Izak van der Merwe - N/A, N/A

Feedback from Izak’s ex-colleagues

Let me see

Keep in touch with meI'm using Intch to connect with new people. Use this link to open chat with me via Intch app

Work Background

IntendaCustomer Success Manager Key Accounts

Apr. 2019 - May. 2024South Africa, Cape TownReporting to: CEO. 100% Remote Position. Intenda is a multinational technology company that provides big data platforms, bespoke software solutions and supply chain management software. Responsibilities: • Established Intenda's Western Cape regional presence, driving significant revenue growth through strategic account plans. • Acted as a trusted advisor, advocating for client needs and fostering strong leadership relationships. • Led key account strategies, driving substantial revenue growth and enhancing client satisfaction through tailored solutions and proactive relationship management. • Generated and converted new business leads, enhancing client base and managing sales pipeline effectively. • Aligned client solutions with organizational strategy, ensuring seamless integration and client satisfaction. • Promoted cross-selling and upselling, increasing client engagement and revenue. • Proposal creation, evaluation and packaging for submission and successful acquisition. Additional Responsibilities. • Data Protection Officer – Successfully developed and implemented all required policies and procedures with regards to data privacy and security. • Mentored a master’s student in researching and developing a sentiment analysis solution as part of his thesis. Achievements • For the past 12 years, I managed the Old Mutual key account, during which I successfully implemented numerous projects and annual initiatives. These efforts have generated substantial revenue with an average 68% gross profit margin.  Old Mutual is a listed pan-African investment, savings, insurance, and banking group with more than 30 000 employees and a multi-billion-dollar annual turnover. • Grew the Intelligent Debt Management Key account from one resource to seven resources with a full platform license agreement and business intelligence intervention.  IDM is South Africa's leading and largest debt management company.

IntendaBusiness Development Manager

Sep. 2018 - Apr. 2019South Africa, PretoriaReporting to: CEO Responsibilities: • Identified and secured new business opportunities, enhancing client base and driving revenue growth. • Negotiated and closed deals by understanding client needs and crafting compelling proposals. Managed product lifecycle from market analysis to launch, ensuring continuous optimization and performance. • Built and maintained strong client relationships, fostering long-term partnerships and repeat business.

IntendaManager Operations

Jan. 2018 - Sep. 2018South Africa, PretoriaResponsibilities: • Managed product roadmap, delivering solutions aligned with market needs. • Led a team of 12, fostering collaboration and high performance. • Developed and implemented process guidelines, enhancing efficiency. • Led strategic software release management, driving product roadmap and delivery while overseeing a 12-member team, resulting in streamlined processes and enhanced product marketability. • Spearheaded product development research and commercialization initiatives, transforming solutions into marketable products and fostering innovation within the organization. • Contributed to executive decisions as a committee member. Additional Responsibilities. • Executive Committee Member • Hosted Infrastructure and Solutions management.

SkillsPassportChief Operating Officer

Sep. 2016 - May. 2018South Africa, JohannesburgReporting to: CEO. SkillsPassport is a startup born from an intense desire to be a part of the change required in the South African and African market to enable the marginalized workforce to connect with opportunities digitally. Responsibilities: • Managed daily operations, ensuring consistent productivity and smooth workflow. • Collaborated with CEO on strategic planning, aligning business goals with company vision. • Conducted comprehensive business analysis, optimizing processes for operational efficiency. Managed daily operations, implementing data-driven improvements. • Led product management from concept to pre-launch, coordinating market research and team efforts. • Assisted in fundraising and expansion activities, securing partnerships and investments.

DemisizeManaging Director

Jan. 2015 - Oct. 2015South Africa, JohannesburgReporting to: Chairperson Responsibilities: • Aligned all relevant stakeholders within this subsidiary of Intenda, specializing in Procurement Business Process Outsourcing utilizing our strategic sourcing solutions. • Created and implemented new processes and operational plans. • Aligned operational plans with the company strategy and goals, ensuring profitability in the short- to medium term. • Analyzed market trends to develop data-driven strategies, enhancing the subsidiary's competitive edge in Procurement Business Process Outsourcing. • The successful alignment led to us selling the business in 2015.

IntendaStrategic Business Unit Manager

Apr. 2007 - Jan. 2018South Africa, PretoriaBusiness Units Managed: • Bespoke Solutions and Special Projects • Public Sector Supply Chain • Governance, Risk and Compliance • Systems & Process Assurance Responsibilities: • Led strategic initiatives, aligning with corporate vision to enhance business unit effectiveness. • Communicated vision and KPIs, developing tactics to support strategic objectives. • Coordinated with managers, reporting to directors, ensuring cohesive strategy implementation. • Demonstrated leadership and functional expertise, driving measurable business unit success. • Implemented data-driven performance assessments and management reporting systems, enabling informed decision-making and measurable improvements in unit productivity. • Achievements • Optimized processes to reduce billing cycles by 55%. • Identified, appointed and retained exceptional talent, reducing team turnover by 15%. • Developed standard operating procedures and an extensive consultant portal, guiding all Intenda implementations.

IntendaSenior Consultant

Jan. 2004 - Apr. 2007South Africa, PretoriaResponsibilities: • Led implementation projects through business analysis, process development and enhancement and driving measurable operational improvements. • Executed risk assessments and case studies, identifying key areas for improvement and mitigation. • Directed project management activities, delivering impactful business process analyses and case studies. • Implemented change management strategies and cloud-based systems, boosting efficiency in B2C and B2B sectors. • Conducted system testing and training, ensuring seamless adoption and functionality. • Advised on sourcing, procurement, and contract management, optimizing supply chain operations. • Developed and evaluated bids, creating detailed scenario models and procedural guidelines. • Managed supplier and customer relationships, fostering collaboration and enhancing service delivery. Achievements: • Spearheaded the turnaround strategy at a large public sector supply chain solutions client into a 4-year co-sourcing agreement for which I was Awarded Businessman of the Year in 2009. • Received multiple achievement awards for outstanding work and commitment.

BD AfricaProject Manager - Buyer

May. 2001 - Oct. 2003Responsibilities: • Managed high-stakes projects, ensuring timely delivery and client satisfaction. • Coordinated with clients and subcontractors to streamline project execution. • Conducted detailed quantity surveying, enhancing project cost accuracy. • Oversaw procurement and logistics, optimizing resource allocation. • Handled all third-party account management, fostering strong vendor relationships. • Implemented creative solutions for sourcing challenges, enhancing supplier relationships and optimizing logistics operations for project success. • Drove project completion through effective management of subcontractors and third-party accounts, consistently meeting deadlines and quality standards.

Grays Security Plc United KingdomSite Manager

Jan. 1997 - Dec. 1999Project Management