Steven Van Zyl

• Led quality assurance initiatives to enhance product safety and compliance standards.
• Developed and implemented quality control procedures for export-ready products.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to resolve quality issues, resulting in effective solutions.
• Trained staff on best practices for quality maintenance, enhancing overall production standards.
• Conducted regular inspections to ensure adherence to quality specifications and regulations.
• Analyzed product defects and provided feedback for continuous improvement efforts.
• Managed documentation related to quality audits and compliance reporting requirements.
• Facilitated communication between production teams and management regarding quality concerns.
• Cultivated talented team of departmental employees through outstanding mentoring, coaching, and teaching skills.
• Conducted internal audits of production processes to ensure compliance with industry standards.
• Monitored key performance indicators related to product quality assurance activities.
• Developed protocols for testing products against requirements prior to release into the market.
• Identified root causes of quality problems, developed corrective actions, and tracked implementation to ensure compliance.
• Created detailed reports on product defects and non-conformances.
• Managed quality control activities to maintain food safety.
• Developed and implemented product quality assurance procedures.
• Ensured that all products meet customer specifications, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
• Analyzed quality control test results and provided feedback and interpretation to production management or staff.
• Supervised and guided inspectors, technicians, and other staff.

• Assisted in daily feeding and care of livestock at Heuchert Willow Creek Ranch.
• Operated farm machinery for timely planting and harvesting of crops.
• Monitored health and behavior of animals, reporting concerns to management.
• Assisted in the preparation and maintenance of fields for seasonal planting.
• Managed inventory of feed and supplies to ensure uninterrupted farm operations.
• Loaded and unloaded trucks with supplies or products from the farm.
• Performed general maintenance tasks around the farm, including repairing fences and buildings.
• Maintained farm equipment such as tractors, harvesters, and other machinery.
• Cared for livestock, including feeding, watering, and providing medical attention.
• Ensured compliance with all safety regulations related to farm operations.
• Assisted in the preparation of soil for planting by tilling and plowing fields.
• Collected crops at optimal maturity during harvest season.
• Assisted in tagging cattle for identification purposes.
• Administered medications and vaccinations to livestock under supervision.
• Operated and maintained farm machinery and equipment, following safety protocols.
• Assisted in the planting, cultivating, and harvesting of crops, ensuring timely and efficient processes.
• Collaborated with team members to ensure all farm operations ran smoothly and efficiently.
• Participated in the loading and unloading of harvested products and supplies.
• Shifted animals between grazing areas to foster sufficient access to food.
• Used all-terrain vehicles to patrol expansive land holdings, pastures and grazing areas to monitor animal activities.
• Herded livestock to pastures for grazing or to scales, trucks or other enclosures.
• Patrolled holding habitats and grazing areas to ensure animal safety and promptly repair equipment, gates, and pens.
• Marked livestock to identify ownership and grade using brands, tags or tattoos.
• Cleared and maintained irrigation ditches for adequate water flow, dust suppression and crop growth.

Cultivated client relationships, enhancing communication and service delivery to meet client needs.

• Analyzed market trends to provide strategic insights for clients' decision-making.
• Facilitated negotiations between buyers and sellers to achieve mutually beneficial agreements.
• Conducted risk assessments to identify potential challenges in client transactions.
• Mentored junior brokers on best practices and industry standards for success.
• Facilitated negotiations on livestock prices and settlement terms, achieving favorable agreements for both sellers and buyers.
• Served as representative for buyers or sellers in sales negotiations to facilitate transactions.
• Developed long-term relationships with customers by providing personalized service and advice.
• Negotiated contracts between buyers and sellers in a timely manner.
• Conducted thorough due diligence prior to making any recommendations or purchases.
• Ensured compliance with all applicable laws and regulations related to the transaction.
• Participated in continuous professional development activities to stay current with market conditions, and regulatory changes.
• Monitored client portfolios and made recommendations necessary to align with changing market conditions and client objectives.
• Managed high-stress situations effectively, making critical decisions under tight deadlines to safeguard client interests.
• Executed buy and sell transactions on behalf of clients, optimizing timing and pricing to enhance returns.

