Anthony Stuart Coetzee
Atlanta,GA
Summary
Dynamic Product Specialist with a solid foundation in project management and analytical problem-solving. Collaborates with R&D and manufacturing teams to develop innovative product strategies and ensure regulatory compliance. Skilled in enhancing customer engagement through effective product training and support.
Overview
43
43
years of professional experience
Work History
Director - Field Engineering & Technical Service
Apollo Tires (US) Inc.
Atlanta, Georgia
09.2023 - Current
- Led technical field engineering in NA, overseeing the hiring and training of new team members, managing TBR projects, and preparing the team's budget while collaborating with R&D and manufacturing for timely, high-quality product delivery in North America.
- Oversee front-end and back-end development teams and their projects pertaining to new and existing products in TBR/OHT/PCR
20% Responsible for the building, development, and management of a FORZA like organization that includes, but not limited to, technical service budgets, SGA budgets, local R&D budgets, input on molds specific to products for North America 20%
Responsible for tyre design strategies for Americas' future development of projects based on the company’s overall objectives and resources
15% Ensure that the FORZA team is providing technical support to the sales organization in sales calls and that training is conducted with internal and external customers, that can support the brand and company 15% Responsible for the creation and development of the TBR field engineering department and its annual budget. 10%
Coordinate with external stakeholders for new integrations and products and evaluations (FES, STL, TTF)
10% Review and update policies relevant to internal quality and product resolutions (mandatory USA regulatory requirements like DOT, NHTSA, EPA) - Directed strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency across multiple facilities.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop new product strategies and market approaches.
- Oversaw budget management, ensuring alignment with corporate financial goals and objectives.
Product Specialist
Apollo Tyres UK
London, St James's
09.2015 - 08.2023
- Updated product information catalogues and spec sheets to enhance sales and marketing efforts.
- Worked in hyper-growth startup environment, aggressively driving product development to market.
- Led design meetings and collaborative sessions with creative team, orchestrating product vision and strategy.
- Documented client requirements and cross-referenced with product information to ensure alignment.
- Monitored inventory levels and liaised with purchasing team to foster timely stock replenishment.
- Demonstrated well-honed judgement in both uncompromising user design and product research.
- Acquired up-to-date market information to evaluate competitor prices and product ranges.
- Analysed complex data regarding consumer patterns and preferences.
- Coordinated product support and training for staff and customers, demonstrating features and benefits to drive product understanding.
- Translated user stories into technical requirements and viable product features.
- Used company-established methodologies to create price lists for designated product groups.
- Supported sales team by developing and reviewing competitive and individualised quotes.
- Communicated issues and updates proactively to accelerate turnaround on client queries.
- Managed workflow and allocated resources to support team in delivering high-priority features.
- Reviewed sales, evaluating specific products and part numbers to recommend appropriate sales strategy.
- Highlighted excess and obsolete stock and implemented stock-reduction tactics to support revenue.
Sales Manager
Apollo Dunlop Tyres
Durban, South Africa, KZN
12.2002 - 12.2012
- Liaised with potential customers to determine needs and provide recommendations.
- Boosted team morale and overall sales volume by creating incentivizing sales contests.
- Managed relationships with high-paying clients through regular visits and loyalty discounts to enhance retention.
- Profiled, targeted and prospected territory within and beyond existing customer base to expand reach and revenue.
- Forecasted product sales and achieved quarterly and annual sales objectives.
- Mentored employees in successful selling techniques and encouraged cross-selling additional products and services.
- Increased profitability by developing pipelines utilizing multiple marketing channels and sales strategies.
- Generated monthly and annual sales reports to determine growth and areas requiring improvement.
- Developed strategic sales plans to drive sales growth, boost customer loyalty, and enhance market awareness.
- Created and directed sales training and development courses to enhance team skills and performance.
- Ensured positive and professional interactions with customers during all engagements.
