Douw Steyn
Dallas,TX
Summary
Results-driven Business Development and Operations leader with 20+ years of experience driving growth, operational efficiency, and profitability in retail and manufacturing industries. Proven expertise in building strategic partnerships, optimizing supply chains, leading cross-functional teams, and delivering measurable improvements in revenue, cost control, and customer satisfaction.
Overview
5
5
years of post-secondary education
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
TAURIS SAWMILLS
, Zambia
05.2024 - 12.2024
- Provided strategic leadership to stabilize operations and position the business for sustainable growth.
- Drove performance management programs, improving output quality and strengthening operational discipline.
- Implemented efficiency initiatives, increasing productivity and achieving cost reductions.
- Led sawmill operations, overseeing production, finance, sales, regulatory compliance to ensure operational effectiveness.
Business Development Manager
CLEARANCE WAREHOUSE AFRICA
01.2022 - 02.2023
- Developed and executed growth strategies that expanded market presence and increased revenue.
- Nurtured key client relationships, enhancing long-term commercial partnerships.
- Led brand positioning efforts, increasing visibility and enhancing competitive positioning.
- Identified new market opportunities, driving sales pipeline development.
Operations & Logistics Manager
MINDFRAME CREATIONS
11.2019 - 06.2021
- Streamlined logistics and operational processes to enhance supply chain efficiency.
- Streamlined logistics and operational processes, significantly improving supply chain efficiency.
- Coordinated procurement, warehousing, and distribution to achieve timely deliveries.
- Implemented performance reporting systems to support data-driven decision-making.
Logistics Manager
HOUSE OF MOTANI
11.2017 - 09.2019
- Led logistics teams and coordinated distribution networks with third-party providers to streamline operations.
- Strengthened supplier relationships to enhance reliability and reduce costs.
- Cultivated supplier relationships to improve reliability and ensure cost-effective service.
- Ensured high inventory accuracy across distribution channels, supporting efficient operations.
Customer Relations Manager
UNITED FURNITURE OUTLETS (UFO)
11.2014 - 10.2017
- Directed customer relationship strategy for 37 retail stores, aligning initiatives to boost customer engagement and loyalty.
- Implemented service quality initiatives that improved customer satisfaction and retention.
- Coordinated operations among stores, head office, and support teams to streamline communication and enhance service delivery.
- Analyzed customer feedback and implemented corrective actions to enhance service delivery and address areas of concern.
General Manager
RELYANT RETAIL LTD.
03.2003 - 04.2014
- Directed multi-site retail operations, integrating sales, marketing, finance, and HR functions to enhance overall performance.
- Led talent development and performance management initiatives, fostering a skilled workforce aligned with organizational objectives.
- Developed operational and marketing strategies that supported business goals, driving alignment across departments.
- Facilitated talent development workshops to enhance employee skills.
Education
Senior Certificate -
Hoërskool Driehoek
South Africa, GAU 01.1997 - 01.2002
Skills
- Operations & Supply Chain Management
- Strategic Planning & Business Development
- Sales management
- Business development
- Account management
- Vendor negotiation
- Cost optimization
- P&L management
- Financial analysis
- Operational strategy
- Supply chain management
- Team Leadership & Performance Management
- Performance management
- Workflow planning
- Distribution management
- Market trend analysis
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Effective communication
- Team leadership
- Negotiation skills
- Problem solving
- Problem resolution
- Communication skills
- Market trend analysis
- Cross-functional collaboration
Hobbies
Outdoorsy
Timeline
General Manager
TAURIS SAWMILLS
05.2024 - 12.2024
Business Development Manager
CLEARANCE WAREHOUSE AFRICA
01.2022 - 02.2023
Operations & Logistics Manager
MINDFRAME CREATIONS
11.2019 - 06.2021
Logistics Manager
HOUSE OF MOTANI
11.2017 - 09.2019
Customer Relations Manager
UNITED FURNITURE OUTLETS (UFO)
11.2014 - 10.2017
General Manager
RELYANT RETAIL LTD.
03.2003 - 04.2014
Senior Certificate -
Hoërskool Driehoek
01.1997 - 01.2002