Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Willem Buitendag

Dubai,United Arab Emirates

Summary

Accomplished professional with expertise in operational excellence and supply chain management, specialising in multi-site operations and team leadership. Demonstrates proficiency in ERP/WMS systems, including SAP EWM, Microsoft Dynamics, and SYSPRO, to drive continuous improvement and cost optimisation. Skilled in KPI and performance management, transport optimisation, and advanced Excel for effective routing and planning. Committed to enhancing organisational efficiency through strategic initiatives and innovative solutions.

Overview

2027
2027
years of professional experience

Work history

Earlier Career

  • Held progressive leadership roles across Value Logistics, ITEC Distribution, Verimark, and Barloworld Logistics.
  • Built strong foundation in supply chain operations, team leadership, and process optimization.

Contracts Manager

GLS International LLC
2023.01 - 2026.03
  • Lead end-to-end logistics, warehousing, and transport operations for a major FMCG client across multiple functions.
  • Drive operational efficiency through process redesign, improving delivery performance by 25%.
  • Manage workforce of 300+ employees, implementing performance frameworks to increase productivity by 20%.
  • Reduce fleet requirements by 30% through optimized routing and cross-functional planning.
  • Establish KPI dashboards and reporting frameworks to enable data-driven decision-making.
  • Deliver AED 2M in annual cost savings through contract negotiations and supplier management.

Transport & Contracts Manager

Pick n Pay
2018.01 - 2023.01
  • Managed national transport operations across 700+ vehicles, ensuring consistent service delivery across a large retail network.
  • Led development of National Transport Control Tower, improving visibility and execution efficiency.
  • Owned KPI performance, SLA governance, and budget management across multiple service providers.
  • Optimized routing and transport planning to reduce cost and improve delivery reliability.
  • Collaborated with Finance, IT, and Commercial teams to align operations with business strategy.
  • Led and developed multi-disciplinary teams across geographically dispersed operations.

Continuous Improvement Manager

Pick n Pay
2017.01 - 2018.01
  • Led national continuous improvement initiatives across logistics operations.
  • Redesigned DC layout, extending capacity lifespan by 3 years.
  • Partnered with IT to implement SAP EWM system improvements and enhancements.
  • Established governance structures for operational and system improvements.

Distribution Centre Manager

Pick n Pay
2015.01 - 2017.01
  • Managed high-volume DC operations serving 430+ locations and handling 130,000+ cases daily.
  • Restored full operational performance within 5 days post SAP EWM go-live.
  • Delivered operational turnaround, bringing KPIs back within budget in 6 months.
  • Oversaw inbound, inventory, picking, and outbound operations in a fast-paced environment.

Education

Master's Degree - Supply Chain Management

University of Pretoria
Pretoria

Certification -

European Board of Logistics Certification
Pretoria

Skills

  • Operational Excellence
  • Supply Chain & Fulfillment
  • KPI & Performance Management
  • Cost Optimization
  • Multi-Site Operations
  • Team Leadership
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Transport Optimization
  • ERP/WMS Systems
  • SAP EWM
  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • SYSPRO
  • WMS
  • Advanced Excel
  • Routing & Planning Tools

Accomplishments

  • Reduced logistics operating costs by AED 2M annually through strategic supplier negotiation and operational redesign.
  • Improved delivery lead times by 25% through process optimization and performance management.
  • Reduced fleet size by 30% while maintaining service levels through route optimization and planning.
  • Increased workforce productivity by 20% across 300+ employees through performance management and training.
  • Extended distribution centre capacity lifespan by 3 years through layout redesign and operational improvements.
  • Led SAP EWM implementation, restoring full operations within 5 days post go-live.
  • Managed national transport operations exceeding 700+ vehicles across multiple service providers.

Timeline

Contracts Manager

GLS International LLC
2023.01 - 2026.03

Transport & Contracts Manager

Pick n Pay
2018.01 - 2023.01

Continuous Improvement Manager

Pick n Pay
2017.01 - 2018.01

Distribution Centre Manager

Pick n Pay
2015.01 - 2017.01

Earlier Career

Master's Degree - Supply Chain Management

University of Pretoria

Certification -

European Board of Logistics Certification

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Willem Buitendag