Vicus Bouwer, Retail Leasing Director

Vicus Bouwer

Retail Leasing Director

Tressco

Location
South Africa - Johannesburg
Education
Bachelor's degree, Accounting And Audit
Experience
25 years, 4 Months

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Work Experience

Total years of experience :25 years, 4 Months

Retail Leasing Director at Tressco
  • South Africa
  • My current job since March 2020

Successfully secured pre-let occupancy rate of 70% for development in South Africa, exceeding target projections.
• Kept records accurate, detailed and fully compliant with reporting requirements to meet state, local, and federal housing requirements.
• Spearheaded comprehensive asset management strategy for a mall in Botswana, outlining goals, objectives, and action plans to optimize property performance and value.
• Negotiated lease agreements for existing shopping centers and retail developments in sub-Saharan Africa, solicited and onboarded international retailers to establish their presence expanding retail markets and offering diverse shopping options to consumers.
• Steered clients through market expansions and new market entry strategies, supplying market information, consumer insights, and guidance resulting in successful market penetration and growth.
• Wrote and submitted reports to highlight developments and statistics of occupied properties.
• Governed budgetary spending and costs through regular monitoring, tracking, and analysis, ensuring adherence to budgetary constraints and achieving financial targets.
• Ensured all relevant stakeholders were kept informed cultivating strong network of loyal clients and partners.

Divisional Director Africa at Broll (CBRE/Cushman & Wakefield)
  • South Africa - Johannesburg
  • March 2013 to February 2020

Broll is one of the largest property services companies in sub-Saharan Africa, with offices across the region. Broll employs over 2000 employees. Broll used to be CBRE's partner for the region until 2019. In 2019 they signed a new agreement with Cushman & Wakefield.

• Been promoted several times.

• Built relationships with International and Middle East retailers as well as UAE Mall owners.

•Successfully obtained new retail projects in new and existing territories, expanding company's presence and market reach.

• Met divisional objectives by recruiting and qualifying vendor and trade bases.

• Solicited new business in SADC (Southern African Development Community) across various service lines, establishing strong client relationships and driving business growth.

• Reduced budgetary expenditure by effectively negotiating contracts for more advantageous terms.

• Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.

• Provided recommendations to clients on market conditions during concept design, providing valuable insights optimizing project feasibility and success.

• Mitigated business risks by working closely with staff members and assessing performance.

• Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.

• Negotiated lease agreements and terms with landlords and international brands, ensuring favorable conditions and terms for new brands entry into respective markets.

• Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.

Consulting Manager at A2A Kopano
  • South Africa - East London
  • September 2010 to February 2013

09/2010 - 02/2013 A2A Kopano
Consulting Manager, East London
• Engaged in consultations with new and existing clients, providing expert advice and guidance on various financial and tax-related matters.
• Conducted audits of financial records, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and identifying areas for improvement and risk mitigation.
• Performed tax calculations, analyzing financial data and applying relevant tax laws and regulations to determine accurate tax liabilities for clients.
• Completed statutory returns, ensuring timely and accurate submission to regulatory authorities, and maintaining compliance with legal requirements.
• Provided comprehensive consulting services to clients, addressing their specific needs and offering strategic insights on financial management, tax planning, and compliance matters.
• Established and completed financial statements and reports for various entities, including municipalities, companies, close corporations, sole traders, partnerships, and individuals, ensuring accuracy and adherence to accounting principles.
• Prepared tender documents, facilitating the participation of clients in competitive bidding processes and increasing their chances of securing contracts.
• Delivered lectures for CBM training, sharing expertise and knowledge on financial and tax-related topics to enhance the professional development of participants.
• Conducted due diligences for clients, thoroughly evaluating financial records, identifying risks, and providing valuable insights to support informed decision-making.
• Assisted clients in developing comprehensive business plans and conducting reviews of existing business strategies, offering recommendations for growth and improvement.
• Played a pivotal role in assisting the Sundays River Municipality in achieving a qualified audit report during the 2010/2011 financial year, marking a significant improvement in their financial management and accountability after a period of challenges.

Co Owner at @Motion.Za
  • South Africa - Cape Town
  • July 2007 to August 2009

07/2007 - 08/2009 Co-Owner
@MotionZa, Cape Town
• Successfully arranged financing for business operations, leveraging relationships with financial institutions and ensuring adequate funds for expansion and day-to-day operations.
• Developed and monitored budgets and forecasts, analyzing financial data, identifying variances, and implementing corrective measures to ensure financial targets are met.
• Effectively managed project managers and service providers, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meeting quality standards.
• Oversaw store design process, collaborating with architects and designers to create attractive and functional store layouts that enhance customer experience and drive sales.
• Effectively managed creditors payments, ensuring timely and accurate payment processing, and reconciling accounts to maintain strong vendor relationships and financial integrity.
• Set up and generated comprehensive monthly financial reports, including financial statements, cash flows, performance reports, and costing reports, providing key insights into financial health and performance of the business.
• Led efforts in identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, expanding customer base and revenue streams.
• Implemented product management strategies, including assortment planning, inventory management, pricing, and promotions, to optimize sales and profitability.
• Managed and mentored staff, providing guidance, performance feedback, and fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Developed and implemented stock planning strategies, ensuring optimal inventory levels, minimizing stockouts, and maximizing sales and inventory turnover.
• Successfully opened another branch of @Motion within four months, demonstrating effective project management and operational efficiency.

