Deon Du Toit

Experience

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  Department of Justice

  Jan 1983 - Jan 1987

  Estate Controller

  Managed estate administration processes, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and efficient execution of tasks.Conducted thorough reviews of estates, including asset valuation and distribution analysis.Conducted inspections and assessments to ensure proper upkeep and security.Prepared legal documents, including wills, trusts, and power of attorney agreements.Collaborated with legal professionals, financial institutions, and beneficiaries to resolve estate-related issues.Communicated complex legal concepts to clients, providing guidance and support during the estate administration process.Handled lease agreements, rental collections, and tenant relations for department-owned properties.Prepared reports and documentation, including financial statements and property valuations.Coordinated with external stakeholders for estate-related services and projects.Assisted in the development and implementation of estate management policies and procedures.Stayed updated on relevant laws and regulations pertaining to property management. Show less

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  Absa Group

  Jan 1987 - Jan 1998

  Financial and Estate Planner

  Provided comprehensive financial planning services to clients, assessing their financial situations and developing customized solutions.Collaborated with clients to determine their investment objectives, risk tolerance, and long-term financial aspirations.Developed and presented personalised financial plans, incorporating investment strategies, retirement planning, and estate management.Recommended suitable financial products, such as insurance policies, investment portfolios, and retirement plans.Assisted clients in creating wills, trusts, and other estate-planning documents.Monitored and reviewed clients' financial plans on an ongoing basis, adjusting and recommendations as needed.Stayed updated on industry trends, tax laws, and financial regulations to provide accurate and informed advice.Built strong relationships with clients, establishing trust and serving as a reliable financial advisor.Collaborated with other professionals, such as lawyers and tax advisors, to offer comprehensive estate planning services.Managed client documentation and maintain confidentiality in handling sensitive financial information. Show less

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  Ukulima – Platinum Produce

  Jan 2001 - Jan 2005

  Fresh Produce Specialist / Procurement

  Spearheaded the procurement and quality management of fresh produce, ensuring the highest standards of quality and customer satisfaction.Collaborated with farmers, suppliers, and stakeholders to build a robust supply chain, guaranteeing a consistent and reliable flow of produce.Developed and implemented procurement strategies to optimise sourcing, pricing, and delivery processes.Maintained strong relationships with farmers, fostering mutual growth and success.Negotiated contracts and agreements with suppliers to secure competitive pricing and favourable terms.Monitored market trends and industry developments to identify opportunities for business growth.Oversaw the logistics of transport, storage, and delivery to ensure timely and efficient distribution of produce. Show less

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  Chennells Farm Holdings

  Jan 2005 - Mar 2007

  General Manager: Agriculture

  Core Overview:The largest privately-owned grapefruit producer in the Southern Hemisphere.Managed a portfolio of nine farms, collectively producing 900,000 cartons of citrus for the export market.Directed a workforce of 1,200 personnel during peak season and oversaw the work of ten managers across various operational areas.Marketed the farm's produce directly to buyers in the UK, Europe, and Japan, establishing strong relationships with key markets.Participated in marketing forums and was an active member of Nkwaleni Citrus Growers, contributing to industry discussions and collaboration.Handled all aspects of logistics, including chartering vessels to Japan, booking vessel space, and managing documentation.Key Roles & Accountabilities:Managed finances and budgets, ensuring profitability and developing long-term strategies for marketing, development, and market positioning.Oversaw labour relations, including CCMA hearings and negotiations with unions, fostering positive employee relationships and resolving conflicts.Developed and executed company policies and standards to maintain high levels of professionalism and adherence to quality management systems.Controlled daily stock, monitored producer/exporter relationships, and ensured compliance with quality management systems and ISO procedures.Planned and managed exports, including harvest schedules, packaging, and transport logistics.Handled raw material supply, procuring and supplying packaging materials, fertilizers, and chemicals at competitive prices and optimal times.Managed supplier information and relationships, recording production volumes, quality, and fertilizer/pest control details. Show less

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  Remhoogte Boerdery

  Apr 2007 - Dec 2008

  General Manager: Agriculture

  Core Overview: Managed two production units spanning 264 hectares of apples, pears, and plums.Directed a staff complement of 300 workers, including seven managers, ensuring efficient operations and driving productivity across the farm.Oversaw all aspects of logistics, including booking vessel space and negotiating with shipping lines, ensuring efficient transportation of produce to overseas markets.Developed and executed long-term strategies related to marketing, development, market positioning, and overall growth.Executed and enforced company policies and standards to ensure adherence to quality and operational excellence.Key Roles & Accountabilities:Marketed the company's fresh produce to local and overseas markets, establishing the farm's brand presence and cultivating relationships with buyers.Managed finances and budgets, making strategic decisions to drive profitability and maintain competitiveness.Liaised with local and overseas buyers and agents, including prominent names such as Asda, Waitrose, Sainsbury, De Groot, Timer Fruit, Cape Span, Sharbatly, Abbar, and Chong Lee.Acted as the key interface between the company and its buyers, negotiating delivery contracts, issuing pack instructions, and managing invoices and payments.Implemented strategic changes to the pack house, optimising process flows and procedures to improve efficiency and productivity.Successfully implemented and managed Eurepgap, HASSUP, and BRC certifications, ensuring compliance with quality assurance and food safety standards.Handled all labour relations, including CCMA hearings and negotiations with unions, maintaining positive working relationships, and resolving conflicts. Show less

