*

Amir Shahzad

SENIOR-LEVEL MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL

Specialized in Global Agro Commodities Trading

Accomplished professional, a graduate in business administration, with over 20 years of progressive & comprehensive management and marketing experience with large scale organizations with diversified businesses.

Proactive, multilingual leader/manager with experience in multi-cultural and global environments.

Expertise in strategic planning, new business startup, change management, formulation and execution of marketing and sales plan,, pricing strategies, competitor and market analysis, advertising and sales promotion strategies, branding and product life cycle

Skilled in P&L management, cash flow management, and supply chain management, capital assets oversight, control of operational costs, budgeting & financial planning, customer service and staff training, supervision and mentoring

Well versed with local & international contract negotiations, legal compliancy, INCOTERMS, ISO and HACCP requirements, import & export documentations, logistic agreements and issues.

Proven track record of developing and executing corporate policies and procedures. Recognized for increasing revenues, streamlining workflow and energetic & self motivated team builder/player to increase productivity.

Well knitted with international players in commodity markets with specialization in agricultural, agro commodities and food suppliers.

Experienced in handling bulk and containerized shipments. Well versed with ship chartering, vessel time sheets, loading and discharge operations of various commodities.

Successful track record of tendering business, dealing with govt. agencies and pool buyers.

High competence level for managing production processes, production planning and respective cost controls and drive productivity.

Superior leadership, management, communication, interpersonal, intuitive and analysis skills.

Villa # 10,

Off 81st Street,

Al Warqa 4, Dubai,

United Arab Emirates

Res :+971-*-*******

Cell :+971-**-*******

Office(Direct):+971-*-*******

Office : +971-4- 4221604

Email: acx459@r.postjobfree.com

2

Career Progression

Period : Sept 2009 till todate Designation : Partner Organization : Almeezan Alawal General. Trading. L.L.C. Dubai Almeezan Alawal Gen.Trdg. LLC is a company with registered office in Dubai with diversified interests in trading, imports & exports, retailing, distribution and restaurant having a turnover of USD 1800 K (approx) and a headcount of 40. For details please visit www.almeezandubai.com Job Description:

Manage day to day operation of Distribution, Supermarkets & Restaurant.

Capitalize on business links in Africa and initiate exports.

Manage payables & receivables for all businesses.

Supervise staff, control costs, manage inventory, & banking.

Sourcing of Agro commodities and logistic arrangements

Gathering marketing intelligence,

Business Planning and Development,

Profit Center Management.

MIS reporting.

Achievements:

Successfully set up a distribution network for Agro Commodities (Rice & Pulses), Supermarkets & Restaurant and turned those profitable.

Efficiently managed payables & receivables for all profit centers.

Effectively supervised staff, controlled costs, managed inventory, & banking.

Professionally managed import & export from and to various destinations.

Successfully supplied fertilizers to Africa (Malawi) Period : July’06 to Sept.’09 Designation: General Manager (Commodities) Organization : Al Hamza Group of companies, Karachi, pakistan. Al Hamza Group of Companies is a progressive and professional business house with diversified businesses. Their areas of commitment remain as ship breaking, local & International trading and milling of agro commodities, imports and exports of minerals, manufacturing & industrial sales of of carbon black and marketing of Branded Rice.

The group has a head count of over 500 people and a turnover of about USD 250 millions. For more details please visit www.alhamzagroup.com

Job Responsibilities:

Supervise and coordinate with department heads to prepare budgets, projected P&L, production, imports & business plans. Present and seek approval from Board of Directors.

Direct and coordinate activities of businesses or departments concerned with the production, pricing, sales, and/or distribution of products.

Review financial statements, sales and activity reports, and other performance data to measure productivity and goal achievement and to determine areas needing cost reduction and program improvement.

3

Establish and implement departmental policies, goals, objectives, and procedures, conferring with board members, organization officials, and staff members as necessary.

Manage & improve relationship with suppliers, customers & government agencies.

Directly negotiate terms for import & export for all bulk shipments. Approve shipping terms, ship chartering and ship handling contracts.

Directly participate in tenders and supplies against contracts.

Focus on export markets for developing sustainable milling and production operations.

Continuously seek venues for growth of product line, revenues and profits.

Determine staffing requirements, and interview, hire and train new employees, or oversee those personnel processes.

Oversee activities directly related to making products or providing services.

Direct and coordinate organization's financial and budget activities to fund operations, maximize ROI.

Direct product marketing strategies including advertising campaigns and sales promotions.

Achievements:

New products were added to the portfolio like Rice, Sugar, Cotton, Steel & Chrome Ore .

