Hi, I’m
Lukh Songwiqi
General Manager
Dubai,United Arab Emirates
Summary
Enthusiastic, high energy, goal-driven General Manager, with over 20 years experience in sales, marketing, and business management positions. Known to be able to 'sell ice to an eskimo', with a track record in exceptional sales and revenue growth for various companies in South Africa and the UAE.
Responsible for building current company from 3 to over 200+ employees, operating in various sectors around the UAE. Cultivate a company culture in which staff members feel comfortable voicing questions, as well as contributing new ideas that drive company growth.
"Never above you, never below you, always beside you"
Overview
15
years of professional experience
13
years of post-secondary education
Work History
NonStop Group LLC,(NonStop Investments & Delivery)Dubai, United Arab Emirates
General Manager
04.2021 - Current
Job overview
- Assisted with the formation of the NonStop Group, successfully developing the two divisions of the Group: NonStop Delivery ("NSD"); and NonStop Investments ("NSI").
- Lead and manage a team of over 20 employees at NSD and NSI, including (1) PRO professionals; (2) office staff; and (3) a warehouse operations management team, and oversee a team of 200+ delivery riders. Foster an inclusive and positive culture within the organisation, recognising that appreciated employees achieve results and drive business growth.
- Responsible for maintaining and updating visas for all staff members (220+) and overseeing a team of PROs to ensure this is done effectively and in compliance with PRO service laws and regulations.
- Set and outline internal processes and procedures to monitor staff development, recruitment and training.
- Liaise and work with companies such as Talabat, Noon and Careem to track and monitor KPIs for the delivery company. Successfully exceeded KPIs by 70% and increased profit by over 50% in 2021-2022.
- Regularly meet with start-ups and SME's seeking investment to present new business opportunities to senior management. Oversee investments and interpret and present on performance.
- Responsible for the recruitment of employees at both NSD and NSI.
Protection Distributors Hong Kong, Remote
Sales Director
03.2020 - 04.2021
Job overview
- During Covid, an opportunity presented itself to found and facilitate the procurement and distribution of disease control items for global markets, specialising in PPE.
- Sold PPE equipment in various parts of the world, including South Africa, Asia and South America. Responsible for accounts in the Asia region.
- Connected the best suppliers with end users.
- Ensured suppliers were verified by certified health teams and world-leading inspection companies.
A-SAFE UK MIDDLE EASTDubai, United Arab Emirates
Commercial Manager
10.2019 - 03.2020
Job overview
- Commercial manager for a safety barrier manufacturing company. Operated across the Abu Dhabi region and Kizad. Advised and provided fit for purpose solutions to clients across many industries including: logistics, airports, manufacturing, oil & gas, food production, governmental, chemical, pharma, engineering, construction, warehousing & distribution, car parks and military.
- Responsible for ensuring compliance with protection requirements, ensuring safety and reducing risk.
- Negotiated contracts, securing maximum revenue for the company.
- Monitored plans to meet deadlines, budget and quality standards.
- Unfortunately, due to Covid, this position was short-lived, as the company ceased operations during the market changes.
Generation 3DDubai, United Arab Emirates
Sales Manager
11.2017 - 09.2019
Job overview
- Responsible for 3D printing & model making, working with a variety of clients such as real estate developers, architects and product designers.
- Supported senior directors by establishing sales forecasts based on detailed analytics and informed feedback from sales representatives.
- Negotiated product prices and reduced freight rates to reduce company costs when shipping products and models.
- Responsible for the implementation of 3D designs across the UAE, such as the Expo 2020 logo.
- Generated company growth through market expansion and sales.
- Carried out sales visits to current and prospective customers.
MINI, BMW SA GROUPJohannesburg, South Africa
Sales Executive
06.2014 - 03.2017
Job overview
- Top MINI Sales Agent in the country 2015 - 2017.
- Accomplished on average 10 - 15 new car sales per month, and 5 pre-owned cars per month.
- Adhered to all standards of quality and service as well as regulatory requirements.
- Established and maintained positive, profitable client relationships through superb communication and sales skills.
- Generated new leads and opportunities to maximize revenue and sales for the company.
EOH (Network Solutions)Johannesburg, Midrand, South Africa
Account Manager
08.2012 - 05.2014
Job overview
- Account Manager for 15 accounts, specialising in MPLS systems for IT network projects.
- Worked to optimise sales volume by managing accounts and building rapport with clients.
- Implemented new technologies within the company to achieve more streamlined results, (e.g. MimeCast).
- Regularly worked with various tech platforms such as Skills Salesforce.com and Software as a Service (SaaS) to enhance and build the sales of the company.
- Prepared and handled monthly billing reports and ensured accounts were paid up to date.
- Handled customer concerns and complaints to resolve issues and build loyalty.
- Assessed changing markets, customer conditions, and competitor data and initiated update of account plans accordingly.
Greenfields Sports & Leisure Pty Ltd & BelgotexPietermaritzburg, South Africa
Account Manager
01.2008 - 07.2012
Job overview
- Manager of over 20 accounts, ranging from schools, sports clubs and government sporting bodies selling artificial grass sport fields.
- Retained and exceeded sale targets through consistent engagement and sales data analysis.
- Instrumental in establishing football pitches for the soccer world cup 2010 in underprivileged areas for the growth of football, such as the Nike Soccer Centre in Soweto Township, South Africa.
- Increased volume of sales by managing client relationships, serving as the main point of escalation for client issues and concerns.
- Assisted in development of new business lines, such as leisure grass manufacture for residential properties.
- Upsold and cross-sold complementary products to help boost revenue.
- Attended conferences and trade association meetings, such as SoccerEx, to represent the company and promote products
Education
University of South Africa/Universiteit van Suid-A, South Africa
Bachelor of Business Administration from Marketing Management
01.2010 - 12.2014
St Charles College, South Africa
A-Levels from High School
01.1998 - 12.2002
University of South Africa/Universiteit van Suid-A, South Africa
Bachelor of Science from The College of Economic and Management Sciences
01.2003 - 12.2005
Skills
- Sales & marketing
- Account, operations and employee management
- Client relations
- Regulation compliance and document processing
Key skills:
- Budgeting and financial management
- New business development and implementation
- Solution selling
- Relationship building management and cross-functional team management
- Leadership
Languages
English
Native
Xhosa
Native
Zulu
Fluent
Afrikaans
Fluent
Hobbies and Achievements
- Top MINI sales agent for South Africa in 2015 & 2016.
- Incentive trip won to Stockholm Sweden due to achieving the top sales volume in the country for 2015 & 2016
- Hobbies include: rugby (captain for Dubai Tigers Men's Team 2021-2022); MC for various events; member of South African business council; rugby coach for U13's; and squash.
Timeline
General Manager
NonStop Group LLC,(NonStop Investments & Delivery)
04.2021 - Current
Sales Director
Protection Distributors
03.2020 - 04.2021
Commercial Manager
A-SAFE UK MIDDLE EAST
10.2019 - 03.2020
Sales Manager
Generation 3D
11.2017 - 09.2019
Sales Executive
MINI, BMW SA GROUP
06.2014 - 03.2017
Account Manager
EOH (Network Solutions)
08.2012 - 05.2014
University of South Africa/Universiteit van Suid-A
Bachelor of Business Administration from Marketing Management
01.2010 - 12.2014
Account Manager
Greenfields Sports & Leisure Pty Ltd & Belgotex
01.2008 - 07.2012
University of South Africa/Universiteit van Suid-A
Bachelor of Science from The College of Economic and Management Sciences
01.2003 - 12.2005
St Charles College
A-Levels from High School
01.1998 - 12.2002
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