Summary

Overview

Work History

Education

Skills

Professional Courses

References

Timeline

Tom Gichangi

OPERATION SPECIALIST

Diani

Summary

Experienced Chief Operations Officer offering a versatile and results-oriented approach backed by a decade of comprehensive experience. Skilled in cultivating exceptional relationships with clients, peers, and senior Leadership to deliver sustainable management solutions and drive successful outcomes. Possesses excellent leadership capabilities and personnel management skills, with a strong track record of handling complex projects spanning various areas such as administration, production, procurement, organization development, field sales force, retail sales, marketing, logistics, branding, sales planning, supply chain, finance, key account management, warehousing, H.R., distribution, and operations. Demonstrates proven problem-solving and analytical thinking abilities, along with a rapid learning curve and the flexibility to adapt to changing organizational dynamics. A dedicated professional committed to excelling in a fast-paced leadership role, elevating an organization's profitability and overall success.

Overview

years of professional experience

Work History

Chief Operations Officer

Josef Seibel Africa

- Current

Overseeing the operations functions of Josef Seibel Africa and assisting the C.E.O
As per the Organizational chart
Holding regular briefings and meetings with all H.O.D.s and ensuring full compliance with the organization's operating controls, S.O.P.s, policies, procedures, and service standards
Managing ongoing profitability of the organizations, ensuring revenue and client satisfaction targets are met and exceeded
Ensuring all decisions are made in the best interest of the organizations, delivering budget goals, and setting other short- and long-term strategic goals for the organizations in liaison with HODs
Developing improvement actions carry out cost savings, closely monitor the organization's daily business reports, and take decisions accordingly
Ensuring that monthly financial outlooks for the organizations are on target and accurate and maximizing revenue through innovative sales practices and yield management programs
With the Financial Controller, preparing a monthly financial report for the Directors and stakeholders and drawing up plans and budgets for the Directors
Developing and implementing operational strategies to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and maximize profits
Providing Leadership, direction, and guidance to department heads to support company objectives and establish goals for each department to meet organizational objectives
Helping in the procurement of operating supplies and equipment and contracting with third-party vendors for essential equipment and services
Assisting in final decision-making in hiring key staff and coordinating with hods for the execution of all activities and functions
Overseeing and managing all departments, working closely with department heads daily, and managing and developing the Executive Team to ensure career progression and development
Providing effective Leadership to all team members, leading in all aspects of business planning, and responding to audits to ensure continual improvement is achieved
Expanding business operations through new process development and strategic planning and maintaining productive relationships and communication channels across the organization
Key Achievements: Building from scratch a world class shoe facility of its kind in the East & Central Africa Region
Turning the organization from KES 0 annual turnover to KES 100 million annual turnover in 3 years
Garnering an annual revenue of KES 150 million in 3 years
Changing the direction of the organization from local sales to international exports
Making JSA to be the only company in East & Central Africa to export world-class shoes to the EU and US market.

Trainer of Trainers in Kwale County

K.Y.E.O.P.

01.2019 - 01.2020

Transformed young entrepreneurs and their influencers in Business Administration through Life Skills Training, Core Business Skills Training, Business Development Skills Training and Economic Empowerment
Documented all training activities, including attendance records, feedback forms, and surveys
Recommended changes or improvements in existing training processes as needed
Provided constructive feedback and positive reinforcement to keep trainees motivated
Monitored training effectiveness through observation and metrics analysis.

Camp Operation Manager

Terrain Services (K) Ltd, Base Titanium

01.2018 - 01.2019

As a key team leader, I was responsible for administration and management in numerous critical areas, including Camp Operation and facilities, Administration, Warehouse, Human Resources, Logistics, Staff Welfare, Health and safety, Finance, Overall Security, and Supplies Management
Optimized fleet management and fuel cost and pilferage through the introduction of a log sheet which tracked mileage and time
Ensured all compliance with regulations and up-to-date licenses and worked with the procurement department, provided the necessary administrative support for the shipment of assets
Ensured all inventory of assets was up to date in liaison with relevant managers and developed and successfully managed office administrative budget, which covers office supplies, event supplies, and other office services
Revised a personnel security protocol across the organization to support the safety and wellbeing of all staff and to enable a rapid and coordinated organizational response in emergencies
Developed and revised guidelines and requirements for all occupied facilities, ensuring that they are appropriate for staff use and that all the necessary facilities are in place and adequate
Oversaw and comprehensively managed all suppliers, staff, and contractors on boarding
Key Achievements: Successfully synergized all Team Leads towards a 'World-class team' execution
Acted as the link between Joint Venture Partner, Client, and Terrain Services in translating ideas into concepts and execution of the same
Provided oversight in the development and implementation of guidelines and requirements drawn from data from the Monitoring & Evaluation
Initiated systems of project analysis, reporting, and recommendations to guide future strategic planning through the validation of processing systems
Worked with relevant managers using data collected; we developed a thorough business model that cut operational costs by 12% by avoiding role duplication
Successfully drove cost-effective operations within budget through contracting vendors using prowess negotiation skills, e.g., G4S, Rentokil, Africa Eco Safaris, Bamburi Cement, and Hass Petroleum.

Senior Retail Lead

Farmers Choice Limited

01.2016 - 01.2018

Key Achievements: Successfully developed and managed the Retail Master Data Plan, which coordinated all administration of retail sales aspects countrywide, from warehouse stocking to the supply chain through the Sales Force
Pioneered the sale of Darfresh F.C.L
Products into the Kenyan retail market using an elaborate Business & Marketing Plan
Designed, executed, and followed up on data from monthly promotions, which aided in the provision of Monthly Demand Forecast, in turn leading to customers always having F.C.L
Stocks to optimum, thus meeting sales targets
Pioneered the Master Reference Data Block, which assisted in the promulgation of 600 kilos more of Halal sausages per week through a well-crafted strategic sale plan
Developed systems to track potential Distributors and existing ones of F.C.L
Sales, focusing on analysis and reporting via data collected.

