Nicholas Harcourt-Baldwin

WPM is a leading provider of specialist, professional property management services to Sectional Title (Strata), HOA and Share Block schemes and Landlords of residential, commercial and industrial property. (Managing over 680 Sectional Title/ Strata and Share Block developments) www.wakefieldspropertymanagement.co.za

• Responsible for strategy, P&L and operational performance of the company, ensuring budgets were realistically set and achieved. Collaborated with the executive team to drive successful execution of strategic plans.
• Leading multi-disciplinary 100 staff strong team, spread across three office sites. Focused on delivering sustainable profit and growth, while driving operational efficiency gains. (The direct departments reporting to me included Accounts, Letting, HR, IT, Building Inspectorate, Marketing, Sales and Branch Management.)
• Conducted thorough analysis of existing processes and pinpointed areas for improvement. Successfully enhancing procedures, resulting in optimized efficiency and productivity. (This included coordinating ongoing development of the company's web-based application and involved merging this with the Fintech system, improving payment security, streamlining communication to all stakeholders in the workflow and reducing procedural errors)
• Identified skill gaps and deployed training programs to address staff knowledge and boost morale. Appointed focused task group to manage this process.
• Temporarily took over Financial Director role, overseeing a trust in excess of R350 million, which held strict fiduciary responsibilities. Managed the preparation and presentation of company monthly management figures.
• In 2022, we surpassed targets and attained highest historical year-on-year profit, boosting EBIT by 16.3%. The growth primarily attributed to increased income which was a result of strategic new business focus.
• Acknowledged for my contributions, I earned the privilege of becoming a shareholder in this well-established, profitable business with an 80-year history.
• Earmarked as future Managing Director, with a trajectory set to take over the role in two to three years, as the current Managing Director approached retirement.

• Collaboratively shared responsibility for setting and achieving overall targets, successfully elevating the brand in South Africa from relative obscurity to becoming the leading surf brand in the region.
• Efficiently implemented and executed a wholesale production system that served as the cornerstone of the wholesale business.
• Proactively established and supervised operational structures, directly engaging with sales, production, warehousing, accounts, IT, HR, and distribution. Continuously sought opportunities to implement improvements to accommodate company's growth
• Accountable for cost savings across departments, negotiating competitive supplier agreements, and seeking opportunities for savings at government or industry levels, such as becoming Southern African Development Community approved for duty reductions.
• Involved in hiring, training, and dismissing employees, focusing on ensuring clarity in roles and fostering job fulfillment within the team.
• Worked closely with the Financial Manager, overseeing creditors and debtors accounts, monthly management accounts, and year-end financial preparation and presentation.
• Developed a deep understanding in managing pressures and tensions constructively.
• As shareholder in the company, gaining valuable insights into long-term value creation and sustainability.
• Formed a joint venture with Rip Curl International and interacted with international shareholders, gaining awareness of good governance, social responsibility, and sustainability expectations for companies in the modern era. Recognized the significance of an effective ESG policy and practice beyond solely focusing on profitability.

• Co-founded successful corporate and promotional wear venture alongside role as Rip Curl GM. Secured prominent clients, demonstrated entrepreneurial skills, and managed finances independently.

• Founded import business, leveraging industry opportunity and existing skills. Successfully operated for four years, then sold as a going concern.

• Established watch and wetsuit departments, managed national Servicing Department, and developed structures for Costing, Sales, Procurement, and Operations. Conducted financial reviews and risk assessments.