• Cultivated diverse crops using sustainable farming practices.
• Operated and maintained various agricultural equipment and tools.
• Implemented crop rotation strategies to enhance soil health.
• Managed irrigation systems to optimize water usage efficiently.
• Coordinated seasonal planting and harvesting schedules to align with market demand and weather conditions.
• Monitored pest control measures to protect crops from infestations.
• Developed relationships with local suppliers for seeds and materials.
• Maintained farm machinery, tools, and buildings in good working order.
• Sowed seeds, planted seedlings, and transplanted crops by hand or with mechanized equipment.
• Loaded agricultural products into trucks to deliver products to markets or storage facilities.
• Harvested crops at the optimum time for maximum yield and quality.
• Acquired seeds and fertilizer from local suppliers.
• Conducted routine preventive maintenance and troubleshooting inspections on equipment, production systems, and farming processes.
• Operated tractors and other agricultural equipment to cultivate fields or prepare land for planting.
• Set up and operated heavy farm machinery and equipment to till soil, fertilize and apply herbicides and pesticides.
• Planned and implemented crop rotation schedules to maximize soil fertility.
• Observed animals during the birthing process and assisted with deliveries.
• Recorded information such as production costs, yields, grades, moisture content, and other data related to crop production.
• Analyzed weather forecasts and determined the best times for planting and harvesting operations.
• Assessed market conditions to identify opportunities for selling products at optimal prices.
• Managed breeding programs following best practices in animal husbandry.
• Developed strategies that promote efficient use of resources such as water and energy.
• Inspected facilities daily to comply with health, sanitation and safety standards and maintain agricultural biodiversity across farm.
• Attended conferences and seminars to keep up-to-date on new developments in agriculture field.
• Evaluated animals' health condition and administered medications.
• Segregated animals according to weight, age, and physical condition.
• Maintained a safe work environment by adhering to safety protocols.
• Managed crop production operations to ensure optimal yield through effective planting, irrigation, and harvesting.
• Monitored crop growth and health, implementing targeted interventions to maintain quality and maximize harvest.
• Established relationships with vendors for purchasing supplies at competitive prices.
• Trained new workers on safety and ranch procedures.
• Monitored weather conditions and adjusted strategies accordingly to avoid losses.
• Demonstrated working techniques, practices and optimal safety behaviors to workers, maximizing performance and reducing wasteful processes.
• Collected and recorded growth, production and environmental data.
• Prepared reports required by state and federal laws.
• Conducted or supervised stock examinations to identify diseases or parasites.
• Managed ranch schedules for livestock, special events, and crops.

• Operated various farm machinery for planting and harvesting crops.
• Conducted routine maintenance on equipment to ensure optimal performance.
• Assisted in field preparation by tilling and fertilizing soil.
• Collaborated with team members to coordinate daily farming operations effectively.
• Ensured compliance with safety protocols during equipment operation and maintenance.
• Inspected machinery to ensure proper functioning before use.
• Communicated effectively with supervisors regarding progress of tasks assigned.
• Performed regular maintenance on equipment such as lubricating parts, changing filters and oil.
• Adjusted machine settings according to different field conditions.
• Determined best methods for transporting harvested goods from fields to storage locations.
• Operated tractors, combines, and other farm equipment to plow, cultivate, and harvest crops.
• Loaded and unloaded materials onto trucks for transport to storage or processing locations.
• Operated seed drills and manure spreaders to plant, fertilize, dust and spray crops.
• Utilized maps and GPS technology to navigate efficiently and complete assigned tasks on time.
• Coordinated logistics for clearing chicken houses and distributing waste to ensure timely and effective operations.
• Developed schedules for loading and unloading operations efficiently.
• Coordinated daily transportation logistics by scheduling routes, tracking shipments, and maintaining accurate documentation.
• Oversaw loading and unloading of clearing equipment on low bed trucks.
• Collaborated with internal teams to coordinate shipments between multiple locations.
• Organized and monitored the shipment of products in accordance with customer requirements.
• Assisted in developing processes for receiving, and distributing materials according to established procedures.
• Provided support in negotiating contracts with providers regarding rates, services offered.
• Implemented new technologies such as GPS tracking software for increased efficiency in logistics operations.
• Developed and implemented routing strategies that optimized delivery times and reduced transportation costs.
• Created and updated standard operating procedures for logistics operations
• Coordinated daily logistics operations, including shipment scheduling.

