Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
BusinessAnalyst
Richard van de Ruit

Richard van de Ruit

Oil & Gas, Agriculture, Logistics
Barkly East

Summary

Results-driven Aftersales Commercial Manager experienced in operations management, strategic planning, and financial reporting. Enhanced customer relationships and drove business growth through data analysis and cross-functional team coordination. Focused on optimizing camp operations and logistical planning while promoting safety standards and fostering teamwork.

Overview

35
35
years of professional experience

Work History

Aftersales Commercial Manager

AGCO South Africa
03.2023 - 10.2024
  • Established and managed strategic collaborations with our dealer network to improve business operations.
  • Executed daily financial reporting, ensuring accuracy in budget management and forecasting processes.
  • Managed budgets and financial reporting, ensuring accurate forecasting and cost control for optimal profitability.
  • Analyzed market trends and customer feedback to inform product strategies and pricing models.
  • Conducted competitive analysis to identify growth opportunities within the agricultural machinery sector.
  • Enhanced product offerings by conducting market research and identifying emerging trends within the industry.
  • Strengthened client relationships through regular communication and timely resolution of issues, leading to increased customer satisfaction.
  • Coordinated cross-functional teams to streamline project execution and improve operational efficiency.
  • Implemented best practices in supply chain management, optimizing inventory levels and reducing costs.
  • Supported contract negotiations, fostering favorable terms that aligned with corporate objectives.
  • Negotiated contracts and product prices by collaborating with vendors and developers.
  • Built relationships with clients to establish new contracts.
  • Monitored competitor activity, utilizing insights to inform strategic planning and decision-making processes.
  • Used key metrics and prepared reports for senior management to monitor performance of commercial activities.
  • Maintained financial controls, planned business operations and control expenses while identifying and pursuing opportunities to grow business operations and boost profits.
  • Streamlined internal processes by identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes to increase efficiency.
  • Coordinated trade shows and other promotional events, showcasing company offerings effectively to prospective clients.
  • Maintained financial controls, planned business operations and controlled expenses while identifying and pursuing opportunities to grow business operations and boost profits.
  • Demonstrated products to show potential customers benefits and advantages and encourage purchases.
  • Achieved established KPI for company, regional team and individual performance through teamwork and focus on customers.
  • Developed compelling presentation decks to gain approval for ideas and communicate results.
  • Compiled and analyzed data to determine approaches to improve sales and performance.
  • Increased profit margins by effectively controlling budget and overhead and optimizing product turns.
  • Delivered recommendations to long-term accounts to promote brand awareness to key audience.
  • Built relationships with customers and community to establish long-term business growth.
  • Streamlined internal processes by identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes to increase efficiency.

Business Development Manager

Technique LLC
01.2018 - 08.2019
  • Identified new business opportunities through market analysis and competitive research.
  • Developed strategic partnerships to enhance market presence and drive business growth.
  • Implemented lead generation strategies, increasing client engagement and pipeline volume.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align sales strategies with company objectives.

Preventative Maintenance Manager

Ensign International Energy Services
04.2010 - 12.2017
  • Performed daily preventative maintenance on 5 ADR land rigs and 3 conventional land rigs.
  • Documented maintenance shut downs and recorded work performed by maintenance teams to maintain accurate operational records.
  • Developed and implemented maintenance schedules, improving operational efficiency across all drilling rigs.
  • Conducted daily rig tours to track engine hours and ensure timely updates to the maintenance management system.
  • Conducted regular inspections to identify maintenance needs, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
  • Trained staff on the use of the NOV maintenance system in preventative maintenance operations.
  • Documented all maintenance shut downs and recorded all maintenance work carried out by the maintenance teams.
  • Conducted daily rig tours to record all engine hours to update the system.
  • Digital Proficiency: Proficient in CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems) like RigMS for tracking work orders and parts inventory.
  • Inventory Control: Tracking critical spare parts, monitoring minimum stock levels, and automating reordering to prevent operational delays.
  • History & Compliance: Maintaining detailed equipment historical data for reliability analysis and audit-ready HSE documentation.
  • Reporting: Compiled detail reports and photographs on all annual maintenance shut-downs for all the rigs. Ensured all assets were updated in the RigMS system and assets transferred were documented and updated.
  • Key Technical Skills
  • Reporting: Compiled detailed reports and photographs on all annual maintenance shut-downs for all the rigs. Ensured all assets were updated in the RigMS system and assets transferred were documented and updated.