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  Olam Mozambique

  Jan 2009 - Jul 2014

  Hub Manager

  Core Overview:Managed a diverse agricultural hub with a significant focus on cotton production.Led a team of 165 permanent and 340 seasonal workers, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.Orchestrated the entire value chain, from farm to port, encompassing production, procurement, mobilization, processing, and export operations.Oversaw the management of a gin facility, which produced 17,000 bales of lint, ensuring operational efficiency and quality control.Successfully managed all logistics aspects, including booking vessel space, documentation, and negotiating rebates with shipping lines.Developed and implemented company policies and standards to uphold professionalism, quality, and operational excellence.Key Roles & Accountabilities:Supervised logistics, including vessel space booking, documentation, and negotiations with shipping lines.Cultivated strong relationships with workers, farmers, government and regulatory bodies, and clients, ensuring effective collaboration and seamless operations.Championed sustainable farming practices, promoting environmentally friendly and socially responsible approaches to agriculture.Managed budgets and contributed to financial planning, ensuring competitiveness in the market.Led and trained a large workforce, employing effective communication and problem-solving skills to achieve organisational goals.Executed and maintained industry standards and certifications, including Eurepgap, HASSUP, and BRC, ensuring compliance and product quality.Handled labour relations, CCMA hearings, and negotiations with unions, fostering positive working relationships and resolving conflicts. Show less

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  Vida Oleo Lda Mozambique

  Aug 2014 - Jun 2018

  Country Manager

  Core Overview:Oversaw the day-to-day operations of Vida Oleo Lda Mozambique in Maxixe, Inhambane.Managed a team of 30 permanent and 60 seasonal workers, fostering a high-performance culture and ensuring the efficient functioning of the company's operations.Successfully coordinated the buying and procurement of copra, as well as the drying and crushing processes to produce NCNO for export to South Africa.Managed all aspects of the value chain, from farm to port, ensuring seamless production, procurement, mobilisation, processing, and exporting operations.Provided visionary leadership and executed long-term strategies related to marketing, development, market positioning, and growth.Handled labour relations, including CCMA hearings and negotiations with unions, fostering a positive work environment, and resolving conflicts effectively.Executed company policies and standards, maintaining a high level of professionalism and adherence to quality assurance procedures.Established and nurtured relationships with workers, farmers, government and regulatory bodies, and clients, fostering collaborative partnerships and ensuring mutual success.Key Roles & Accountabilities:Drove increased purchase volume by implementing efficient buying processes and fostering strong supplier relationships.Cultivated relationships with workers, farmers, government and regulatory bodies, and clients to support business growth.Implemented cost reduction strategies to optimize operational expenses, including transport and overall operational costs.Promoted sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices to drive environmentally friendly and socially responsible operations. Show less

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  Mahgoub Sons Group مجموعة محجوب أولاد

  Jun 2018 - Jun 2023

  Farm Manager

  Core Overview:Reporting directly to the Owner, assumed full responsibility for the management of a diverse agricultural operation spanning 30,000 hectares, specialising in cotton, soya, and sorghum farming.Led a team of 122 permanent and up to 2,000 seasonal workers, ensuring their coordination and productivity throughout the farming cycle.Oversaw all aspects of agricultural operations, from planting and crop management to harvesting and post-harvest processes.Collaborated closely with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to manage the profit and loss (P&L) account, ensuring operational and capital expenditures remained within budgetary parameters.Spearheaded equipment maintenance and procurement strategies, ensuring optimal functionality and productivity across the farm's machinery and infrastructure.Key Roles & Accountabilities:Oversaw all farm operations, including planting, crop management, harvesting, and post-harvest processes.Managed and optimised labour resources, ensuring effective coordination and productivity throughout the farming cycle.Developed and implemented agronomic projects and innovative farming practices to maximise crop yields and quality.Upheld rigorous quality standards, ensuring the farm's products consistently met international quality requirements and adhered to sustainable agricultural practices.Prepared and delivered monthly and annual reports, providing comprehensive insights on budget performance, production metrics, and operational efficiency.Prioritised the health and safety of operations, implementing robust protocols and procedures to mitigate risks and maintain compliance with industry regulations.Proactively identified areas for future expansion and improvement, developing cost reduction initiatives and profitability strategies to drive sustainable growth.Oversaw HR, IR, disciplinary procedures, and financial planning.[Kindly be advised, further details available upon request (Comprehensive CV)] Show less