Ian Ochtman

Confident, highly motivated and entrepreneurial General Manager and Sales person with a proven track record of delivering at the highest levels within fiercely competitive environments. A trusted source of strategic and operational expertise able to translate complex strategic goals into clear actions plans that achieve results and build advantage. I am an innovative problem solver who can identify issues and resolve them quickly to build an ambitious and productive culture that adds genuine value. A good communicator who is always clear and informative and able to forge lasting relationships with clients and staff. An empathetic leader able of maintaining composure and confidence in stressful situations, bringing discipline and control to uncertain environments.

September 2021– November 2024(Current). -Swiftpak LTD

2021-2024     Head of Operations

Packaging distribution servicing the whole of UK , specialised in Pharma , Automotive to name a few bespoke packaging supplier.

·       Successfully introduced a WMS system to replace paper based warehouse system.

·       Responsible for the day to day management of three warehouses and three departments.-8 Direct reports.

·       Created and implemented process documents to drive accountability in departments needing improvement.

·       Participate in monthly board meetings as a board member

·       Responsible for P&L relating to Cogs for warehouse, purchasing and customer support departments.

·       The setting of KPI’s for each department to foster an improvement culture that would positively impact customer service and contribute to overarching operational excellence.

·       Implemented a regular supplier engagement cycle contributing to purchase price gains and improved supply.

·       Implemented new MS Teams telephone system.

·       Implemented Phocas BI to better equip sales and operations teams and improve accessibility to ERP data in a simple and efficient way as well as developing a suit of reporting for the team.

·       Also have an overarching responsibility for IT in the business.

·       Improved interdepartmental communications and Driving change where necessary.

October 2016–September 2021. -Traxx Tyres LTD

2018-2021     Head of UK Operations

2016-2018     General Manager

Wholesale of Passenger, SUV and Light Commercial Vehicle Tyres into mainly Independent Fast -Fit Centres and Independent Garages throughout the UK.

·       Successfully project managed the implementation for the UK of a new Global ERP- Infor M3 , direct responsibility for the implementation and ongoing management of UK infrastructure and I.T Support /training at a local level for the system.

·       In February 2020 started and project managed implementation of ERP system Tyresoft and over the forthcoming months was included in the design idea’s for warehouse , POD apps and implementation of company BI and supply chain planning software.

·       Successfully project managed and the implementation of a new warehouse facility in Wales to improve customer service and grow local revenues.

·       Currently responsible and manage entire Supply chain for the company which includes ,supplier negotiation , new brand phase in , procurement , shipping and some cash flow responsibility.

·       Successfully leading a staff compliment of 32 employee’s including 4 current direct reports ranging from Administration and Finance through to Sales and Operations which consists of a 3000M2 warehouse facility and a fleet of 16 Delivery vehicles.

·       Successfully grew EBITDA from a Loss situation to Positive between 2016 /2017 financial year.

·       Was able to grow PCR sales through new sales focus increased activity grew unit sales by 22% between January and December 2017 and resulted in securing additional distribution territory with our suppliers.

• Through closer working with overseas suppliers was able to increase company rebates from 2% -6% for 2018, which will compliment GP Growth in 2018.

·       Implemented Social Media for the company by working with external Agencies to set up pages and content management for the three Brands and company.

·       Responsible for HR and company HSE and implemented new systems to ensure that company was compliant.

·       Weekly monitoring of sales trends and identified opportunities out of this as well as drop-spend to manage customer spend.

·       Full responsibility for business P&L and tirelessly championed excellent levels of customer service ensuring all staff took ownership of tasks .

·       Setting and presentation of Sales Forecast and annual Budget for the business.

·       Monthly presentation of management accounts and business update monthly to the Board.

March 2015 – October 2016      Auto4 (PTY)LTD -Regional Sales Manager (South West U.K)-Multi Site

Sales of Tyre and Workshop Consumables & Garage Equipment into Automotive industry in the UK, Made up of Fast Fits and Independent Business ,Motor Factors.

·       Successfully led a Team of 8 Field Sales Executives in the South West of U.K. managed to grow sales Year on Year in the first 12 months by 14% by defining clear objectives for the sales team and installing disciplines and system as well as development of existing base.

·       Managed the non-performers and filled the vacant position with suitable candidate.

·       Training and Mentoring as well as induction of new starters in team.

