Edward Pickup Email & Phone Number

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

My role expanded to encompass the position of Category Manager for the Chemical portfolio, representing the African distributors for the Orlichem brand. In this dual capacity, I diligently ensured the growth of the company by managing both responsibilities simultaneously. I oversaw the growth of the category and its related brands, with a primary focus on maximising profit through comprehensive market analysis, strategic commercial activities, and effective vendor negotiations. By leveraging these skills and approaches, I contributed to the overall expansion and success of the company within the chemical sector.◆Oversaw and grew the category and related brands with aims of maximising profit through market analysis, commercial activity, and vendor negotiations◆Process all enquiries, from sourcing through to delivery and invoicing within specific territories to grow the category within the Group and it’s affiliated partners◆Analyse data and insights to identify industry and consumer trends in the specified category — finding solutions to problems clients may or may not know they have to achieve solution selling◆Compile and implement strategic long-term plans for the development of the category◆Managed budget development and revenue for the category with constant monitoring and maintenance◆Build strong relationships with key vendors to improve pricing and quality of services rendered, constantly reviewing and negotiating rebate structures, service level agreements (SLA), and other agreements◆Increased the conversion of sales to achieve and exceed category financial targets, reporting profitability, order fulfilment, and commercial updates to the management team◆Doubled revenue year on year and on track to Octuple this in 2024

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

I joined the team with the responsibility of managing and overseeing all technical inquiries, from initial sourcing through to final delivery and invoicing. This encompassed a comprehensive process that involved following up on potential business opportunities in specific territories to facilitate growth within the group. My role also entailed strategically sourcing both local and international suppliers and products, employing various channels such as an internal database, market research, and online resources. Through these efforts, I ensured the seamless procurement of essential supplies while actively contributing to the expansion and development of the company's operations. ◆Analyse inquiries from clients and manage all negotiations whilst collecting necessary information such as logistical requirements to prepare quotations and presentations for client to secure orders◆In charge of buying and selling, including the placing and administration of orders by liaising with related departments for end-to-end delivery — connecting with logistics, warehouse operations, and finance◆Liaised with suppliers for a seamless delivery process, providing full administrative function that consisted of packing lists, invoicing, budgeting, supplier relations, and transport planning◆Inspected ingoing and outgoing products to cover areas such as compliance, quality, and packaging◆Completed regular commercial activity to drive client retention and acquisition, maintaining existing relationships and pursuing new ones within the industry — travelling globally for supplier and client visits◆Proposed opportunities for improvement to streamline the Tristan Technical Division for a more efficient and customer-oriented operation — maintaining expected profit margins in 2023 ◆Exceeded revenue budget within the department from ZAR 46M to ZAR 71M◆Reported on the profitability per job and department, including other commercial reporting requirements.

Stellenbosch, Cape Town

Upon joining a UK-based global commodities trading group, specialised in dry and frozen foods, industrial chemicals, and environmental timber, I took on the pivotal role of spearheading business operations across East and West Africa. As the lead in trading and business development functions, I represented the company across all trading touchpoints, including sourcing, supplier development, product development, logistics, and sales & marketing. This multifaceted role enabled me to drive the company's expansion into new markets while ensuring seamless operations and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships with stakeholders across the region.◆ Responsible for strategy development, including the constant analysis and adaptation to meet long-term commercial goals — presenting strategy to directors for their buy-in / approval◆ Develop and implement repetitive trades in selected commodities, tuna, wood, nuts, and avocados — increasing the focus on specific commodities◆ Ensure consistency through the company and communications when overseeing the brand image and voice◆ Managed a five-member trading team and the logistics and documentation departments, providing employee training on logistics and documentation issues◆ Sourced new business opportunities while developing positive relationships with all industry stakeholders◆ Develop opportunities to collaborate with client’s requirements to ensure client-centric approach to solving issues with trade solutions, namely providing client with something they need but could not find themselves◆ Perform risk assessments for deal executions and vetting suppliers and customers◆Serve as the lead in trading and business development functions, representing the company across all trading touchpoints such as sourcing, supplier development, product development, logistics, sales & marketing.

Cape Town Area, South Africa

In my role as Trade Manager I am responsible for the procurement, processing, marketing and exporting of Wild Caught Products (Pty) Ltd's fish products. I joined this start up in April 2014 in the capacity of trade manager responsible for every aspect of the trading portfolio including product development. I currently trade in both processed and unprocessed fish products from these species: hake, yellowtail and tuna. I was project lead on a R 6 million equipment upgrade at my employers processing factory increasing the staff compliment by an additional 50 skilled employees with a daily production output of 8 tons of finished products. I have developed very specific products that are currently highly sought after by the international markets. I m solely responsible for the production and exporting of my company's fish products.

Cape Town Area, South Africa

During my time at ICV Africa I quickly learnt the foundation of commodity trading into global markets. I was promoted to the group's international trader with a dedicated trading line of $5 million with annual sales around $240 million in frozen tuna species. I learnt the following skills during my tenure with ICV Africa:- International fish commodities trading - Procurement - Negotiations- Sales - Supply chain management- Freight logistics- Stock control - Quality control management- Fresh tuna grading - Frozen tuna grading- Contract negotiations- Marketing- Representation at international trade shows - Administration & export management:- Export documentation/legislation- Forex cover management- Fleet management of vessels:- Fishing operations- Land based operations- Vessel Inspection & certifications

Cape Town, South Africa

I managed a deep sea tuna fishing company based in Hout Bay. I successfully managed this company into becoming one of the major tuna suppliers in the South African tuna pole fishery with its two vessels.My on the go ability to learning during my time at Twoline Trading allowed myself to acquire these following valuable skills:- Fleet management- Fishing operations- Logistics- Sales & Marketing - Maintenance Management - Training & Welfare of 47 employees- Administration- Bookkeeping- Accounting

Cape Town, South Africa

Property Management in Camps Bay of upmarket self catering apartments & villas - Cape Town's most exclusive collection of holiday rentals

International Marketing Management, Marketing

Certificate In Import & Export Freight Logistics Management, Pass With Distinction

Programme in International Freight Management and Administration for Importers and Exporters.

Financial Accounting & Basic Bookkeeping, Accounting

Matriculation