• Developed business strategies to enhance product offerings and customer satisfaction.
• Managed daily operations to ensure smooth workflow and efficient service delivery.
• Supervised staff training to promote skill development and team cohesion.
• Established vendor relationships, securing quality supplies and enhancing cost-effectiveness.
• Created financial budgets to track expenses and maximize profitability.
• Analyzed market trends to adapt business practices and meet customer demands.
• Maintained relationships with existing clients by providing superior customer service.
• Oversaw budgeting and financial management.
• Supervised performance of workers with goals of improving productivity, efficiency and cost savings.
• Developed strategic plans to increase profitability and efficiency.
• Reviewed legal documents related to business operations.
• Negotiated with vendors to gain optimal pricing on products resulting in substantial increase in profit margin.
• Led startup and creation of operational procedures and workflow planning.
• Collaborated with other owners on joint ventures and shared resources.
• Forecasted customer demand to inform pricing strategies and credit terms for goods or services.
• Mitigated business risks by working closely with staff members and assessing performance.

Managed daily production schedules to ensure efficient workflow.

• Coordinated team activities to consistently meet production targets and deadlines, ensuring optimal workflow.
• Oversaw equipment maintenance and safety compliance protocols.
• Trained staff on best practices for operating machinery and equipment.
• Implemented process improvements to enhance operational efficiency.
• Monitored inventory levels to maintain adequate supply for production needs.
• Collaborated with quality control to uphold product standards and specifications.
• Facilitated communication between shifts to ensure seamless operations.
• Monitored the daily operations of the production team, providing guidance and support.
• Conducted regular meetings with staff to discuss progress and address any issues or concerns.
• Reviewed production orders, schedules, and inventory levels to ensure timely product availability and support operational needs.
• Managed materials to meet production goals and specific customer demands.
• Coached and mentored employees to develop and enhance career skills.
• Developed and implemented production schedules to ensure timely completion of projects.
• Analyzed production processes to identify areas for improvement in efficiency and cost savings.
• Provided input for performance reviews and identified areas for additional improvement.
• Monitored equipment, checked supplies and coordinated manpower to meet expected demand.
• Coordinated with other departments to ensure smooth flow of materials throughout the production process.
• Monitored staff training and output to meet compliance, productivity and revenue goals.
• Orchestrated equipment set up, operation and break-down.
• Ensured that all safety policies and regulations were followed in accordance with company standards.
• Directed cost reduction and process improvements to boost workflows and productivity.
• Established clear communication channels between management and staff members.
• Resolved conflicts among personnel within the department.
• Created SOPs and documented system, planning criteria and procedures.
• Reviewed individual employee performance to correct issues and enhance productivity.
• Coordinated production requirements with material handling and staffing functions.
• Developed and implemented process improvements that enhanced department quality and increased throughput.
• Reviewed customer feedback to determine if changes are necessary in order to improve product quality or customer satisfaction levels.
• Maintained top-notch quality control standards and eliminated downtime to maximize revenue.
• Created reports on productivity levels, cost analysis, and inventory status.
• Documented batch records for manufacturing process and product history recordkeeping.
• Prevented and resolved customer issues regarding production through planning.
• Eliminated process discrepancies, implementing continuous improvements for scheduling procedures.
• Maintained accurate records of production data such as labor costs, output, and quality control results.
• Managed budgets related to purchasing materials or hiring additional personnel.
• Assisted in troubleshooting mechanical problems related to machinery used in the manufacturing process.
• Negotiated contracts with vendors for supplies needed for the production process.
• Drafted and updated production documentation tracking status and delivery timelines.
• Supervised maintenance activities for manufacturing machines and equipment.
• Cultivated communication among senior managers and floor supervisors to encourage optimal productivity.
• Oversaw inventory and physical counts and performed periodic cycle counts to verify outgoing orders.
• Presented capital equipment justification for machine and technology upgrades.
• Developed performance metrics to track progress against established goals.
• Evaluated existing processes for potential automation opportunities.
• Translated complex information to audiences of varying levels of technical knowledge, enabling individuals to clearly understand messages.
• Improved efficiency by minimizing downtime.
• Met or exceeded target for on-time customer shipments.
• Assessed production schedules and orders to plan material requirements and worker activities.
• Identified and solved complex problems that impacted management and business direction.
• Mitigated production issue risks by identifying potential problems and taking effective action.
• Reviewed quality control reports monitoring various aspects.
• Troubleshot and resolved problems with equipment and programmable logic controller systems.
• Learned how to respond to emergency situations to prevent personal injuries and property damage.
• Assigned staff, materials and funds throughout project lifecycle.
• Contributed to new plant startup and implementation of processes for growing, shipping and receiving and inventory management
• Liaised between senior farm management and line-level supervision to maintain open communications.
• Kept permits current and accurate for legally-sound operations.
• Identified staffing and capital needs, collected relevant data and wrote justifications for established needs.