Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic
Cornelius Bakwena

Cornelius Bakwena

Livingston,Westlothian

Summary

Highly-motivated Contracts Manager with experience coordinating large, varied client portfolios. Maximises relationships through exceptional communication and conflict-resolution abilities. Achieves commercial targets through astute financial management. Strong Background in Sales and New business development

Business Owner with expertise in Plumbing and Gas Engineering. Delivers high-quality installation, repair, and maintenance services while adhering to safety regulations. Drives business growth through effective financial management and innovative marketing strategies.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Business Owner -

CB Heating And Plumbing Services
Westlothian, Livingston
01.2019 - Current

A keen hardworking Multi-skilled and ambitious qualified Plumber/Gas engineer with over five years of experience in the trade. Juggled the responsibilities of a full-time job with setting up a side business. Offering services covering Installation, repairs, and maintenance service of gas appliances using safe working practices daily.

  • Installation and Servicing of domestic boilers, controls, and central heating system components for reliable performance.
  • Maintain gas supply systems, following regulations for correct installation and operation.
  • Fit and fault-find complex hot and cold water systems for consistent supply.
  • Follow regulations for system design, installation, and operation across projects.
  • Addressing customer complaints and feedback with prompt and effective solutions, maintaining a high level of customer service.
  • Management of all aspects of financial operations, including budget planning, expense tracking, and forecasting to maintain financial health.
  • Use of social media to expand market reach. Implementing effective marketing campaigns across various channels, increasing brand awareness and generating sales leads.
  • Meet with product suppliers, negotiate supply contracts and establish partnerships to facilitate competitive edge.
  • Improve business products and services by streamlining service processes and offerings.

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com › c.bheatingresponse

Contracts Manager

Lang and Fulton
Edinburgh, Newbridge
11.2024 - 11.2025
  • Oversee a portfolio of bespoke architectural steel fabrication projects valued at over £10 million.
  • Directing the project lifecycle from order receipt to completion, guaranteeing delivery within budget and time constraints.
  • Lead a team of estimators to synchronise budget quotes with customer requirements, project objectives, and specifications.
  • Collaborate with the design office to review project design elements while optimising cost efficiency, functionality, and regulatory compliance.
  • Conduct regular site visits, and monitor schedules to ensure progress and quality control.
  • Engage in internal and external meetings, delivering comprehensive progress reports, and strategic insights on project statuses.
  • Anticipate and resolve project issues, delays, and risks, guaranteeing prompt and professional mitigation.
  • Foster an environment of continuous improvement within the contract management team, driving efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Maintain detailed project documentation reports and client records to ensure organisational and contractual standards are met.
  • Engage and negotiate complex contracts with suppliers, focusing on cost reduction, and value for the company.

Sales Negotiator

Burdens Civils
Newmains, Wishaw
06.2021 - 10.2024
  • Exceeded Newmains branch sales target of £1 million by 20% in the first year, resulting in an increased target of £2 million per year, selling Civils and Drainage materials to local and national contractors.
  • Cultivated and sustained strong relationships with key accounts, driving consistent growth in new business opportunities.
  • Exhibited dedication to self-development by remaining informed about industry trends, fostering customer trust, and loyalty.
  • Positioned Burdens Newmains Branch as a competitive force in Scotland, increasing market share through targeted strategies.
  • Recognised as a product expert in flood systems and water management in my second year with Burdens. Served as point of contact for sales teams, providing guidance on material selection from project plans while identifying new opportunities.
  • Regularly pursued new opportunities through diverse construction frameworks, including Glenigan, local authority platforms, and others.
  • Prepared tender and live job quotes with accurate and competitive pricing to drive conversion.
  • Delivered exceptional customer service by resolving issues swiftly, minimising delays in the sales process.

Account Manager

British Steel
Edinburgh, Midlothian
08.2015 - 04.2021
  • Managed account responsibilities to ensure client satisfaction and retention.
    Conducted cold calls and customer visits to generate enquiries from existing and new accounts.
    Enhanced sales opportunities across various product offerings through strategic engagement.
  • Addressed customer issues by actively listening and providing effective solutions during interactions.
  • Tracked weekly sales, providing senior leadership with actionable insights for corrective action planning.
  • Maintained comprehensive understanding of competitors' missions, offerings, and market presence to inform strategic decisions.

E-commerce Sales Account Manager

Heineken
Edinburgh, Midlothian
01.2013 - 08.2015
  • . Valued member of the team who contributed to the launch of Heineken UK’s online trading platform. Driving revenue in excess of £800K in the first quarter.
  • Facilitated engaging and valuable online experiences for HUK Online customers by providing support and updates through online communication portals and social media profiles, bolstering brand marketing initiatives, assessing effectiveness, and proposing enhancements.
  • Customer support - first-line technical e-commerce contact for service issues through to resolution or appropriate escalation. Involvement in various projects for e-commerce initiatives, working in a fast-paced environment, and ensuring the delivery of e-commerce operational objectives.
  • Supported in the reporting of relevant online statistics per campaign and other key areas, utilising Google Analytics. Contributed to the development of the online platform customer experience journey by initiating changes in promotions navigation, which resulted in increased spending and time spent on offers.
  • Participated in trade shows and industry events to network with potential clients and stay abreast of market developments.

Operations and Planning Executive

Heineken UK
Edinburgh, Midlothian
04.2009 - 01.2013
  • Effectively propelled sales volume and distribution of HUK and selected third-party brands through strategic campaign management.
  • Coordinated and managed portfolio of 250 accounts, providing administrative and operational support to On-Trade and Off-Trade field sales teams in fast-paced environment.
  • Optimising asset alignment to minimise servicing costs by adhering to established processes using CRM system and external third-party partner database.
  • Facilitated procurement by raising purchase orders for the On-Trade Sales and Marketing Teams, supporting operational efficiency.
  • Executed branding and activation campaigns for new product launches, enhancing market presence.
  • Managed time effectively to balance field and office activities, contributing to achievement of sales targets.
  • Educating and influencing the sales force, customers, and vendors on best practices.

Education

ACS certifications
01-2019

Bachelor of Business Administration - BA: Business Management

Edinburgh Napier University
Edinburgh
2012

Higher National Diploma - HND Marketing

Telford College
Edinbu
2006

Skills

  • Project management
  • Viewpoint project management
  • Cost estimation
  • Budget management
  • Quality assurance
  • Compliance management
  • Civils and drainage materials
  • Steel products
  • Contract negotiation
  • Client relationship management
  • Account development
  • New business
  • Microsoft Excel and Word
  • Technical drawing interpretation
  • Team Lead
  • Team collaboration
  • Verbal communication

Timeline

Contracts Manager

Lang and Fulton
11.2024 - 11.2025

Sales Negotiator

Burdens Civils
06.2021 - 10.2024

Business Owner -

CB Heating And Plumbing Services
01.2019 - Current

Account Manager

British Steel
08.2015 - 04.2021

E-commerce Sales Account Manager

Heineken
01.2013 - 08.2015

Operations and Planning Executive

Heineken UK
04.2009 - 01.2013

ACS certifications

Bachelor of Business Administration - BA: Business Management

Edinburgh Napier University

Higher National Diploma - HND Marketing

Telford College
Cornelius Bakwena