Property Manager at Mr Price Group
  • South Africa - Cape Town
  • September 2005 to August 2007

• Spearheaded the expansion efforts for the company, identifying new retail sites, conducting market research, and evaluating potential locations for expansion.
• Oversaw and closely monitored ongoing projects, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards, and addressing any issues or challenges that arose during the project execution phase.
• Managed the process of store closures, coordinating with various stakeholders, including landlords, suppliers, and internal teams, to ensure a smooth transition and minimize any potential impact on the business.
• Effectively dealt with maintenance issues, promptly addressing any facility-related concerns or repairs to maintain a safe and attractive shopping environment for customers.
• Engaged in regular meetings with architects, project managers, and developers to discuss design concepts, project progress, and ensure alignment with the company's requirements and brand standards.
• Negotiated lease agreements with landlords, securing favorable terms and conditions that aligned with the company's financial and operational objectives.
• Actively sourced and evaluated potential retail sites, conducting site visits, analyzing market dynamics, and assessing the suitability of locations to support business growth.
• Successfully met expansion targets across all brands for the group, demonstrating effective strategic planning, lease negotiations, and site selection to support business growth and market presence.

Property Manager / Financial Controler at Topics
  • South Africa - Cape Town
  • January 2003 to September 2005

• Led annual budgeting process for occupancy costs, analyzing historical data, market trends, and lease agreements to accurately forecast and allocate expenses for all stores and offices.
• Calculated annual turnover rentals for lease agreements, ensuring accurate and fair assessments based on established formulas and contractual terms.
• Effectively managed and resolved maintenance issues, liaising with landlords, contractors, and internal stakeholders to ensure timely and cost-effective solutions.
• Created comprehensive reports analyzing internal processes and workflows in the distribution warehouse, identifying areas for improvement and implementing necessary changes.
• Identified and addressed risk areas at the distribution warehouse, enhancing operational efficiency and mitigating potential issues.
• Oversaw monthly rent roll for all stores and offices, ensuring accurate and timely processing of rental payments and maintaining up-to-date records.
• Negotiated favorable lease renewal terms and conditions for all stores and offices, securing cost savings and favorable terms. Also negotiated terms and conditions for new developments, ensuring optimal leasing agreements for the company.
• Achieved six-figure savings on lease renewals per annum through effective negotiations and cost management strategies.
• Successfully negotiated reduction in escalation percentage on lease renewals, optimizing rental expenses.
• Achieved reduction in gross monthly rental on lease renewals, enhancing profitability and cost savings.
• Successfully negotiated tenant allowance and specifications with landlords, securing favorable terms for tenant improvements and ensuring store or office spaces met company's requirements.
• Prepared monthly real estate reports and other financial reports, providing key insights into real estate portfolio and financial performance.

Article Clerk at Metcalf Sahd & Co
  • South Africa - Queenstown
  • January 1998 to December 2002

• Provided support in managing the firm's salaries using the VIP payroll system, ensuring accurate and timely processing of employee payments and adherence to payroll regulations.
• Performed thorough audits of client companies, reviewing financial records, internal controls, and compliance with accounting standards to identify any discrepancies or areas for improvement.
• Calculated taxes for clients, considering relevant tax laws and regulations to ensure accurate and compliant tax assessments.
• Prepared and submitted statutory returns on behalf of clients, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and deadlines.
• Engaged in consultations with clients, offering expert advice and guidance on various financial and accounting matters, addressing their specific needs and providing strategic recommendations.
• Created comprehensive financial statements and reports for companies, close corporations, sole traders, partnerships, and individuals, accurately reflecting their financial performance and position.
• Organized and conducted stock takes for clients, verifying and reconciling physical inventory with recorded data to ensure accuracy and proper inventory management.

Education

Bachelor's degree, Accounting And Audit
  • at University Of South Africa
  • October 2024

2 years completed

High school or equivalent, Grade 12
  • at Hangklip High
  • December 1997

Grade 12

Specialties & Skills

Teamwork
Project Management
Shopping Centers
Leasing
Tenant Improvements
Research
Negotiation
lease negotiation
Budgets
Microsoft Office
Business Development
Management
Real Estate
Leasing
Property Management
Project Management
Tenant Co Ordination
Tenant Mix
Retail Development
Shopping Centres
Financial reporting
Store Openings
Team Management
Technology

Social Profiles

Personal Website
Personal Website

URL removed due to policy violation. Please contact support for further information.

Languages

English
Expert
Afrikaans
Native Speaker

Training and Certifications

Articles (Training)
Training Institute:
SAICA
Date Attended:
March 1998
Duration:
7979 hours