- Retained existing customers and substantially grew customer base, product line and sales volume.
- Planned and executed promotional in store events to increase business and sales revenues.
- Educated customers on available processes and services to increase sales.
- Designed sales presentations to effectively communicate product quality and competitive market positioning.
- Resolved complaints by exchanging merchandise, refunding money and adjusting bills to achieve customer retention.
- Monitored sales team performance and provided training to help reach targets.
- Informed customers about various processes and services offered by the company.
- Conducted regular visits and provided loyalty discounts to increase client retention.
- Negotiated with vendors to provide cost-friendly contracts.
- Created surveys to gather customer feedback and inform sales strategies.
- Strengthened profit opportunities by managing time and resources to meet sales objectives.
- Conducted interviews and hired ideal candidates to complement workforce.
- Exceeded specific team goals and resolved issues, partnering with upper management team to share and implement continuous improvements.
- Created incentivising sales contests to boost team morale.
Technical Engineer
Goodyear Tire & Rubber
South Africa, Eastern Cape
01.1983 - 09.2002
- Demonstrated outstanding problem solving and critical thinking abilities, aiding positive evolution across technical development projects.
- Offered technical assistance to clients to facilitate seamless installations and updates.
- Developed targeted technical solutions aligning with design, project, and operational specifications.
- Drafted technical reports that facilitated progress monitoring and identified areas for project improvements.
- Effectively configured projects of varied scales, ensuring timely delivery against critical deadlines.
- Devised clear, easy-to-understand technical documentation, aiding wider business understanding of technology services.
- Responded quickly to technical issues, resolving and assessing root causes to eliminate further problems.
- Offered subject matter expertise throughout early-lifecycle project phases for enhanced project success.
- Assisted with implementation and management of quality assurance efforts.
- Scheduled software updates and hardware replacements efficiently.
- Aided smooth, timely, quality project delivery through effective collaboration with senior stakeholders and suppliers.
- Simplified complex technical information for staff and customers, enhancing overall comprehension.
- Utilised key technical knowledge to select and source cost-efficient solutions across small and large scale projects.
- Liaised effectively with sales managers and design teams to create unique, robust technology solutions.
- Kept up-to-date knowledge of relevant regulations to verify work complied with legislation.
- Debugged and troubleshot production tooling and equipment to quickly and efficiently resolve issues.
- Implemented applications using high voltage power equipment and followed all critical safety measures and rules.
- Continually improved methods and procedures for processes, measurement, documenting and workflow techniques.
- Worked side by side with the test design staff to promote and boost test coverage.
- Kept project leaders regularly updated with progress, maintaining open, productive communication.
- Managed maintenance data records and tracked maintenance and operating information for onsite reference.
- Provided technical support to troubleshoot, repair and maintain operational efficiencies in hydraulic, mechanical and electrical systems.
- Conducted risk assessments to add control measures, creating healthier and safer environment.
- Created procedures for reviewing, evaluating and inspecting engineering projects for increased efficiency.
- Interpreted data to inform engineering decisions and make system improvements.
- Researched and analysed customer design proposals, specifications and manuals to verify feasibility of projects.
Education
Engineering - Mechanical Engineering
Technical College
South Africa01-1995
Skills
- Verbal communication
- Analytical problem-solving
- Issue resolution
- Agile delivery
- Technical innovation
- Written communication
- Project planning
- Relationship management
- Collaboration skills
- Field service management
- Technical analysis
- System design review
- Data recording
Education
other
Languages
- English
- Afrikaans
Timeline
Director - Field Engineering & Technical Service
Apollo Tires (US) Inc.
09.2023 - Current
Product Specialist
Apollo Tyres UK
09.2015 - 08.2023
Sales Manager
Apollo Dunlop Tyres
12.2002 - 12.2012
Technical Engineer
Goodyear Tire & Rubber
01.1983 - 09.2002
Engineering - Mechanical Engineering
Technical College