Branch Manager

Naivas Limited

01.2014 - 01.2016

Key Achievements: Voted Best Employee for Exemplary Customer Service (Naivas Eastgate)
First and only ever staff to be promoted to Branch Manager within four months of joining the Company
Pioneer Manager, Naivas Ukunda, Diani
Managed to run a store without any stock out due to proper process improvement initiatives by forecasting warehouse stocks and supply chain demand
Developed superior customer support using a lean Sales Force framework to corporate clients such as Safaricom P.L.C., PWC, K.P.M.G., and MP Shah Hospital, which led to an increase of K.E.S
10 million more in sales per month (Naivas Westlands)
Ensured the stores met the regulatory aspects in every facet, e.g
Health and safety, Facilities management
Developed process improvement initiatives through sales force planning, which led to the clinching of the tender to supply loaves of bread worth KES 1.2 million to the Kenya Defense Recruit Training School (Naivas Eldoret)
Optimized staff performance of 200 employees through proper job placement, which contributed to the Best Store with the Highest Employee Satisfaction (Naivas Nakuru)
Transformed Naivas Westlands to be the leading retail store in revenue through sufficient stock inventory amongst all Naivas outlets from April 2015 - October 2015, raking in KES 150 million per month
Successfully managed team players averaging between 150-200 at any branch.

Operations Manager

Gifash Style World

01.2013 - 01.2014

Completed store operational requirements, identified, and selected potential uniform distributors
Scheduled and assigned employees and followed up on work results, achieved financial objectives by preparing an annual budget
Scheduling expenditures; analyzing variances; initiated corrective actions
Credited with total transformation of sales revenue from KES 300,000 to KES 1,000,000 per month within two months of joining and attracted and retained 80% of private schools from Nakuru County as consistent clients.

Liaison Officer

Hopeful Africa Inc

01.2012 - 01.2013

Coordinated effectively functions and activities between the Head Office and partner schools in ensuring a holistic approach to education, improved the education standard for over 3000 primary school pupils through identifying their eligibility for scholarships, planned, and executed itinerary of events and activities for partners and sponsors
Reinforced the education curriculum for over 1000 secondary school students through training of their teachers and provision of over KES 3,000,000 worth of textbooks
Provided a source of income for 12 teachers both primary and secondary schools by employing them to work in partner schools
Increased the project funding by KES 1.2 million per year from K.E.S
10 million to KES 11.2 million and established the pioneer office for Hopeful Africa Inc.

Education

Bachelor of Business Administration (H.R.M.) -

The Kenya Methodist University

Diploma, Human Resource Management - undefined

The University of Nairobi

Skills

Strategic planning: I have a proven ability to develop and execute strategic plans that align with organizational goals I can analyze market trends, identify growth opportunities, and make informed decisions to drive the Company's long-term success

Business Development: I have a strong background in identifying and pursuing new business opportunities I can conduct market research, assess market demand, develop go-to-market strategies, and establish partnerships to expand the Company's customer base and revenue streams

Operations Management: I have extensive experience overseeing day-to-day operations and optimizing processes for efficiency and effectiveness I can develop and implement operational policies, establish performance metrics, and lead crossfunctional teams to ensure smooth and streamlined operations

Business Planning: I have expertise in developing comprehensive business plans that define objectives, strategies, and action plans to achieve organizational goals I can conduct feasibility studies, perform financial analysis, and create road maps for sustainable growth and profitability

Solution Innovation: I am skilled in fostering a culture of innovation and driving continuous improvement within organizations I can lead brainstorming sessions, encourage creative thinking, and implement innovative solutions to address business challenges and drive competitive advantage

Stakeholder Management: I excel in building and maintaining solid relationships with stakeholders at all levels of government, donors, and corporations I can effectively communicate with executives, clients, partners, and employees to understand their needs, address concerns, and ensure alignment and collaboration toward shared objectives

Financial Leadership: I have a solid understanding of financial management principles and practices I can analyze financial data, develop budgets, monitor financial performance, and make strategic recommendations to optimize resource allocation and drive profitability

Administrative Planning & Management: I have expertise in overseeing administrative functions and ensuring smooth operations I can develop administrative policies and procedures, manage resources, and implement systems to enhance productivity and efficiency

Brand Management: I am experienced in developing and executing brand strategies to enhance brand equity and reputation I can conduct market research, develop brand positioning, and implement marketing initiatives to drive brand awareness and customer loyalty

Distributor Operations: I have hands-on experience managing distributor relationships and optimizing distribution networks I can develop distribution strategies, negotiate agreements, and monitor performance to ensure timely and efficient product delivery

Sales Force Planning: I possess the ability to lead sales force planning activities, including territory management, sales forecasting, and sales team optimization

Procurement: I have expertise in procurement practices and vendor management I can develop procurement strategies, negotiate contracts, and establish supplier relationships to ensure the timely availability of high-quality goods and services at competitive prices

Supply Chain Management: I am skilled in end-to-end supply chain management, including demand forecasting, inventory management, and logistics coordination I can optimize supply chain processes, minimize costs, and improve efficiency and responsiveness

Relationship Management: I excel in building and nurturing relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and partners I can establish trust, negotiate agreements, and foster mutually beneficial partnerships to drive business success

Organizational Leadership

Human Resources

Best Practices

Operations Management

Strategic Planning

General management and administration

Logistics Management

Performance Optimization

Budgeting and finance

Operational Excellence

Profitability improvement

Organizational Development

Executive Leadership

Contract Negotiation