Ronald Jacobs

Results-Driven Sourcing & Operations Leader

Roodepoort, ZA.

About

Strategic and accomplished Sourcing and Operations Manager with over 20 years of progressive experience driving efficiency, optimizing costs, and leading high-performing teams in complex supply chain environments. Proven ability to direct end-to-end procurement processes, negotiate high-value contracts, and implement strategies that enhance productivity and profitability across diverse industries and international markets. Recognized for exceptional customer service, collaborative leadership, and a keen focus on continuous improvement and compliance.

Work

Tradecorp Logistics

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Sourcing Manager

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

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Summary

Currently leading and managing a team of four sourcing professionals, providing strategic oversight and performance support to optimize end-to-end sourcing processes for operational and project requirements.

Highlights

Led and managed a team of four sourcing professionals, providing strategic oversight, direction, and performance support to ensure effective execution of complex sourcing activities.

Directed end-to-end sourcing processes for operational, project, and service requirements, including supplier identification, bid evaluation, negotiation, and contract support.

Developed and implemented robust sourcing strategies aligned with business objectives, achieving cost optimization targets and enhancing operational continuity and compliance.

Managed strategic supplier relationships to ensure high service quality, maximize commercial value, and enforce contractual obligations.

Oversaw complex sourcing activities for special projects, including shutdowns, capital initiatives, and maintenance campaigns, ensuring timely and on-budget delivery.

Partnered with internal stakeholders to translate complex business and technical requirements into commercially viable sourcing solutions.

Monitored supplier performance, resolved sourcing and commercial issues, and drove corrective actions to maintain supply chain integrity and operational excellence.

Ensured all sourcing activities adhered to company policies, client expectations, governance standards, and ethical procurement practices, contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.

African Trading Group

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Operations Manager

Panama City, Panama, Panama

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Summary

Orchestrated daily operational activities, developing and implementing strategies to enhance productivity and efficiency across the organization in Panama.

Highlights

Led and oversaw daily operational activities, developing and implementing strategies that significantly enhanced productivity and organizational efficiency across the business.

Monitored key performance indicators (KPIs) and implemented continuous improvements, streamlining processes to reduce costs and enhance profitability by an unspecified margin.

Ensured stringent compliance with all relevant regulations and standards, fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement across operations.

Contributed to critical proposal and contract development, negotiations, and meetings, securing favorable terms for the business.

Strategically planned delivery routing, optimized team workflows, and spearheaded promotional initiatives, resulting in improved logistical efficiency.

Tradecorp Logistics

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Sourcing Specialist

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

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Summary

Spearheaded sourcing activities and supplier evaluations to optimize cost-efficiency and ensure timely delivery of goods and services for Tradecorp Logistics.

Highlights

Led sourcing activities, including identifying potential suppliers and evaluating their capabilities to build a robust supply chain network.

Negotiated pricing, terms, and agreements with suppliers, optimizing cost-efficiency and achieving significant savings.

Collaborated effectively with cross-functional teams to assess procurement needs and develop strategic sourcing plans.

Conducted comprehensive market research, staying updated on industry trends and supplier performance to inform decision-making.

Ensured timely delivery of goods and services, meeting project requirements and minimizing operational disruptions.

Managed supplier relationships and resolved supply chain issues, maintaining continuous operational flow.

Developed and maintained strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring consistent product quality and reliability.

Negotiated purchase orders with suppliers, consistently achieving cost savings goals.

Storm Procurement

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Procurement Manager

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

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Summary

Managed local and international procurement operations, optimizing supplier relationships and implementing cost-saving strategies for Storm Procurement.

Highlights

Managed and oversaw Local & International Procurement, optimizing supply chain efficiency and reducing operational costs.

Set up and managed contract purchases, ensuring favorable terms and long-term supplier relationships.

Identified top spend suppliers and implemented discount structures, resulting in significant cost savings.

Conducted strategic sourcing initiatives, enhancing supplier diversity and securing competitive pricing.

Managed workload for Junior & Senior Buyers, ensuring efficient procurement processes and team productivity.

Ensured buyers sourced directly from OEMs and Manufacturers, guaranteeing product authenticity and quality.

Maintained high service levels with vendors, ensuring consistent supply and strong partnerships.

Expedited outstanding overdue orders, minimizing delays and ensuring timely project completion.

Worked directly with end users in Ghana, DRC, Tanzania, and Burkina Faso, providing tailored procurement solutions and support.

African Barrick Gold

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Warehouse Supervisor

Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of

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Summary

Supervised warehouse operations, ensuring efficient cargo handling, quality control, and timely dispatch for African Barrick Gold in Tanzania.

Highlights

Oversaw warehouse staff, optimizing workflows and ensuring efficient daily operations.

Ensured all received cargo from suppliers was packed to export standards, minimizing damage and facilitating smooth international shipments.

Liaised with freight forwarders (UTI Ocean, Air & Road Exports) on a daily basis to ensure timely movement of cargo and resolve logistics issues.

Resolved order queries and price discrepancies by liaising with buyers and suppliers, maintaining accurate procurement records.

Updated the system daily with Goods in Transit status, enhancing transparency and tracking accuracy for all shipments.

Managed the receipt and dispatch of goods, ensuring accurate inventory records and timely fulfillment of orders.

Generated Goods Received Vouchers (GRVs), maintaining meticulous documentation for all incoming materials.

Ensured cargo reached the site in Tanzania as per schedule, supporting uninterrupted operational supply.

BCS Holdings

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Purchasing Officer and Warehouse Manager

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

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Summary

Managed purchasing and warehouse operations, from RFQ issuance to supplier negotiation and inventory management, for BCS Holdings.