Expanded the rice milling capacity by 30,000 tons and operated at optimum capacity.

Turned the company into 6th largest exporter of rice in Pakistan.

Selected partners from the steel industry to jointly import steel to avoid cost disadvantage viz-a-viz commercial importers.

Added other grades of fertilizers to the product Range like Muriate of Potash and Ammonium Sulphate.

Exported Chrome Ore to China and Cotton to Bangladesh.

Introduced modern management processes related to ISO, HACCP and HSE.

Developed new sources/suppliers for imports, international buyers for exports and successfully executed several contracts.

Exported fertilizers to Afghanistan under WFP requirement and tenders.

Period : July’03 to July.’06 Designation: General Manager (Fertilizers) Organization : Al Hamza Group of companies, Karachi, pakistan. Job Responsibilities:

Establish a SBU focused on Agro Trade.

Develop and prepare budgets, projected P&L, imports & business plan. Present and seek approval from Board of Directors. Present periodic reviews to the Board of Directors.

Determine staffing requirements, and interview, hire and train new employees, or oversee those personnel processes.

Find, screen, develop, manage suppliers and & improve relationship with suppliers, customers & government agencies.

Directly negotiate terms for import & export for all bulk shipments. Approve shipping terms, ship chartering and ship handling contracts.

Directly participate in tenders and supplies against contracts.

Direct and coordinate activities of business like import schedule pricing, sales, warehousing and/or distribution.

4

Review financial statements, sales and activity reports, and other performance data to measure productivity and goal achievement and to determine areas needing cost reduction and program improvement.

Establish and implement departmental policies, goals, objectives, and procedures, conferring with board members, organization officials, and staff members as necessary.

Continuously seek venues for growth of product line, revenues and profits.

Direct and coordinate organization's financial and budget activities to fund operations, maximize ROI.

Determine goods and services to be sold, and set prices and credit terms, based on forecasts of customer demand.

Direct product marketing strategies including advertising campaigns and sales promotions.

Achievements:

Set up new SBU for imports and marketing of fertilizers.

Soft launch of New Brand “Three Star” fertilizers was made a success.

Set up the deaIer’s network of over 100 dealers all over Pakistan.

Was nominated as a member for “Fertilizer review committee” constituted by Government of Pakistan to review, plan, and suggest strategy for fertilizer industry and imports.

In three years turned the SBU into a profitable operation with a turnover to USD 75 Millions per anum.

Represented company at IFA Conferences and other trade delegations.

Registered the company with donor agencies like WFP & EUROAID and supplied fertilizers and food items under bidding process.

Period : Sept.’03 to July.’03 Designation: Business Manager (Household) Organization : jaffer brothers (pvt) ltd., karachi, pakistan. Jaffer Brothers (pvt) Limited (JBL) is one of the most professional and progressive company. The goods and services provided by JBL and associated companies are focused at the agro sector, in the information management field and in transportation, telecommunication, power generation and transmission projects. The company has more then 1000 employees and their revenue exceeds USD370 million. Household Hygiene & Decoratives (HHD), an SBU of JBL, has markets quality wood preservative, decorative and household hygiene products for pest control through its motivated team and extensive national dealers' network. This business unit has been providing technical expertise, products and training support to government agencies in carrying out Malaria and Locust Control Programs, under USAID and other funding sources. The unit operates from its independent office in Karachi and covers Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad through a direct sales force as well as a dealer network. Sales in NWFP, Baluchistan and interior Sindh are conducted solely through the dealer network.

Job Responsibilities:

Prepare, seek approval, execute and control the business plan.

Develop and prepare budget, projected P&L and imports plan. Present and seek approval from General Manager. Present periodic reviews to the management.

Determine staffing requirements, and interview, hire and train new employees.

Directly participate in tenders and supplies against contracts.

Coordinate activities of business like import schedule pricing, sales, warehousing and/or distribution.

Prepare and present management reports, sales and activity reports, and other performance data to measure productivity and goal achievement and to determine areas needing cost reduction and program improvement.

5

Supervise, motivate and support sales team and effectively manage branch and distributors.

Ensure best relationship with major buyers including Government and NGO’s.

To conduct annual appraisal of team and set reward parameters. Achievements:

Re-engineered the business plan to make it less dependent on NGO’s as aid to Pakistan got affected.

Increased market penetration by enhancing dealer network.

Added low cost and high margin products.

Introduced “free application” of products and thus gained competitive edge and better margins.