·       Successful implementation of Sales team onto Tablet computers

·       Spearheaded in field printer project which is now being implemented countrywide.

·       Conducted regular market research on market trends and targeted business opportunities, like looking at end user Truck segment not being done by the company.

·       Monitored and motivated for increase in field stock levels to ensure opportunity for sales growth.

·       Setting monthly Targets together with MD of the company.

·       Daily, monthly monitoring of performance vs targets and communication of this to both sales team and senior management, together with action plans for growth.

·       Monitoring Sales team Gross Profit to ensure minimum profit margins were met.

·       Managing New Business Targeting for Area, and identifying opportunities for Key account growth

2011-2014       Tirepoint KwaZulu and Natal Province (KZN)-South Africa - General Manager -Multi Site

·       Successfully led, coached and mentored staff to deliver against set targets for a leading retailer and wholesaler of new and retreaded tyres

·       Worked closely with the Group FD and CEO to manage the full P&L of the company

·       Tirelessly championed excellent levels of customer service ensuring all staff took ownership of tasks and promoted the right products to meet customer requirements

·       Identified and negotiated commercial leases to meet business growth requirements

·       Efficiently project managed new branch openings, using lessons learned from prior experience and developing new processes

·       Oversaw each branch location and monitored performance to develop business with local managers

·       Took effective action to address branch performance issues and restore performance

·       Led on all major tenders, contracts and key account pricing

·       Meticulously discharged budgeting, forecasting and reporting responsibilities to ensure all targets were realistic yet challenging

·       Diligently analysed management accounts to aid informed decision making

·       Built and maintained enduring and productive relationships with suppliers and colleagues to ensure everything was geared towards customer satisfaction

·       Applied best practice stock control processes and liaising with credit controllers over the release of stock

·       Worked with the board to retain ISO 9001, SABS Quality certifications

·       Briefed and presented to board on performance and proposals to major clients

·       Achievement -Secured Biggest Tyre contract in the country on departure which turned the business around.

2006-2014       Basic Blue Trading, IT Sales and Support Reseller Company, Durban – Non Exec Director / Owner -South Africa

·       Successfully applied my passion for business and technical grounding to establish and develop a small run from home I.T. Sales and Support business

·       Rapidly developed B2B sales accounts with international companies such as Hewlett-Packard's distribution in South Africa selling PSG, ESSN, printers and consumables.

·       Responsible for all P&L, creditor and debtor management, and statutory returns

·       Worked with clients, financial institutions and suppliers to secure an excellent credit rating and business reputation

·       Sales and Tendering of business for consumer hardware for corporate customers.

1999-2011      BRIDGESTONE MAXIPREST, DURBAN -South Africa -Multi Site Corporate

2006-2011       General Manager and Non-Exec Director

2002-2006       Regional Manager, KZN North

1999-2002       Branch Manager

·       Successfully promoted through the organisation to hold responsibility for 10 KZN Branches, the Contracts Division and 2 Factories -360 employees, reporting to Group FD and CEO on Regional P&L

·       Drove business development to achieve budgeted sales of approx. ZAR370 million per annum, a growth in turnover of 20% over two-year period

·       Led the business development function to increase branches' Gross Profit from 8% in 1999 to 15% in 2003 on a turnover of approx. ZAR2.8m per month

·       Worked closely with local regional managers in the monthly analysis of management accounts for Natal Region to identify and exploit new opportunities

·       Diligently discharged province level delegation for all recruitment, financial control, and strategic and operational direction

·       Managed company assets, CapEx and revenue to drive sales and deliver the growth plan

·       Negotiated and updated National Pricing for company's major clients at the National level

·       Successfully developed new reporting systems for customers, including custom designed spreadsheets and presentations to customers, using Excel and PowerPoint

·       Applied technical skills to assist branches in procuring IT, e-mail and software systems

·       Achieved KZN as two best producing factories in Bridgestone Group circa 36% of SA Production, secured Transnet business for 3 consecutive years running.

·       Trip to Japan to see plants and meet Staff at Bridgestone Tokyo H/O

1995-1999       Natyre (Pty)Ltd, Durban - Regional Manager -Multi Site

1991-1995       Trentyre, Durban - Sales Executive

1987-1990       South African Airforce - Ground Electronic Radio Fitter

Damelin Business School (2002)

Higher Diploma in Business Management [distinction]