Base Manager

Ensign International Energy Services
01.2009 - 04.2010

Facilities & Infrastructure Management:

  • Pivotal in the erecting and laying out of a 600 man remote camp in Mukhaizna Oman for Ensign to accommodate the five ADR drilling rigs that were coming in to fill the Occidental drilling project.
  • Supervised multi-disciplinary team of 50 staff, enhancing service delivery across catering, housekeeping, laundry, and security.
  • Oversee daily operations for a 600-person remote facility, ensuring 100% up time for all essential services, including lodging, utilities (water, electricity, HVAC), and common areas.
  • Coordinated mobilization and demobilization of rotating crews, optimizing accommodation allocations and ensuring room readiness.
  • Managed vendor relations and stock replenishment, maintaining zero stock-outs in geographically isolated location.
  • Implement preventative maintenance schedules for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems.
  • Manage waste disposal, sewage systems, and environmental compliance.

Hospitality & Living Standards:

  • Oversaw catering services to ensure efficient food production and compliance with safety standards. Direct supervision of catering contractors to ensure high-volume food production, menu planning, and strict adherence to HACCP food safety standards.
  • Housekeeping & Laundry: Ensure daily cleaning of accommodations and timely laundry services to maintain hygiene and morale.
  • Managed recreational facilities to promote well-being and engagement among residents. Manage on-site amenities (gyms, TV rooms, internet) to foster a positive living environment.

Logistics & Personnel Administration:

  • Accommodation Tracking: Manage "Check-In/Check-Out" logs, room assignments, and occupancy optimization.
  • Maintained accurate time sheets for all crew members to ensure timely payroll processing. Managed and kept strict time sheets of all crews on site, international and local crews, for the payroll officer at head office.
  • Transportation: Coordinate ground transport for crew rotations, including airport/site transfers and medical evacuations.
  • Supply Chain: Monitor inventory levels and oversee the procurement of food, chemicals, and equipment.
  • Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE):
  • Enforce Zero Tolerance policies regarding drugs and alcohol.
  • Led bi- weekly Toolbox Talks and conduct regular safety inspections of all facilities.
  • Establish and maintain high-level emergency response capabilities, including fire safety and medical first aid.

Financial & Resource Management:

  • Manage allocated camp budgets, track operational expenses, and identify cost-optimization areas.
  • Supervise a diverse team of multi-national staff, including rig crews, rig maintenance crews, catering staff and security teams.

Key Skills

  • Leadership: Ability to motivate multi-disciplinary teams and manage conflicts in isolated, high-pressure environments.
  • Problem Solving: Quick decision-making to address supply chain disruptions or technical failures.
  • Compliance Knowledge: Deep understanding of local labor laws and industry-specific safety regulations.
  • Fleet & Journey Management: Proficient in IVMS (In-Vehicle Monitoring Systems) and desert driving logistics.
  • Oxy/OPAL Compliance: Strict adherence to Oman HSE regulations and Shell's international standards.

Workshop Superintendant

Truckoman
01.2007 - 12.2009
  • Led operational teams to ensure efficient project execution and adherence to safety regulations.
  • Developed strategic plans to enhance productivity and streamline workflows across multiple departments.
  • Coordinated cross-functional collaboration to align project goals with organizational objectives and timelines.
  • Implemented quality control measures that improved compliance with industry standards and reduced error rates.
  • Oversaw budgeting processes, optimizing resource allocation for maximum operational efficiency.
  • Analyzed performance data to identify trends, leading initiatives that enhanced overall service delivery quality.
  • Mentored junior staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development within the team.

Dive Centre Manager and Padi Scuba Instructor

Al-Sawadi Hotel and Resort
03.2004 - 11.2006
  • PADI certified scuba instructor up to dive master level.
  • Organized scuba diving packages for local and international guests.
  • Ensured all equipment was maintained to a high standard.
  • Led operational initiatives to enhance guest satisfaction and service quality.
  • Streamlined front desk processes, improving check-in efficiency and reducing wait times.
  • Completed a variety of tasks promptly within designated deadlines.
  • Coordinated special events, enhancing customer experience through tailored services and attention to detail.
  • Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
  • Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
  • Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
  • Achieved PADI certification as a scuba instructor at dive master level.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
  • Developed a strong company culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities.

