Karen Van Niekerk

I am recognized as a highly adaptable sales management professional with a proven track record in the industry. My impeccable interpersonal and intercultural competence ensures I deliver appropriate strategic sales management and leadership guidance to executives in diverse workplaces. I use sound management skills to propel organizational reputation and governance goals and efficiency. I have a proven ability to create, manage, and enhance product portfolios and services that grow and develop trusting relationships. I am skilled at developing new business opportunities and growing existing portfolios, driving enterprise alignment and engagement across a multimillion-dollar portfolio of key customers.

I approach tasks with energy and action. I develop well-constructed strategic and tactical plans that support project goals. I take charge to ensure constructive project management. I function well under pressure and in team environments, as I possess interpersonal agility and am experienced at building relationships at all company and client stakeholder levels. 

I am comfortable with change. I am skilled in dealing with complex issues, where I use resilient, assertive behavior. My attention to detail ensures projects and tasks are delivered on time and to satisfaction. I am solution- and deadline-driven. 

I have successfully managed complex, multi-disciplinary projects and tasks in multi-cultural environments. My recognized personality strengths include creativity, insightfulness, decisiveness, determination and passion. I am a self-starter and motivator, with a results-driven mentality, able to continually critique and optimize performance. I am inspiring and convincing. 

I have work experience in South Africa, Dubai, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Botswana, Namibia, Malawi, and Mozambique. I am proficient in the MS Office suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook), MS Projects, Corel Draw X3, Turbo-cad, Pastel Accounting, and Salesforce.com sales reporting platform.

I’m and  expert in Contract Sales and Key Accounts. 35-years’experience in the Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa, South Africa and Indian Ocean Islands, with a demonstrated history of long- term relationships, working in diverse industries:  Chemical Industry, Hospitality, Food Service, Health & Hygiene, Exterior and Interior Advertising & Signage, Turnkey Projects, Furniture & Flooring, Property Sector, encompassing Retail, Commercial, Corporate, Private and Public sectors, and have through the years established a strong client base and market knowledge. I also have experience in Manufacture of Bedding, Comfort Furniture, Office Furniture, Dry Walling & Partitioning, Specialized Joinery and Turnkey projects.