Period : Dec.’00 to Sept’.2002 Designation: Regional Manager (Agro Division ) Organization : Jaffer brothers (pvt) ltd. Karachi, pakistan. Jaffer Brothers (Pvt.) Ltd. has been working in the agriculture sector for the last 6 decades; initially working as an indenter to GoP for agro chemicals. In 1978 GoP inducted private sector for distribution & marketing of agrochemical products in the country. In the year 1981 Jaffer Brothers started marketing pesticides through its own sales team. Since then Jaffer Brothers have been contributing in agriculture sector through agrochemicals under different umbrellas including Jaffer Chemical division. Fertilizers are also one main category of products sold under the same setup.

Job Description:

Resolve customer complaints regarding sales and service.

Monitor customer preferences to determine focus of sales efforts.

Direct and coordinate activities involving sales of manufactured products, services, commodities, real estate or other subjects of sale.

Determine price schedules and discount rates.

Review operational records and reports to project sales and determine profitability.

Direct, coordinate, and review activities in sales and service accounting and recordkeeping, and in receiving and shipping operations.

Confer or consult with department heads to plan advertising services and to secure information on equipment and customer specifications.

Advise dealers and distributors on policies and operating procedures to ensure functional effectiveness of business.

Prepare budgets and approve budget expenditures.

Represent company at trade association meetings to promote products.

Plan and direct staffing, training, and performance evaluations to develop and control sales and service programs.

Visit franchised dealers to stimulate interest in establishment or expansion of leasing programs.

Confer with potential customers regarding equipment needs and advise customers on types of equipment to purchase.

Oversee regional and local sales managers and their staffs.

Direct clerical staff to keep records of export correspondence, bid requests, and credit collections, and to maintain current information on tariffs, licenses, and restrictions.

Direct foreign sales and service outlets of an organization.

Assess marketing potential of new and existing store locations, considering statistics and expenditures

6

Achievements:

Achieved a Sales of USD 2 millions (approx)

Supervised a team of 34 persons (14 permanent & 20 temporary staff)

Founded 36 semi-exclusive sales centers for the company products on local equity participation basis.

Promoted to Business Manager Household and Hygiene Department. Period : Dec.’96 to Dec.’99 Designation: Product Manager (Fertilizers) Organization : jaffer brothers (pvt) ltd, Karachi, pakistan. The government of Pakistan deregulated fertilizer trade in the 90's, enabling the private sector to take an active role in fertilizer imports. F&C's share is quite substantial; even after the privatisation of fertilizer imports, it has been maintained 45% share of the total imports during the last decade. The Fertilizer & Commodity Division provides indenting services to major domestic fertilizer producers like Fauji Fertilizers Co. Ltd., Engro Chemical Pakistan Ltd., Pak Arab Fertilizers Ltd. and Pak American Fertilizers Ltd.; as well as to the leading fertilizer importers in the private sector. The F&C Division provides assistance in procurement of empty bags from the local market, guidance in chartering vessels as well as smooth discharging of cargo at the port. These are the key services provided by this Division, in addition to its major role of supplying fertilizers on behalf of its Principals.

Catering to the requirements of various commodities in the country, this Division has been playing a big role in the supply of commodities like wheat and palm oil. Indenting for the other essential commodities such as canola/rapeseed and other products is also carried out from time to time. Job description:

Develop pricing strategies, balancing firm objectives and customer satisfaction.

Identify, develop, and evaluate marketing strategy, based on knowledge of establishment objectives, market characteristics, and cost and markup factors.

Formulate, direct and coordinate marketing activities and policies to promote products and services, working with advertising and promotion managers.

Negotiate contracts with vendors and distributors to manage product distribution, establishing distribution networks and developing distribution strategies.

Consult with product development personnel on product specifications such as design, color, and packaging.

Use sales forecasting and strategic planning to ensure the sale and profitability of products, lines, or services, analyzing business developments and monitoring market trends.

Select products and accessories to be displayed at trade or special production shows.

Confer with legal staff to resolve problems, such as copyright infringement and royalty sharing with outside producers and distributors.

Coordinate and participate in promotional activities and trade shows, working with developers, advertisers, and production managers, to market products and services.

Advise business and other groups on local, national, and international factors affecting the buying and selling of products and services.

Initiate market research studies and analyze their findings.

Consult with buying personnel to gain advice regarding the types of products or services expected to be in demand.

Conduct economic and commercial surveys to identify potential markets for products and services.

Achievement:

Launched the First Imported Brand (Cheetah)

Launched a new Fertilizer Grade in Pakistan (MOP)

Evolved a network of over 250 Dealers.

