Grant Wade

Experience

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  Technidrives

  Jan 2007 - May 2016

   Top Sales Engineer Award (2013, 2014 and 2015, Technidrives). Secured a ‘blue chip’ client base by striving for 100% customer satisfaction and providing professional after-sales service. Companies included Foskor, Mondi Paper, Illovo Sugar, Tongaat Hulett Sugar, Afrisam, Lafarge, Exxaro, Rio Tinto, Hulamin, Transnet Sea Ports, Clover Dairies, Toyota, BHP Billiton and Richards Bay Coal Terminals (RBCT) (2007 – 2016, Technidrives). Increased market penetration by researching potential business opportunities within the paper and sugar industries. Secured orders worth over R3 million by educating customers on the benefits of the product range and providing effective after-sales support.  Increased personal sales turnover from R1.2 million (2012) to R3 million (2013) (Technidrives). Show less

  • Senior Sales Engineer

    Jan 2011 - May 2016

  • Junior Sales Engineer

    Jan 2007 - Jan 2011
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  SONAE ARAUCO

  Jun 2016 - Jun 2018

  Key Account Manager - KZN

   Achieved 100% call frequency target (2016 – 2018, Sonae Arauco). Secured 3 new clients and regained lost business from 6 previous clients (2016 – 2018, Sonae Arauco). Despite a depressed economy, met 96% pricing, volumes and sales targets (2016 – 2018, Sonae Arauco).

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  SONAE ARAUCO

  Nov 2018 - Sept 2023

  Sonae Arauco Global Group is the world's second-largest wood-based panel manufacturer. Sonae Arauco South Africa manufactures particleboard (chipboard), medium-density fibreboard (MDF) and melamine-faced board, and also distributes high-pressure laminates and laminated flooring. www.sonaearauco.com  Drove the sales performance of the Coastal region for particle board (PB) and MDF products in their raw state as well as upgraded products (Melamine) with value-added finishes.  Developed and implemented customer-specific regional plans, aligned with annual budgeted requirements.  Analysed and evaluated regional sales achievements (daily operational activity) with corrective actions. Identified and implemented business growth opportunities. Managed regional and segmental pricing according to targets, discount variations per customer, etc. Maintained sound business relationships with customers through in-person visits and telephonic/virtual follow-ups with business owners and key personnel.  Prepared monthly reports and conducted business analytics on volumes, pricing, and market share.ACCOMPLISHMENTS Selected as a Value to Win Coach, “Dollarizing Differentiation”. Achieved 15-year record high sales for the period 2021 – 2022. Selected as Supplier of the Year 2021, awarded by The Building Co. Closed the Contribution Margin gap with the Inland Business Unit from 8% to 2%. Activated 8 new channels to market and regained lost business (+10 years in some cases). Show less Sales - Managed the day-to-day sales functions pertaining to key account customers, submission of customer forecasts, detailed regional sales management reports, logistics and quality claims. Marketing - Architectural and design specifications, monitoring and controlling of the value chain database, management of marketing proposals and claims, customer training presentations.ACCOMPLISHMENTS Achieved 100% call frequency target.  Increased key customer base from 12 to 21 customers. Selected to participate in a global order management and customer portal project, including the development, implementation and training of end users. Participants included staff from Germany, Spain and Portugal. Achieved 2019 sales objectives (allocations) despite stock restrictions due to a manufacturing plant closure. Executive Committee Member of KSA (Kitchen Specialists Association) KZN. Show less

  • Business Manager

    Mar 2020 - Sept 2023

  • Key Account Manager Sales and Marketing - KZN Region

    Nov 2018 - Mar 2020
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  PG Bison

  Sept 2023 - Nov 2024

  Regional Sales Manager KZN

  PG Bison is headquartered in South Africa and is a division of KAP Industrial Holdings (Pty) Ltd, listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). It has 8 manufacturing plants, with operations across South Africa and Kenya. The products are distributed throughout the African continent, as well as in Australia. Welcome | PG Bison Manage the performance of 5 direct reports: Sales Administrator, Sales Consultant, Senior Sales Consultant, Key Accounts Consultant and ED Rep. Develop skills, enhance morale and drive productivity. Build key relations with customers to identify and meet their needs (95% satisfaction rating).  Monitor brand implementation programs within sales.  Understand market segments and customer profiles to conduct regular market share updates.  Coordinate the implementation of market management and growth strategies. ACCOMPLISHMENTS Improved GP by 2.4%. Improved domestic furniture manufacturer and upgrader sales performance from -21% to -11% vs budget. Improved reseller sales performance from -23% to -3% vs budget and -17% to +1% vs PY. Reduced outstanding and overdue credit claims by 58% (between Sep 23 and May 24). Improved orderbook accuracy from 65% in Sep 23 to 82% in June 24. Show less

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  ARA Manufacture

  Jan 2025 - now

  Production Manager