Jan George du Preez

Responsibilities

• Management of Global Product Management team with 3 direct reports & 1 indirect report.
• Development and embedding of product platform & operational strategies, priorities and supporting performance management tools.
• Development of robust Key Performance Indicators for the regional product management teams aligned with performance goals and Must Win projects.
• Cross functional and regional stakeholder engagement in the alignment of platform priorities and needs.
• Optimization of the platform resources in respect to headcount and SG&A in support of company directive whilst still maintaining a high level of cover and engagement.
• Supporting the regional product management team in the development of Go To market tools that will offer better support to the technical and commercial teams within a challenging market.
• Harmonization of ways of working between regions and implementing best practices in the pursuit of optimizing and simplifying the SFS business module.
• Management of the European and TMEA Stabilization & Functional Systems Platform product management responsibilities.

Achievements

• Creativity – Alignment and optimization of product management responsibilities following the reassignment of the platform to be part of the Global Operations Group.
• Creativity – Reinvigorate the SFS portfolio within the ASPAC region through the assignment of a dedicated product manager to the region. This was complimented with a business trip to the region by both the product manager and a technical applications expert.
• Change Management – Supporting the regional product managers through the adaptation of the new business structure and onboarding the changes in ways of working and focus areas – (In the former structure the team was more strategically focused whereas in the Global operations structure, operational efficiency was the focus).
• Optimization – Through strong stakeholder engagement CIP's were developed and embedded within Europe, TMEA and NOAM to improve stock management. Resulting in a reduction in stock losses, European stock loss prevention for FY25 is set to yield $700k in savings.
• Performance – Internal project (Project Prosperitas) initiated and executed in the review of the EMEA SFS operational footprint, to ensure T&L has a sustainable business module to ensure the continuous and efficient supply of our customers.

Responsibilities

Commercial

• Pricing – SFS Price list development, review and share with category leads & Finance business partners. The development of Min & Max Margin List for Master Data & Contract management. Review and alignment of annual Fix & Variable Manufacturing Cost per production unit with SFS finance team & plant managers. Sales – Defining pricing strategy: guidance on target and floor price with defined cost driver and validity. Development recipes review and costing for sample presentation.
• Contract Management – Contract approvals and floor price concessions for strategic customers. Regional Stock Holding Agreements reviews and approval.
• Go to Market – Value Proposition Development and coaching of the commercial and technical teams. 5year Platform Strategy development as aligned with Regional & Category Sales Plan.
• Development and review of SFDC opportunities guidelines – volume & application & operational capabilities. Coaching commercial teams on pricing and Raw Material Market drivers. Development of competitor insight in capabilities, price strategy, technical knowledge and thee development of a combative strategy/plan.

Innovation & Development

• Commercialization – Commercialization of new CR & CI in PLM & Benchmark. QMM Stakeholder with CR & CI Commercialization (weekly meetings), Spec Changes, SKU changes (naming, labelling,…).
• Raw Material Management – Key stakeholder and approver (weekly meetings). Supporting Procurement and GIT with new/alternative raw material development and approval.
• Technical Application – Support with recipe development, confirming preferred raw material and costings. Campaign support on SFS NPD & Novel NPD though alignment with Development, Procurement and operations team. Coaching develop team on preferred materials, both CI's & GCI's coupled with operational limitations and opportunities.
• Innovation – Development of Go-To Market portfolio (Chassis) in line with Sub-regional strategies.

Operations & Continuous Improvement

• Production – Asset utilization and Optimization to improve efficiency and customer delivery, meeting and exceeding PXO standards. Production approval for blocked orders or unforecasted/contracted orders and order with materials that are subject to allocation.
• Quality Assurance – Local Incident Teams, key stakeholder in cases resulting in possible product returns. Supporting customer communication in QA matters, though the development of communications in respect to product recalls, specification changes or deviations. Self-Life extension approval for blends prior to QA testing.
• Supply Chain – Supporting and driving regional PXO improvement and optimization. Monthly Block Stock meetings, with the support seeking commercial solutions for inventory subject to expiry / no demand. Regional Forecast Accuracy, driving corrective actions to improve forecast accuracy and bias to level above target.
• Procurement – Support the local team with Raw material allocation management, to optimize profit & Customer satisfaction. CI to GCI - support procurement team in implementation on plan & stakeholder management. Consult procurement team on target inventory reviews and when target exceeded, driving clear sales push comms to MBR.

