partnerships. (Agents and Depots) RTM
➢ Stock Management, forward planning and Supply Chain Management (Inbound and Outbound)
➢ Cost Reduction, Margin Enhancement and Complexity
➢ Packaging development, artwork approvals, lay downs, Technical Support, production efficiencies, forecasts
➢ Develop cutting edge Point of Sale and Merchandising material.
➢ Implement Pricing Strategy and annual Increases
➢ Negotiate annual National and Regional trading and supplier agreements to include Export
➢ Plan and execute National and Regional Media Advertising Campaigns and Promotional Calendar (BTL and ATL)
➢ Fiscal and Budget controls
➢ New Product development and Launches - collaborate with customers on their NPD requirements
➢ Brand Custodian: Development, Media Planning and Ad Agency management (Mother brand and Sub Brands)
➢ Responsible for all Communication platforms to include TVC (Pre & Post Production), Outdoor and Press
➢ Product training and trade presentations.
➢ Manage National Distribution Network - RTM
➢ Convene annual trade reviews and presentations
➢ Develop, Service and Sustain strategic Key Account and trade relationships.
➢ Develop Local and Emerging Markets
➢ New business development to include Mergers and Acquisitions
➢ Trade shows and Expo’s, Local and Abroad.
➢ Market research, analysis and Impact studies (Retail and Consumer Audit, CPT’s etc)
➢ Human Resource development and Industrial Relations
Notable Milestones:
✓ Revenue growth from 60mil ZAR in 2001 to 370mil ZAR in 2007
✓ Introduced first 12Colour Flexographic printing press in SA - Aquaflex
✓ Opened sales offices in Port Louis Mauritius to service Indian Ocean Islands - 93% Market share
Reason for Leaving: Head hunted by Almarai to Saudi Arabia - Substantially higher P&L accountability

Job role:
Marketing and PR

Country Manager

January 1999 - January 2001

January 1999 - January 2001

United Kingdom& E. Europe: HARVELD FOODS: (Brands Harveld)
Manufactures of Health Foods (Cereals) and Vitamin Supplements to the Pharmaceutical FMCG Sectors in EU and UK
Key Performance areas:
➢ Set up Infrastructure, effective RTM and Distribution Networks and Admin Offices for UK and E. Europe
➢ Complete P&L Responsibility and Accountability
➢ Deliver the annual business plan in accordance with the group objectives
➢ Manage Inbound Supply Chain, forward planning and raw material forecasts
➢ Execute the Marketing plan and Communication platform
➢ Manage all aspects of Exports to E. Europe (finance, administration, logistics, distribution and sales &marketing)
➢ Report quarterly to the board in South Africa
➢ Provide dedicated and brand specific Media and Marketing campaigns for individual export markets
Notable Milestones:
✓ Successfully established commercial offices in London and Berlin
✓ Facilitated handover and transition at acquisition
Reason for Leaving: UK operations acquired by Tesco for private label and house brand manufacture

Job role:
Management

National Sales Manager

January 1992 - January 1999

Tenneco Automotive

South Africa

January 1992 - January 1999

Manufacturers of Monroe shock absorbers and Walker Exhausts - sector Automotive and Retail - OE and aftermarket
Key Performance Areas:
➢ Successfully launched Monroe and Walker Brands into South African Market
➢ Responsible for setting and achieving the annual business budget
➢ Manage a sales team of 4 RSM’s, 8Key Account Representatives, 2 Agents/Distributors and 18 merchandisers.
➢ Initiate and implement strategic action and sales plans
➢ Negotiate annual trade and supplier agreements to include listings and new product launches
➢ Execute National Promotional Calendar and Media support
➢ Implement Pricing strategy and annual increases
➢ Maintain and build trade relationships
➢ Product training and launches
➢ Maintain merchandising standards
➢ Stock Management and forward planning
➢ Fiscal and budget controls
➢ Establish distribution and sales partnerships
➢ Quarterly and Monthly trade reviews.
➢ National Sales Conference: Planning and Reviews
Notable Milestones:
✓ Comprehensive launch with 100% national coverage in 2 years
✓ Achieved sales targets and share gain objectives annually
✓ Secured VW as OE

Company industry:
Automotive Dealership & Distributor
Job role:
Sales

Senior Sales Representative

January 1984 - January 1986

Bayer Pharmaceuticals

United Arab Emirates

January 1984 - January 1986

Brands Baygon, Bayopet, Bayer)
Servicing Pharmaceutical and FMCG markets.
Key Performance areas:
➢ Launch entire range of consumer products into the South African Market
➢ Call on a predetermined and regular customer base.
➢ Responsible for in store orders and merchandising.
➢ Telesales and administration.
➢ Implement the advertising and consumer support campaign
Notable Milestones:
✓ Successfully launched the Bayer consumer portfolio - won several trade incentives and awards
Reason for Leaving: Offered a Key Account position with Continental China

Company industry:
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Job role:
Sales

Education

Trinity SA

November 1986

November 1986

Master's degree, Marketing

South Africa

Skills

Emerging Markets
Expert
Emerging Markets
Expert
Strategic Planning
Expert
Strategic Planning
Expert
Marketing
Expert
Marketing
Expert
Portfolio Management
Expert
Portfolio Management
Expert
Business Turnaround
Expert
Business Turnaround
Expert
ADVERTISING
Expert
ADVERTISING
Expert
ATL
Expert
ATL
Expert
BUDGETING
Expert
BUDGETING
Expert
BUSINESS PLANS
Expert
BUSINESS PLANS
Expert
COST CONTROL
Expert
COST CONTROL
Expert
FINANCE
Expert
FINANCE
Expert
FUNCTIONAL
Expert
FUNCTIONAL
Expert
MARKET PLANNING
Expert
MARKET PLANNING
Expert
MARKETING
Expert
MARKETING
Expert
MEDIA PLANNING
Expert
MEDIA PLANNING
Expert
Emerging Markets
Expert
Emerging Markets
Expert
Strategic Planning
Expert
Strategic Planning
Expert
Marketing
Expert
Marketing
Expert
Portfolio Management
Expert
Portfolio Management
Expert
Business Turnaround
Expert
Business Turnaround
Expert

Languages

Afrikaans
Expert
Arabic
Expert
Dutch
Expert
English
Expert
German
Expert