Harvesting Contractor

Mitchells Harvesting
03.2003 - 11.2003
  • Specialized as Combine Harvesting Operator, ensuring efficient grain delivery
  • Operating and maintaining a John Deere 9860 STS Combine Harvester
  • Facilitated grain transportation via Kenilworth semi-truck to ensure timely delivery.
  • Completed harvesting contracts across Texas to South Dakota, meeting client expectations

Farm Manager Owner

Self-employeed
01.2000 - 02.2003

Farmed on my own for 3 years in the Eastern Cape – Cattle, Sheep,

Cultivated various agricultural crops on the farm.

Responsibilities:

  • Developed budgets, financial projections, and cash flow statements to ensure effective financial management.
  • Managed workforce and all farm operations related to livestock, equipment, and agricultural production.
  • Purchasing of materials, livestock and equipment needed to run a solid sound farming operation.
  • Prepared budgets, financial projections and cash flow statements.
  • Implemented a successful Red Angus stud that achieved record prices at stock sales.

Polo Player and Trainer

Mark Prinsloo Polo
01.1998 - 11.1999
  • Demonstrated exceptional horsemanship skills during competitive matches.
  • Cleaned and organized stables to ensure a healthy environment for horses.
  • Coordinated daily exercise routines for 19 horses, promoting their fitness and performance readiness.

Dealer Principle

Groenspan John Deere, BMW and Land Rover
01.1995 - 12.1998
  • Managed vehicle inventory to maintain optimal stock levels and ensure prompt availability for customers.
  • Managed all departments within the dealership sales, service, accounts, and admin and parts departments
  • Trained and mentored junior staff on dealership operations and customer service best practices.
  • Enhanced customer experience by implementing streamlined sales processes and effective communication strategies.
  • Developed promotional campaigns to increase showroom traffic and drive vehicle sales performance.
  • Managed vehicle inventory, ensuring optimal stock levels and prompt availability for customers.
  • Fostered client relationships that enhanced customer loyalty and increased opportunities for repeat business.
  • Fostered relationships with clients, resulting in increased customer loyalty and repeat business opportunities.
  • Through strong personal interaction, boosted inter-departmental profits and increased the overall income for the company
  • Streamlined planning processes to reduce overheads and improve workforce efficiency.
  • Attended several BMW South Africa Management courses and implemented them into the workplace to comfortably achieve goals

Sales Manager

Groenspan BMW and Land Rover
01.1993 - 12.1994
  • Led sales strategies to improve customer engagement and satisfaction, resulting in enhanced customer loyalty.
  • Led sales strategies to enhance customer engagement and satisfaction.
  • Implemented various sales incentives and organized promotions to generate business for the company
  • Managed sales targets for new and used sales team
  • Implemented sales incentives and organized promotions to drive customer engagement and increase revenue

Auto Electrician

CGS Auto Electrical
01.1990 - 11.1992
  • Diagnosed and repaired electrical systems in automotive vehicles, ensuring optimal performance and safety.
  • Performed wiring on trailers to ensure electrical systems were functional.
  • Completed repairs on starters and alternators to restore vehicle functionality.

Education

No Degree - Auto Electrical Engineering

Pietermaritzburg Technical College
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
04.2001 -

Skills

Aftermarket support

Customer relationship management

Business development

Customer retention

Product management

Sales analysis

Budget forecasting

Pricing strategy

Contract negotiation

Operations management

Strategic planning

Report writing

New business opportunities

Business administration

Timeline

Aftersales Commercial Manager

AGCO South Africa
03.2023 - 10.2024

Business Development Manager

Technique LLC
01.2018 - 08.2019

Preventative Maintenance Manager

Ensign International Energy Services
04.2010 - 12.2017

Base Manager

Ensign International Energy Services
01.2009 - 04.2010

Workshop Superintendant

Truckoman
01.2007 - 12.2009

Dive Centre Manager and Padi Scuba Instructor

Al-Sawadi Hotel and Resort
03.2004 - 11.2006

Harvesting Contractor

Mitchells Harvesting
03.2003 - 11.2003

No Degree - Auto Electrical Engineering

Pietermaritzburg Technical College
04.2001 -

Farm Manager Owner

Self-employeed
01.2000 - 02.2003

Polo Player and Trainer

Mark Prinsloo Polo
01.1998 - 11.1999

Dealer Principle

Groenspan John Deere, BMW and Land Rover
01.1995 - 12.1998

Sales Manager

Groenspan BMW and Land Rover
01.1993 - 12.1994

Auto Electrician

CGS Auto Electrical
01.1990 - 11.1992
Richard van de RuitOil & Gas, Agriculture, Logistics