AHAMED ABUL KALAM
Dubai
Summary
Accomplished Sales Manager offering 12+ years of experience developing and maximizing flat and long steel product sales. Diligent in building and retaining accounts by providing support and attentive service. Proficient in handling the activities in coordination with the internal / external departments for smooth business operations. Centered on meeting client expectations while retaining quality standards to ensure timely delivery.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER
C&D Steel Middle East FZE
09.2024 - Current
- Achieved total sales of 200,000 MT to date, demonstrating strong regional performance and consistent growth.
- Introduced strategic initiatives, including HRC hedging strategies in the UAE market, to manage price volatility and enhance profitability.
- Manage the end-to-end sales cycle, from initial customer inquiry to final delivery, ensuring efficiency and accuracy at every stage.
- Oversee Letters of Credit (LC) processing, documentation, and amendments with a strong focus on compliance and error-free transactions.
- Develop and expand business with major pipe mills and stockists across the region, building long-term and sustainable partnerships.
- Drive revenue and volume growth through strategic planning, execution, and performance tracking.
- Identify and develop new business opportunities while strengthening relationships with existing clients.
- Collaborate with manufacturers and suppliers to ensure consistent product availability and smooth operational flow.
- Implement pricing and risk management strategies, including hedging, to protect margins in volatile market conditions.
- Oversee contract management, ensuring accuracy in documentation and minimizing discrepancies.
- Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and customer requirements to align and refine sales strategies.
- Maintain high levels of customer satisfaction through proactive communication, problem-solving, and reliable service delivery.
Sales Manager - GCC /MENA Region
Al Nimr Steel Trading LLC
Dubai, UAE
01.2022 - Current
- Managed stock sales of flat and long steel products that are used in Commercial, Oil and Gas Industries.
- Sourced products including SA516.Gr.60/65/70N, SA537 Class1, S355NL, S355K2+N, API650 grades from preferred suppliers which are approved by Aramco, ADNOC, PDO, KOC and KNPC clients.
- Oversaw complete business flow for stock plates (SA516.Gr.60/65/70N) and coils (GI, HRC, CRC) from procurement to delivery.
- Coordinated with Quality Control and performed TDC assessments for client specific requirements.
- Handled customer relations issues, enabling quick resolution, and client satisfaction.
- Overcame objections from potential clients by addressing concerns effectively and offering customized solutions based on their unique needs.
- Increased sales revenue by developing and implementing effective sales strategies.
- Built long-lasting client relationships through excellent customer service and consistent follow up.
- Technical Knowledge of flat and long steel products together with market knowledge reinforced the skills of communication, negotiation, conversion of an inquiry to orders, smooth execution, collection of payment and post shipment services like handling of complaints and claims.
Trade Manager - GCC Region
Salzgitter Mannesmann International GmbH
Dubai, UAE
01.2021 - 12.2021
- Assigned as trade manager, managing flat special steel for the GCC regions.
- Built relationships with manufacturers of PEB, sandwich panels, HVAC, electrical sub station panel, corrugated sheets, steel drums and barrels to establish long-term business growth.
- Analyzed market trends to identify new business opportunities, leading to expansion into profitable territories for HR coils, CR coils, GI coils and PPGI coils and others.
- Established sourcing options of Aluminum coils and sheets from UAE for export requirement to EU Markets.
- Successfully engaged with drum manufacturers for supply of CRC from Indian and Chinese mill's.
- Pursued various opportunities for local clientele with regard to SS wire rod requirements (Import as well local sources).
Sales Manager - GCC Region
Fortune Best Metals DMCC
Dubai, UAE
10.2017 - 12.2020
- Built long-lasting client relationships through excellent customer service and consistent follow up.
- Managed key accounts for HRC, GI coils, PPGI coils, PPAL products with strategic planning and relationship building, resulting in increased customer loyalty and repeat business.
- Implemented CRM systems for better tracking of leads, improving follow-up processes and communication within team.
- Consistently met or exceeded quarterly sales targets of flat steel products through diligent effort and persistence in closing deals.
- Met with clients, delivering presentations, and educating on product and service features and offerings.
Senior Sales Executive
Mitwalli Steel Products Factory Co
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
03.2012 - 02.2017
- Expanded market presence in Saudi Arabia by identifying new business opportunities and successfully closing deals for flat and long steel products.
- Exceeded sales targets by effectively managing diverse portfolio of products(pressure vessel, storage tanks, shell and dish heads) and services for Oil and Gas industry approved by Aramco.
- Conducted thorough market research to identify emerging trends, enabling proactive adjustments to sales strategies as needed.
- Established and maintained positive relationships with vendors to determine product availability and quality.
- Monitored and adjusted pricing based on market trends and customer feedback to meet expectations and increase sales.
- Handle letters of credit, prepare sales contracts, follow documentation in accordance with the LC, and prepare LC amendments to ensure that payments are received without discrepancy.
- Verified discrepancies with the bank after submitting shipping documents for both import and export shipments.
Education
MBA - Shipping And Port Management
University of Madras
Chennai, India05-2013
Bachelor of Commerce - General
The New College
Chennai, India05-2011
Skills
- Expert product knowledge in Flat and Long products
- SA516Gr70
- SA537Class1
- S355NL
- S355K2N grade plates
- Product Knowledge of flat and long steel products
- Market Research
- Business development and planning
Websites, Portfolios and Profiles
linkedin.com/in/ahamed-abul-kalam-842b8162
Timeline
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER
C&D Steel Middle East FZE
09.2024 - Current
Sales Manager - GCC /MENA Region
Al Nimr Steel Trading LLC
01.2022 - Current
Trade Manager - GCC Region
Salzgitter Mannesmann International GmbH
01.2021 - 12.2021
Sales Manager - GCC Region
Fortune Best Metals DMCC
10.2017 - 12.2020
Senior Sales Executive
Mitwalli Steel Products Factory Co
03.2012 - 02.2017
MBA - Shipping And Port Management
University of Madras
Bachelor of Commerce - General
The New College