Continuous Improvement

• Commercial Ingredient & Commercial Recipe rationalization – Development & Implementation of rationalization plan and stakeholder alignment. Leadtime improvement projects, steering stakeholders to improve our time to deliver to regional customers Technical Quality – supporting the team in defining customer questionnaires management (what are we willing to share). Process Mapping Improvements in all disciplines off the business with the able support from the CIP team. All CIP projects are to be managed via a monthly stakeholder alignment meeting.

Achievements

• Change Management – Successful development of a stronger alignment between business functions to allow for a more customer centric approach. Though monthly business alignment meetings, supporting Townhalls and open communication of product management goals and ambitions.
• Creativity – Through the alignment with T&L procurement business partners, Raw Material Market updates was aligned with SFS pricelist publications. This allowed for a better understanding of the market and cost movements by the commercial team. Supporting focused and confident price negotiations.
• Optimization – Through strong stakeholder engagement CIP's were developed and embedded, resulting in a reduction in stock losses, European stock loses prevention for FY25 is set yield $700k.
• Performance – PXO delivery via Mold for FY25 has seen a notable improvement with an average of 94.3% YTD. Raw material reduction at our facility in the UK have yielded a €2.3mil improvement, YTD in P9 FY25.
• Projects – Development and leading of regional SteerCo to identify supply and warehousing issues via the Optima Warehouse in the UK. Driving corrective actions to ensure a return to optimal service, whilst managing communication with regional stakeholders and the EMEA General Manager.

Responsibilities

• Participates and steer dedicated regional account teams, in managing the Tate & Lyle business relationship with The Kraft Heinz Company & Unilever. Delivering on budgeted financial targets and development off robust development pipeline.
• Leading the contract management process within the accounts, coordinating with all other stakeholders and account managers. Negotiates across all points of contact to achieve planned, mutually desirable outcomes.
• Monthly cadence with Regional General Managers on account as it relates to financial performance, development pipeline and critical areas of focus as defined within the respective Large Account Management Plans.
• Reset relationship between Tate & Lyle and key stakeholders within both Unilever and Kraft Heinz, following a fractious period. Facilitating top to top discussions between Tate & Lyle senior leaders and respective customer representatives to further improve Tate & Lyle's standing with the customers.
• Bi-weekly cadence with regional teams on Account progress as it relates to financial performance, development pipeline and critical areas of focus as defined within the respective Large Account Management Plans.
• Monthly cadence with the respective global teams to share key learnings and promote knowledge transfers between the team members. This helped to facilitate the development of best practices and aligned product strategies.
• Influences colleagues in different regions, functions, or sectors to ensure global accounts are serviced effectively and in a timely manner; that stakeholders have regular contact, and opportunities are advancing.
• Builds support for recommendations and plans among key stakeholders and decision makers by providing a compelling rationale and business case. Identifying those who will be impacted by issues or decisions and facilitating the required consultation.
• Consolidates and shares customer insights from across the client team with Finance, Marketing, Technical services, ICD, Supply chain and other stakeholders to drive continuous improvement and voice of customer.

Achievements

• Customer Engagement – Positive relationship reset within both accounts through open and constructive discussions, sharing of account plans and senior level engagements. Unilever re-opened the development channels for T&L on Modified Food Starches and sweeteners.
• Tate & Lyle's Sustainability program played a key part in the relationship development between Tate & Lyle and both Global Accounts. Unilever was quoted at the time as describing the T&L program as best in class.
• Performance – P9 FY23 showed Unilever Global return to growth with 15% growth on volume and 4% growth on margin YTD, with Kraft Heinz yielding a constant delivery against prior year on both volume and profit.
• Collaboration – Continuous engagement between all members of thee account teams and respective stakeholders yielded much more clarity in the account strategy, this was further amplified through the regional LAMP's.
• Optimization – Though the focused deployment of Tate & Lyle's technical and supporting resources within both Global Accounts, we began to explore more opportunities for diversification of the Tate & Lyle product portfolio. Something that was previously limited by the various gatekeepers.

Responsibilities

• Development of Financial Core Targets and Development Pipeline in accordance with the Annual Operating Plan and in line with the Business Units 5year plan.
• Regional P&L responsibility through Margin Optimization, Cost & Resource Management and Cash Flo Management.
• Develop and implement commercial strategies according to company goals and objectives aiming to accelerate growth within the region.
• Steer and manage commercial team to create and formulate detailed business plans on commercial opportunities (expansion, business development and new product development). Based on the 5P's of marketing.
• Steer commercial teams within the established Sales & Operations Plan in order to ensure the most accurate product and sales forecast is achieved.
• Optimize pipeline and customer portfolio development through the continuous engagement of the companies CRM tools – SFDC.
• Development of new and existing customers relationships thought established Service Level Agreements that are both customer led and inline of operational capabilities.
• Collaborate with and coordinate diverse teams (marketing, sales, customer service etc.) in developing the optimal service orientated, yet profitable operational environment.
• Drive commercial teams to continuously acquire new customers and manage client relationships (new and existing) in order to realize the company's Annual Operational Plan and secure sustainability to meet the long-term business goals.
• Ensure continuous and structured talent development/retention, through the use of a the Individual Development Planning (IDP) within the commercial team and other indirect reports – in line with the 9 Pillars of Sale Excellence.

