CHANTEL KRITZINGER STELLA
Auckland,AUK
Summary
As a General Manager, I have a proven track record of implementing effective marketing strategies, launching new products, and optimizing operations to maximize profitability. Additionally, I am adept at analyzing market data, conducting competitor analysis, and identifying opportunities for growth. I thrive in fast-paced environments and enjoy taking on new challenges. I currently have over 10 years of experience in the Wholesale market sector. I have a Bachelor's degree in Marketing Management. My passion lies in leading and executing successful marketing and operations strategies.
With my leadership skills and experience, I have successfully led teams to achieve sales targets and meet customer satisfaction goals. I prioritize building strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders to drive business growth and foster a positive work culture.
In addition to my technical expertise, I am an excellent communicator and have the ability to convey complex concepts in a clear and concise manner. I am highly skilled in collaborating with cross-functional teams, including sales, marketing, and product development, to ensure alignment and the successful execution of business strategies.
I am constantly updating my knowledge of industry trends and emerging technologies to stay ahead in this fast-paced field. My passion for innovation and commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences have been key drivers of my success as a general manager.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Product Manager
Whirlpool South Africa / KIC
07.2024 - 01.2025
- Lead the end-to-end success of new projects from discovery to launch
- Maintain and manage the product roadmap, translate product strategy into detailed requirements
- Collaborate with Whirlpool HQ, local engineering & development, procurement, design and sales teams as well as potential suppliers (local and international), to deliver projects with quick time to market and with optimal resources
- Analyse market trends, competitor activity & benchmarking
- Gain a deep understanding of customer experience
- Identify new areas for growth through quantitative search & product gap analysis and generate opportunities for innovation and product range
- Monitor and update product cost changes due to exchange rate and supplier price changes
- Support the creation of marketing strategy in conjunction with the Marketing Executive
- Support the preparation and execution of the Marketing Profit Plan (Units, Net sales, Margin, Mix Management etc.)
- Manage product pricing parameters, positioning and product mix to maximise profitability and deliver financial results
- Implement the marketing plan and drive marketing programmes to improve market share
- Review the channel's portfolio performance continuously to understand and suggest possible optimizations with support from data & insights, create periodic reporting
- Provide support and training to the sales team by communicating product features and functionality
- Maintain and improve relationships with trade partners, provide support to sales with trade marketing activities
- Work with Sales team in the development of the final sales forecast
- Support finished goods inventory management in conjunction with Sales and Supply Chain (including back orders, obsolete stock, etc.)
- Manage the phasing out of old products and phasing in of new products
- Develop creative solutions in promotional and point-of-sale material, catalogues and brochures together with the marketing assistant
- Initiate, develop and manage brand and product promotions (Trade, consumers and internal sales)
- Drive product launches, support trade shows and exhibitions including working with executives, agencies and main stakeholders
General Manager
Home of Living Brands
09.2021 - 06.2024
- Developing and implement strategic plans to drive sales and profitability for the division
- Lead and manage the teams of sales representatives, marketing professionals and operations staff
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with key customers, suppliers and partners
- Stay updated on the latest market trends, competitor activities and technological advancements in the consumer electronics industry
- Analyse sales data and market research to identify opportunities for growth and develop effective sales and marketing strategies
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and successful execution of business strategies
- Monitor operational performance, identify areas for improvement and implement process enhancements to increase efficiency and productivity
- Maintain a high level of customer satisfaction through effective customer service and support initiatives
- Provide regular reports and updates on business performance, challenges and opportunities
- Quarterly budget exceeded by 35%
- Department contributed 80% of the yearly profit
Marketing and Operations Manager
Home of Living Brands
09.2021 - 06.2024
- Developing and executing key growth marketing and operation strategies
- Responsible for end-to-end branch operations
- Developing, implementing and review operational policies and procedures
- Strategising process improvements
- Oversee budget, reporting and planning
- Manage the retail area and marketing of the branches
- Management of branches and staff
- Ensure scorecards are conducted and inefficiencies corrected
- Ensure the branches are OHASA (Occupational Health and Safety in the Workplace) compliant
- Responsible for achieving results through the development and executing of marketings plans (online and offline)
- Manage the marketing mix to meet sales and budget requirements
- Conducting market research, understanding trends and customer buying trends
- Promote business, services, products and brands
- Quarterly Incentive received due to: Trading profit achieved, Cost to serve achieved, Stock management - aligned with budget, Strategic Objectives - achieved
Category Manager
Home of Living Brands
09.2021 - 06.2024
- Strategy management for product categories