Highlights

Managed the end-to-end RFQ process, ensuring competitive bidding and optimal supplier selection.

Negotiated best prices with suppliers, achieving significant cost savings for the organization.

Raised and managed Purchase Orders, ensuring accurate and timely procurement of goods.

Liaised directly with end-users on-site to understand requirements and facilitate smooth supply chain operations.

Conducted regular stocktaking, maintaining accurate inventory records and minimizing discrepancies.

Supervised warehouse staff, optimizing daily operations and improving efficiency.

Expedited orders, ensuring timely delivery of critical goods and minimizing project delays.

Ensured all operations adhered to ISO 9001:2000 standards, maintaining high-quality processes.

Total Mining

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Purchasing Officer

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

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Summary

Managed local and international purchasing, from RFQ issuance to client invoicing and order expediting, for Total Mining.

Highlights

Sent out RFQs to local suppliers, ensuring competitive sourcing and optimal vendor selection.

Negotiated best prices with suppliers, contributing to cost-effective procurement.

Quoted overseas clients, facilitating international trade and expanding market reach.

Raised Purchase Orders accurately and efficiently, supporting timely procurement processes.

Expedited orders, ensuring urgent deliveries were met and minimizing operational downtime.

Liaised with overseas clients, building strong relationships and ensuring clear communication.

Invoiced clients accurately, ensuring proper financial documentation and timely payments.

Arranged F178's and Bivac Inspections, ensuring compliance with international trade regulations.

Supply Direct SA

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Stores (Store Man)

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

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Summary

Managed storeroom operations, including receiving, dispatching, stock control, and developing efficient procedures for Supply Direct SA.

Highlights

Managed the receiving and dispatching of goods, ensuring quality control and accurate inventory.

Monitored stock levels to ensure adequate supplies were available, preventing stockouts and operational delays.

Maintained accurate records of incoming and outgoing stock levels, improving inventory accuracy.

Developed and implemented procedures for efficient storeroom and warehouse operations, enhancing productivity.

Identified and resolved discrepancies between physical inventories and computerized records, improving data integrity.

Created reports to track inventory, orders, deliveries, and shortages, providing critical data for decision-making.

Organized storage areas according to established guidelines, optimizing space utilization and accessibility.

Provided training on proper stocking techniques for new staff members, enhancing team capability and adherence to standards.

Supply Direct SA

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Logistics Assistant

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

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Summary

Supported logistics operations, managing pricing, purchase orders, freight negotiations, and transport arrangements for Supply Direct SA.

Highlights

Controlled pricing and ensured all orders were accurately invoiced, streamlining financial processes.

Raised and invoiced purchase orders for all related charges to customers, ensuring precise billing.

Negotiated freight rates with freight forwarders, optimizing transportation costs and efficiency.

Arranged transport for collection and delivery of goods, ensuring timely and secure movement of inventory.

Liaised with freight forwarders and suppliers, ensuring correct shipment of goods and resolving logistical issues.

Handled administrative duties, supporting the smooth operation of the logistics department.

Supply Direct SA

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Purchasing Officer

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

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Summary

Managed international purchasing, supplier liaison, sourcing, and order capturing for Supply Direct SA.

Highlights

Responsible for international purchasing, sourcing goods globally to meet organizational needs.

Liaised daily with suppliers and end-users, ensuring clear communication and efficient order fulfillment.

Conducted sourcing and expediting, ensuring timely acquisition and delivery of critical materials.

Captured purchase orders accurately and efficiently, maintaining meticulous procurement records.

Resolved queries and provided training, enhancing team knowledge and operational efficiency.

Supply Direct SA

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Stores Supervisor

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

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Summary

Supervised stores personnel, overseeing daily duties, and managing receiving, issuing, and dispatching of goods for Supply Direct SA.

Highlights

Supervised stores personnel, ensuring efficient execution of daily duties and adherence to operational standards.

Assisted with receiving, issuing, and dispatching of goods, maintaining accurate inventory flow and minimizing discrepancies.

Barrick Africa – North Mara (On Behalf of Supply Direct)

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Purchasing Consultant

North Mara, Mara, Tanzania, United Republic of

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Summary

Provided purchasing consultancy services for Barrick Africa, focusing on backlog resolution, system implementation, and international procurement.

Highlights

Nominated as a buyer to travel to Tanzania, addressing critical procurement needs on-site.

Assisted with backlog resolution, clearing outstanding orders and improving supply chain efficiency.

Implemented new changes and procedures, enhancing procurement processes and compliance.

Archived the procurement system, ensuring data integrity and efficient record-keeping.

Conducted international purchasing, sourcing materials globally to meet project demands.

Replenished stock items based on R.O.B. reports, ensuring optimal inventory levels and preventing shortages.

Education

Ennerdale Secondary School

Ennerdale, Gauteng, South Africa
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High School Diploma General Studies

Courses

Afrikaans

English

Mathematics

Science

Electrical Trade

Technical Drawings

Languages

Afrikaans

English

Skills

Process Improvement

Customer Retention

Performance Monitoring

Inventory Management

Data Analysis

Health and Safety Compliance

Financial Management

Maintenance Planning

Business Planning

Marketing

Production

Organizational Management

Workflow Optimization

Business Development

Labor Relations

Strategic Sourcing

Vendor Negotiation

Contract Management

Supply Chain Management

Logistics Optimization

Team Leadership

KPI Monitoring

Compliance Management

Stakeholder Management

Project Management

Cost Optimization

Supplier Relationship Management

Procurement

International Logistics

Warehouse Operations

Expediting

Stock Control

Quality Control

Systems Management