Achievements

• Onboarding - Development and implementation of new ways of working following the relocation of production of Food Systems from Germany to the UK.
• Change Management - Establishing a new and cohesive sales team for the Northern Europe Food Systems business.
• Conflict Management - Managing both internal and external stakeholder conflicts as a result of a disrupted supply chain, following the relocation of Food Systems production (Project Janus).

Responsibilities

• Prepare and implement comprehensive business plans to facilitate achievement by planning cost-effective operations and market development activities.
• Ensure company policies and legal guidelines are communicated throughout the company and adhered to at all times.
• Communicate and maintain trust relationships with shareholders, business partners and authorities.
• Oversee the company's financial performance, investments and other business ventures. Delegate responsibilities and supervise the work of executives; providing guidance and motivation to drive maximum performance.
• Read all submitted reports by managers to reward performance, prevent issues and resolve problems. Analyze problematic situations and occurrences; and provide solutions to ensure company stability and growth.
• Development and execution of transformation process with the relocation of production of one operational site to another.
• Successful implementation of Sale and Operational Planning systems.
• Development and implementation of LEAN Manufacturing Operational Systems.
• Oversee activities directly related to making products or providing services.
• Direct and coordinate activities of businesses or departments concerned with the production, pricing, sales, or distribution of products.
• Review financial statements, sales and activity reports, and other performance data to measure productivity and goal achievement and to determine areas needing cost reduction and program improvement.
• Direct and coordinate organization\'s financial and budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, and increase efficiency.
• Establish and implement departmental policies, goals, objectives, and procedures, conferring with board members, organization officials, and staff members as necessary.
• Determine staffing requirements, and interview, hire and train new employees, or oversee those personnel processes.
• Monitor businesses and agencies to ensure that they efficiently and effectively provide needed services while staying within budgetary limits.
• Implement or oversee environmental management or sustainability programs addressing issues such as recycling, conservation, or waste management.

Achievements

• Culture - Following the integration of GC Hahn into Tate & Lyle, a change management program was developed and implemented to steer the UK operations to embrace the new company culture & priorities.
• HSE - From a growing concern, the UK operations was stewarded to become frequent winner of the T&L Health & Safety award and a winner of the Flagship Award for small to medium Plants.
• People - Staff retention and engagement was prioritized and support through the appointment of the fist Ethics and Engagement ambassador.
• Ways of working - New ways of working was developed to optimize efficiency, working outside off silos and being customer centric. Sharing and embedding these practices across other sites was most challenging given the cultural hierarchy and dynamics. (Project Fix-It).

Responsibilities

• Developed competitive pricing strategies for increased market share.
• Enforced adherence to legal guidelines and internal policies whilst conducting business operations.
• With detailed product presentations, convinced potential customers of benefits and value of products and services offered by the company.
• Partnered with HR department in staff recruitment process to maintain high-performing sales team.
• Negotiated contracts with prospective clients to secure profitable deals.
• Analysed market trends and competitor activities for strategic planning purposes.
• Defined business strategies and roadmaps to drive performance across sales, promotions and marketing departments.
• Develop and implement the 3 year strategy and Annual Operating Plan (AOP).
• Oversee regional and local sales managers and their team members and steer to deliver regional P&L, development pipeline and new account development.
• Review operational records and reports to project sales and determine profitability.
• Stewardship of talent retention, development and new talent acquisition for current and future vacancies
• Development and implementation of commercial and development strategies within the region
• Establish a network of key stakeholder relationships both internal and external to promote and execute strategies
• Operational responsibilities included but not limited to monthly stock staking and reconciliation support, cash collection and business unit security point of contact

• Built and cultivated strong network of lucrative clients.
• Collaborated effectively with multi-disciplinary teams across various projects, enhancing overall productivity.
• Observed technology advancements to deliver knowledgeable medical sales advice.
• Attended industry events to network, promote products and stay updated on latest technological advancements.
• Optimised sales generation by analysing sales metrics and adjusting strategy planning.
• Negotiated profitable sales contracts to achieve revenue targets.
• Managed complex technical issues, ensuring prompt resolution and minimal disruption for customers.
• Provided considerate sales aftercare for maintained client satisfaction.
• Maintained detailed knowledge of company's product offerings enabling effective articulation of value proposition to clients.