- Product and margin management, including pricing and positioning across multiple brands
- Identification and execution of key opportunities for growth and new business development
- Budget formulation, management and tracking
- Tracking of per account ad-hoc spend
- Product training
- Coordination of technical facilitation and training
- Organizing and managing trade demonstrations
- Management of new product procedures, launching of new products, distribution and marketing support
- Assist with the development, implementation and on-going management of trade marketing material and images
- Monitoring of competitor activity and producing regular reports on strategies for staying at the forefront of competitor activity
- Provide line manager with information and proposals concerning the ranging, promotion, distribution, design, and pricing of company products
- Provide support to, and co-ordinate with the sourcing team
- Gather data on competitors and analyse their prices, sales, and method of marketing and distribution
- Develop and implement procedures from conducting gap analysis
- Examine marketing opportunities and potential ROIs thereof, and develop execution strategies
- Identify new market opportunities to expand category presence and work with relevant retailers to ensure existing channels to market remain active and successful
- Complete concept testing for new products and determine brand perceptions and reputation
- Management of the relationship with key stakeholders and suppliers
Customer Relationship Manager / Account Manager
Digital Marketing Agency
10.2020 - 07.2021
- Marketing and Communication strategies including media planning
- Market research and online research
- Advertising services related to design, media planning and media placements both online and traditional
- Public Relations/ Communications (including identifying and managing press releases)
- Manage portfolio of clients
- Liaise between clients and copy, design and digital teams
- Present and manage budgets
- Quoting and Invoicing
- Generate and present reports
- Internet consulting and Internet strategies
- Keyword research and Search Engine Optimisation management
Resigned
Sabbatical
09.2019 - 09.2020
- Further my studies
- Travelling – cancelled due to COVID-19
Commercial Manager
Yamaha Distributors
05.2011 - 08.2019
- Received a promotion due to superior performance and diverse ability
- Selected for management after demonstrating an ability to learn quickly and master complex concepts flawlessly
- Successfully launched a new division and created product policies, procedures and marketing activities
- Strategic planning in market share and margins to achieve business growth beyond traditional markets
- Present and manage budgets
- Quarterly business planning
- Stock management to ensure optimum stock in place to meet demand and stock levels within the company parameters
- Product sourcing through understanding of market and the requirements
- Pricing management and product positioning
- Sales and marketing management to promote the brand and product lines
- Guaranteeing the market strategies are achieved
- Supplier relationship management to maintain positive relationship and host visitors from abroad
- Communication and reporting are supplied monthly, quarterly and if additionally required
- Dealer management to continuously improve the relationship and sales potential
- Leadership through the ability to engage, motivate and encourage team members to achieve goals
Product Planner
Yamaha Distributors
05.2011 - 08.2019
- Recognized for performance and the ability to multitask
- Homologation - Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA)
- Homologation - National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS)
- Managing marketing budget and monthly sales targets
- Coordinating Advertising Campaigns - Digital and Print
- Managing Product Launches and Training Events
- Managing customer and supplier relationships
- Stock Control - Incoming and Outgoing
- Purchase Orders - Supplier Payments
- Sales - Invoicing - Customer Orders
- Managing email marketing material / Managing social media platforms / Managing marketing calendar
- Shipping - Imports
- Sales Analysis
- Petty Cash
Admin Supervisor
Castle Paper Rolls
06.2008 - 04.2011
- Sales and Customer Service
- Stock Maintenance
- Stationery Control
- Travel arrangements
- General Office Admin
- Sales Staff Management
- Dispatch and Route Planning
Sales Representatives Assistant
Supermac Agencies
07.2007 - 05.2008
- Quotations
- Internal Sales
- Customer Service
- Stationery Control
- General Office Admin
- Dispatch and Route Planning
Education
Bachelor of Commerce - Marketing Management
University of South Africa
01.2021
Completed - Gel Nails, Acrylic Nails, Silk & Fibre Nails
Hydro International College
01.2009
Matriculated -
Edenvale High School
01.2006
Skills
- SAGE
- Netstock
- Syspro
- Pastel
- MS Office
- General Management
- Marketing Communication
- Product Management
- Cross-functional Team Leadership
- Brand Management
- Product Marketing
- Customer Relationship Management
- Sales Management
- Strategy Development and Management
Languages
- English, Speak, Read, Write
- Afrikaans, Read, Write
Timeline
Product Manager
Whirlpool South Africa / KIC
07.2024 - 01.2025
General Manager
Home of Living Brands
09.2021 - 06.2024
Marketing and Operations Manager
Home of Living Brands
09.2021 - 06.2024
Category Manager
Home of Living Brands
09.2021 - 06.2024
Customer Relationship Manager / Account Manager
Digital Marketing Agency
10.2020 - 07.2021
Resigned
Sabbatical
09.2019 - 09.2020
Commercial Manager
Yamaha Distributors
05.2011 - 08.2019
Product Planner
Yamaha Distributors
05.2011 - 08.2019
Admin Supervisor
Castle Paper Rolls
06.2008 - 04.2011
Sales Representatives Assistant
Supermac Agencies
07.2007 - 05.2008
Bachelor of Commerce - Marketing Management
University of South Africa
Completed - Gel Nails, Acrylic Nails, Silk & Fibre Nails
Hydro International College
Matriculated -
Edenvale High School
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