Rabih Azar Email and Phone Number

AchievementsI successfully implemented a new business strategy that resulted in a substantial increase in company profits and turnover in the three branches. Through market analysis, effective cost management, proper recruitment, supply chain management, inventory management, cost control, customer retention and performance monitoring, I was able to achieve a 50% yearly growth in sales and increase the profitability among our three branches in Iraq (Baghdad, Erbil and Sulaymaniyah).Duties Providing leadership and management to ensure that the mission and core values of the company are put into practice. Setting and identifying departmental Key Performance Indicators – KPIs Setting and identifying Sales Target, and Commission Scheme. Supporting the Branches Managers with contract negotiations. Working extensively with the procurement manager and buyers to source the right products and services. Negotiating contracts, prices and payment terms with suppliers and customers. Planning and implementing logistical strategy, ensuring targets are met. Regular engagements with new or existing key customers in Iraq, to ensure we are meeting their expectations, and explore new opportunities. working on forecasts and inventories, keeping an accurate record of the process and analyzing performance. Overseeing and controlling the company’s expenses (procurement, purchases, taxes, investments, marketing expenses…) in line with corporate heads. Overseeing country/Branch’s budget and financial to maximize productivity of operations and ensure best profitability.

AchievementsI developed and executed a cost control strategy aimed at identifying and reducing unnecessary expenses across the landscaping department.I conducted a detailed analysis of expenditure, including vendor contracts, operational cost (labors / resources) and overhead expenses.I implemented a new sales approach that involved prospecting, needs assessment, better presentation and follow up.The cost control measures, department restructuring and new sales approach resulted in substantial savings and operational efficiency.Duties Created leads and followed on all commercial aspects of the department. Tracked and measured staff performance that increased efficiency. Responsible of setting and reviewing budgets and managing costs. Reviewed financial statements, activity reports or other performance data to measure productivity or goal achievement and identified the areas needing cost reduction or improvement. Set prices and credit terms for projects and services based on forecasts of customer demand. Prepared and negotiated contracts and their revision with clients and suppliers. Monitored the planning, scheduling and execution of the projects to meet deadlines. Investigated delays in submitting deliverable and took proper actions.

AchievementsDuring my stay, I successfully led an organizational transformation at all level. I encouraged the exploration of new technologies, I increased the number of new employees by 50%, I replaced old suppliers by new ones to meet market needs, I cultivated a reputation for exceptional customer service and satisfaction. I diversified the revenue stream and expanded the customer base by more than 300%. Through my leadership and contributions, the company experienced significant revenue growth (tripled the turnover in 7 years ) , increased profit margin and improved profitability.Duties Developed and implemented strategies which met budgetary and other operational requirements of the company (including sourcing, procurement, contracting and supply management strategies). Oversaw preparation of the Annual Report, summarized progress on short and long term plans. Monitored the P&L of the operation. Conferred with the board to review achievements and discussed required changes in goals or objectives resulting from current status and conditions. Forecasted procurement needs and negotiated contracts as required to deliver savings across the supply chain. Assisted in development of forms and tools to increase company efficiency and revenues. Oversaw and controlled the company’s communication (Internal and External), PR, social media, and marketing activities and announcements. Carried out Annual Appraisals for subordinates.

 Provide leadership and organization by assisting the department heads with the development of the operation Deliver recommendations regarding investments and cash strategies. Provide vision regarding overall financial health of the company. Evaluate and advise market conditions to ensure sourcing and procurement strategies. Cultivated and established relationships with suppliers, facilitated negotiations and price leveraging and maintained optimal supplier customer service. Supervised and approved the purchasing of all the range of products that the company deal with or represent. Acted as chief negotiator with vendors. Attended several international fairs to seek new products or new lines of business. Handled any claims against suppliers or clients. Mediated between vendors and the accounts payable manager to quickly resolve incorrect invoicing. Established credit lines and payment terms with our major suppliers. Developed, implemented and maintained the purchasing strategy and related policies to include supplier consolidation, service delivery improvements and process efficiencies.

AchievementsSaved more than $0.7M in 2007 by accurately analyzing company needs and introducing strategic procurement plans .Duties Cost control and budgeting for all our projects in Iraq. Monitored update and implemented the engineering and procurement schedule for the different projects in Iraq, especially a 5million dollars/year supply contract for the British Army. Oversaw the preparation and implementation of the budget for the Iraq operation. Identified and quickly resolved logistical complications and supply chain shortages. Prepared/reviewed the contracts between the company and various suppliers/clients. Established and maintained of partner alliance, as well as, making a new industry contact that leads to new business opportunity.

Achievements I established a new operation from scratch and achieved an impressive turnover of 15 million Dollars with around 50% profit in four years.Through my strategic planning, project management expertise and proactive relationship-building with the British Army officers and USAID personnels, I achieved exceptional results in delivering construction projects and expanding business opportunities in Basra.Duties Constructed and fully operated 5 camps (Bechtel International, USAID, Fluor Amec, FCO and Aegis) in Basra international airport, Iraq. Constructed and operated an 80-person camp for General Electric in Shaibah logistic base (SLB), Iraq. Project manager for infrastructure and electromechanical works in 8 construction sites for the British Army in Basra. Managed the maintenance operation for the British Army bases in Um Quasar & Khor Al Zubair, Iraq. Built a 100 men camp for the Czech army, Basra, Iraq. Built, equipped, and operated a five Bay garage to service most vehicles in Basra International Airport, Iraq.

 Selling and promoting our range of construction materials (Dow corning, Spec ,Firestone, Bonar, Saint-Gobain, Balco,etc) and equipment(Marcital, Furukawa, Enarco, Alba, etc) to most projects in Kuwait. Specifying materials for major ministries & consultant bureaus. Coordinating with our suppliers to ensure the flow of goods. Attending most seminars and training related to our range of products.