Merrick Hofmann

A multi-skilled and successful Business Manager, Entrepreneur and Consultant, Merrick Hofmann holds 22 years of international exposure in the Foodservice Equipment, Homeware, Fast-Moving Consumer Goods and Financial Services industries across the specialist areas of Import and Distribution, with specialisation in Online Market Place Retailing, Brand Management and Marketing. A seasoned Senior Sales and General Manager, Merrick has worked in the United Kingdom and South Africa with blue-chip multinational brands serving diverse consumer markets. Merrick is a perceptive online retail and supply chain logistics expert, well-versed in management best practices, resource optimisation and process improvement. Merrick holds global proficiency in unearthing value for top bottom-line results in tough operating environments. Capably future-focused, Merrick offers prospective employers the competitive drive and proven ability to establish a unified vision and seal new markets with creatively packaged and persuasively promoted goods and services. Dynamic Account Manager offering expertise in building partnerships, retaining key accounts and enhancing profit channels. Strong leader with proficiency in growing professional network, influencing decision-makers and devising successful strategies. Collaborative and strategic team leader with robust background in customer relationship management. Resourceful Account Manager with excellent client oversight, issue resolution and relationship-building expertise. Maximized repeat business opportunities and utilized proven prospecting techniques to expand client base. High-level sales cycle knowledge and strong collaborative skills leading to optimum outcomes. Motivated individual with experience in customer service and sales. Skilled in building customer relationships and understanding customer needs. Strong communication and interpersonal skills for providing superior customer service. Results-oriented sales worker engages with customers to help establish rapport. Proven track record of building customer relationships and successfully closing sales. Committed to delivering exceptional customer service and exceeding sales goals. Dynamic account manager with extensive experience in customer service. Highly meticulous professional establishes relationships with customers. Stays calm under pressure. Outside sales specialist with strength in negotiations, e-commerce and customer service. Excellent interpersonal and time management skills. Organised and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals. Hardworking and passionate job seeker with strong organisational skills eager to secure account manager position. Ready to help team achieve company goals. Detail-oriented team player with strong organisational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy. To seek and maintain full-time position that offers professional challenges using interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills. To seek and maintain full-time position that offers professional challenges using interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills.

• With shifting market dynamics due to an unfavourable exchange rate, changed the 100% Italian product import wholesale business model to source locally from micro-enterprises and sell successfully to major Spar franchises, Dischem, PnP and independent stores | Won listing and rollout of a fortified nutritional cereal into Dischem with prime shelf space, grew the Spar Retailers account from 20 to 100+, PnP franchises from 30 to 100+ and independent retailers from 10 to 100+ stores | The smaller suppliers’ tiny product marketing budgets did not raise off-the-shelf sales sufficiently in high-stakes categories and insufficient return agreements broke the bank (not yielding a similar failsafe as bigger brands), so closed down.
• Landed the contract to overhaul tableware nationally at 200+ Mugg & Bean stores | Won the tender to supply a new Kempinski hotel in the Seychelles | Successfully maintained the Sun International glassware supply contract.
• Won the national account to roll out both microwaves and a specialised storage system at 700+ KFC stores | Successfully rolled out coffee equipment into 200+ Mugg & Bean stores.
• 2007: Carlisle Foodservices International Salesperson of the Year.