Michael van der Merwe, COO

Michael van der Merwe

COO

Universal Cold Stores

Location
South Africa
Education
Diploma, Project Management
Experience
30 years, 7 Months

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Work Experience

Total years of experience :30 years, 7 Months

COO at Universal Cold Stores
  • Saudi Arabia - Dammam
  • February 2019 to July 2019

I returned to UCS as

National Operations Manager at Universal Cold Stores Group t/a Prime Supermarkets
  • Saudi Arabia - Dammam
  • November 2013 to December 2014

Basically, I consult with various Independent owners by offering training on Customer Service, Strategic Marketing and International Merchandising Practices. Also write new KPI’s for the Independent retailers to be able to measure strengths and weaknesses of all personnel.

Operations Manager at Universal Cold Stores
  • Saudi Arabia - Riyadh
  • October 2010 to November 2011

Merchandising Order Management Promotions Stock Control Shrinkage Staff Training
•Instrumental in maintaining optimum stock level and ensuring delivery of quality customer service.

Operations Director at Al-Othaim Markets Group
  • Saudi Arabia
  • September 2011 to September 2011
Operations Management at Franchise Dipadog
  • South Africa
  • March 2010 to August 2011

Matters P/L Management Logistics Procurement Customer Servicing Franchise Development Invented own Marketing Plan to suit geographical wants and needs.

•Built a franchise for delivering service related to pet care from scratch.
•Successfully operated and sold the franchise with over 100% profit within 18 months of operation.

Regional Manager at Supermarkets & Butcheries
  • South Africa
  • October 1995 to February 2010

Sales Target Achievement Business Development P/L Management Supplier Management Promotions Customer Relationship Management Recruitment Training & Development Team Management ~ Developed and Marketed SaveRite Franchise from scratch.
•Managed the entire KZN region and achieved target, worth average R80/R90 million per month.
•Motivated a team of sales personnel, creditors/debtors and buying team in meeting monthly targets.
•Liaised with suppliers and their sales teams to surpass targets and attain continuous profitability.
•Responsible for the negotiating of Rebates to achieving independently owned supermarkets and wholesalers.
•Marketing grid introduced to grow both the supermarkets and wholesalers as well as the national suppliers.
•Wrote a CD over a two year period travelling the whole of South Africa for the development of 139 independently owned stores to cater to the customers’ requirements. (Awaiting to publish)
•Conducted buy-In promotions for members/franchise owners to compete against the giant corporate operators.
•Continuously spent time in the field with Key Account Managers and National suppliers at stores to ensure targets were achieved.
•Implemented a strategy to ensure sustainable competitiveness with clearly identified channels to grow brand equity, sales volume, market share, competitive advantage and maintain company image.
•Opened and revamped numerous stores and introduced new service departments to cater for the customers’ wants and needs.
•Successfully helped introduce and do extensive Marketing for the new Franchise concept for independent retailers under the banner of SaveRite.


PREVIOUS ASSIGNMENTS



Zimisele Supermarkets & Butcheries,

Operations Manager
  • January 1992 to September 1995
National Sales Manager at Mega Furnishers
  • United Arab Emirates
  • January 1989 to January 1992
Regional Branch Manager
  • January 1988 to January 1989
Branch Manager
  • January 1983 to January 1988

Operations Creditor Relationship Management Team Management
•Successfully steered branch operations and ensured business development with sales personnel and creditors.

OK Bazaars, Johannesburg (Supermarket Retailers

Education

Diploma, Project Management
  • at Walmart
  • December 2009

Specialties & Skills

Senior Executives
Operations Management
Sales Operations
International Leadership
Team Leadership
BUDGETING
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
INVENTORY MANAGEMENT
MARKETING
PROCUREMENT
RECRUITING
TEAM MANAGEMENT
CUSTOMER SERVICE
DELIVERY
LOGISTICS

Languages

Afrikaans
Expert
English
Expert
Italian
Expert

Training and Certifications

Management (Training)
Training Institute:
In house
Date Attended:
February 1995
Duration:
500 hours

Hobbies

  • Fishing
    South African Business Award