Responsibilities

• Check raw ingredients for maturity or stability for processing and finished products for safety, quality, and nutritional value.
• Confer with process engineers, plant operators, flavor experts, and packaging and marketing specialists to resolve problems in product development.
• Develop new or improved ways of preserving, processing, packaging, storing, and delivering foods, using knowledge of chemistry, microbiology, and other sciences.
• Develop new food items for production, based on consumer feedback.
• Study methods to improve aspects of foods, such as chemical composition, flavor, colour, texture, nutritional value, and convenience.
• Demonstrate products to clients.
• Stay up to date on new regulations and current events regarding food science by reviewing scientific literature.
• Study the structure and composition of food or the changes foods undergo in storage and processing.
• Evaluate food processing and storage operations and assist in the development of quality assurance programs for such operations.

• Fostered a positive work environment, improving employee morale.
• Negotiated rates with suppliers and managed relations to maintain adequate levels of quality supplies.
• Set clear budget targets and established successful controls to control expenditure.
• Developed strict quality control standards to ensure product consistency.
• Controlled the budget effectively, ensuring financial targets were met.
• Oversaw plant operational structures and with optimised logistics and workflows to meet demands.
• Developed production plans covering schedules, quality goals and labour requirements.
• Instituted preventative maintenance measures, minimising breakdowns.
• Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations at all times.
• Coached junior managers in effective leadership techniques.

Responsibilities

• Contact new and existing customers to discuss their needs, and to explain how these needs could be met by specific products and services.
• Answer customers' questions about products, prices, availability, or credit terms.
• Quote prices, credit terms, or other bid specifications.
• Emphasize product features based on analyses of customers' needs and on technical knowledge of product capabilities and limitations.
• Negotiate prices or terms of sales or service agreements.
• Maintain customer records, using automated systems.
• Identify prospective customers by using business directories, following leads from existing clients, participating in organizations and clubs, and attending trade shows and conferences.
• Select the correct products or assist customers in making product selections, based on customers' needs, product specifications, and applicable regulations.
• Collaborate with colleagues to exchange information, such as selling strategies or marketing information.
• Demonstrate and explain the operation and use of products.
• Provide customers with ongoing technical support.
• Complete expense reports, sales reports, or other paperwork.
• Recommend ways for customers to alter product usage in order to improve production.
• Inform customers about issues related to responsible use and disposal of products, such as waste reduction or product or byproduct recycling or disposal

Responsibilities

• Provide assistance to food scientists or technologists in research and development, production technology, or quality control.
• Record or compile test results or prepare graphs, charts, or reports.
• Organoleptic evaluation of foods or beverages to ensure that flavors meet specifications or to select samples with specific characteristics.
• Mix, blend, or cultivate ingredients to make reagents or to manufacture food or beverage products.
• Order supplies needed to maintain inventories in laboratories or in storage facilities of food or beverage processing plants

Responsibilities

• Contact new and existing customers to discuss their needs, and to explain how these needs could be met by specific products and services.
• Answer customers' questions about products, prices, availability, or credit terms.
• Quote prices, credit terms, or other bid specifications.
• Negotiate prices or terms of sales or service agreements.
• Maintain customer records, using automated systems.
• Prepare sales contracts for orders obtained, and submit orders for processing.
• Prepare sales presentations or proposals to explain product specifications or applications.
• Complete expense reports, sales reports, or other paperwork.
• Complete product and development training as required.
• Consult with engineers regarding technical problems with products.
• Study information about new products so that equipment and supplies can be accurately depicted and proper recommendations made.

Responsibilities

• Provide assistance to food scientists or technologists in research and development, production technology, or quality control.
• Compute moisture or salt content, percentages of ingredients, formulas, or other product factors, using mathematical and chemical procedures.
• Record or compile test results or prepare graphs, charts, or reports.
• Clean and sterilize laboratory equipment.
• Annalise foods or beverages to ensure that flavors meet specifications or to select samples with specific characteristics.
• Mix, blend, or cultivate ingredients to make reagents or to manufacture food or beverage products.
• Order supplies needed to maintain inventories in laboratories or in storage facilities food or beverage processing plants.
• Customer product trials, production process optimization.
• Culinary workshops, staff training and market presentation to key retailers and butchery franchises.