Launched Imported Ammonium Sulphate Fertlizers .

Engineered and Supervised Potash Development Project in Pakistan funded by international Giants like Kali & Salz and SCPA.

7

Efficiently managed the affairs and dealings with of Fertilizer Imports Department of Pakistan and other government agencies.

Promoted to Regional Manager Agro Chemicals

Period : Apr.’94 toDec.’96 Designation: Asstt. Manager (Advertising & Sales Promotion) Organization : jaffer brothers (pvt) LTD, Karachi, pakistan. Job Description:

Prepare budgets and submit estimates for program costs as part of campaign plan development.

Plan and prepare advertising and promotional material to increase sales of products or services, working with customers, company officials, sales departments and advertising agencies.

Assist with annual budget development.

Inspect layouts and advertising copy and edit scripts, audio and video tapes, and other promotional material for adherence to specifications.

Coordinate activities of departments, such as sales, graphic arts, media, finance, and research.

Prepare and negotiate advertising and sales contracts.

Identify and develop contacts for promotional campaigns and industry programs that meet identified buyer targets such as dealers, distributors, or consumers.

Gather and organize information to plan advertising campaigns.

Confer with department heads and/or staff to discuss topics such as contracts, selection of advertising media, or product to be advertised.

Confer with clients to provide marketing or technical advice.

Monitor and analyze sales promotion results to determine cost effectiveness of promotion campaigns.

Provide presentation and product demonstration support during the introduction of new products and services to field staff and customers.

Direct, motivate, and monitor the mobilization of a campaign team to advance campaign goals.

Plan and execute advertising policies and strategies for organizations.

Track program budgets and expenses and campaign response rates to evaluate each campaign based on program objectives and industry norms.

Assemble and communicate with a strong, diverse coalition of organizations and/or public figures, securing their cooperation, support and action, to further campaign goals.

Direct and coordinate product research and development.

Represent company at trade association meetings to promote products. Achievements:

Developed and executed media campaigns with the consent of the international principals for leading international pesticides brands

Represented the company on the panel of the PAPA companies to conduct and supervise the country wide research on Pesticides usage and patterns .

Promoted to Product Manager for the new line of business – Marketing of Imported Fertilizers.

8

Period : Feb,’93 to Apr.’94 Designation: Field Manager (Gillette) Organization : International brands (pvt) ltd Karachi, pakistan. International Brands (pvt) Ltd (IBL) is a diversified business house engaged in a wide range of business activities in Pakistan including international trading, sales and distribution of various products. For details please visit www.iblgrp.com

Job Description:

Monitoring the quality, quantity, cost and efficiency of the movement and storage of goods;

Coordinating and controlling the order cycle and associated information systems;

Route planning for vans for efficient territory coverage, time and cost;

Analyzing data to monitor performance and plan improvements and demand;

Allocating, managing & training staff resources according to changing needs;

Ensuring best shop displays and assisting product promotion campaigns;

Developing business by gaining new contracts, analyzing logistical problems and producing new solutions;

Implementing health and safety procedures;

Managing staff training issues and

Motivating other members of the team.

Achievements:

Managed the Sales of 2/3 of Karachi

Supervised a team of 46 persons (Sales and Logistic)

Executed the Sales Plan for the Launch of Gillette Sensor in Karachi

Achieved Record Sales of BLUE II in a month.

Educational qualifications

Year

Institute/university Degree/certificate

’92-93 Southeastern University,

Washington D.C. USA

MBA (Marketing)*

Master of Science

’90-92 Southeastern University,

Washington D.C. USA

BBA (Marketing)*

Bachelor of Science

’88-90 Pak Navy Junior Cadet College,

Karachi, Pakistan

Higher Secondary School Certificate

’87-88 Kulsoom Bai Valika

School, Karachi, Pakistan

Secondary School Certificate

9

Professional Skills & Courses

Attended Course on “Negotiation Skills” at PIMS.

Attended Course on “Sales Force Management” .

Attended Course on “Decision Making Processes”.

Conducted Courses on “Marketing of Fertilizers in Pakistan” at NFDC.

Attended Seminars on International Trade practices and Policies

Proficient with computers, spread sheets & e-communication tools.

Attended several conferences on Commodity trade like IFA Conventions, ORYZA meetings, Sugar Conferences etc.

Personal Data

Nationality : Pakistani

Date of Birth : 10th February 1970

Marital Status : Married

Illness : NIL

Visa Status : Resident

Driving License : Vaild UAE

* Program offered at Greenwich Institute Karachi Pakistan

Contact this candidate