Professional Profile – Jeanré Hanekom

In this issue, we profile NDE National Supply Chain Manager Jeanré Hanekom whose career insights show the power of effective communication and adaptability as well as the importance of resilience. He also outlines the challenges facing the South African stainless steel industry and suggests innovative strategies for overcoming them...

Q. Please provide some background on where you come from, your school and tertiary education and where you first started working?

A. I am originally from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) in the Eastern Cape where I attended DF Malherbe High School. While my initial career goal was to become an engineer, a transformative experience during some holiday work in the logistics field, led me to pursue studies in Logistics Management at the University of Stellenbosch. In 2008, I decided to further strengthen my expertise by achieving my certification as a Certified Supply Chain  Professional (CSCP) through Apics. I began my professional career as a SupplyChain Manager at Fabrinox in Paarl, under the mentorship of the MD André Visser.

Q. What are some of the key projects, that you have worked on that have challenged you but also helped to shape your skills, experience and career advancement?

A. NDE operates in the retail and distribution industry and maintaining optimal inventory levels is therefore paramount, as we take pride in ensuring stock availability to effectively manage our customers’ expectations. Shortly before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we made the strategic decision to introduce Demand-Driven Planning Software. The software’s navigation became challenging due to the constraint variabilities arising from widespread supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic. Fortunately, despite the expected initial challenges, implementing the new software was a success. We now benefit from improved inventory management and the ability to meet customer expectations more effectively. This is a core value at NDE.

Q. What is your current position and how would you describe a typical day on the job?

A. I joined the NDE Cape Town team in 2008 as a Product Manager and have been with them ever since. Over the years, I’ve held various positions, progressing from Logistics Manager to Operations Manager. Currently, I serve as the National Supply Chain Manager and sit on the company’s Management team.

I start my day by reviewing reports on sales, inventory, purchasing, and cash flow. A daily walkthrough of our facility keeps me informed about  physical operations and connected to ongoing activities on the floor and with staff. Regularly addressing emails has become the norm in today’s business environment, and no day is complete without attending a few meetings. I also travel around the country to NDE’s other branches to ensure that all aspects of our branch logistics and operational management continue to be first-rate. I work with several teams across the business, problem-solving on the go, and continuously refining our systems as the business grows.

Q. What would you say are the biggest i. work and ii. life lessons you have learnt thus far in your life?

A. Even though it may be considered cliché, the most significant work lesson I’ve learnt is the importance of effective communication. Clear, open, and honest communication fosters trust and collaboration. It also reduces misunderstandings and contributes to a positive work environment.

In addition, embracing adaptability has been crucial to my success. The ability to adapt to changes, whether in organisational structure, technology or market conditions, has allowed me to navigate challenges and contribute to solutions.

In my life, a key lesson has been the value of resilience. Life is unpredictable, and facing setbacks is inevitable. Developing resilience has empowered me to bounce back from challenges, learn from setbacks, and approach new opportunities with a positive mindset.

Another crucial life lesson for me has been the importance of maintaining a balance between personal and professional aspects of my life. The lines between these domains can easily blur, with potentially dire consequences for both your private and professional life if you don’t consistently try to maintain this balance.

Q. How do you hope to take your career to even greater heights - what are your plans for the future?

A. Continuous learning! At NDE I have been fortunate to have been given exposure to various areas and disciplines of the business and not just the area of my expertise. This has enabled me to gain a holistic view of the inner workings of the company and has been hugely beneficial when it comes to making decisions. As a result, I am determined to maintain a curious and inquisitive mindset throughout my career. I believe that staying  continuously engaged and interested in the dynamics of our business is crucial for personal and professional development.

I have recently been presented with an opportunity to collaborate with a company in a completely different industry, stepping outside of my usual comfort zone. My strategy is to absorb as much information as possible, learn best practices, and embrace diverse ways of thinking. I intend to bring these insights back to NDE to continuously enhance our supply chain processes.

Q. In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges the South African stainless steel industry is currently facing and what are some of the innovative ways these can be overcome?

A. In South Africa, the manufacturing sector has experienced a prolonged decline, attributed in part to our failing infrastructure, particularly concerning Eskom and Transnet. Regrettably, there are no quick fixes for these challenges. Addressing the manufacturing challenges in South Africa requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach involving various stakeholders, including the government, industries, educational institutions, and the private sector.

Even when dealing with difficulties, the resilience of South Africa’s people highlights the importance of staying positive for the country’s  improvement.

Q. What do you consider the most exciting innovations/product developments happening in stainless steel right now and what sectors hold the greatest potential for the use of stainless steel in the future?

A. Whilst not a ‘new’ development, duplex stainless steel continues to attract increased attention as a result of it’s ability to withstand aggressive corrosive environments in industries like oil production, gas, and mining.

NDE was one of the first companies in Africa to procure duplex stainless steel for the mining industry in Zambia more than a decade ago, and we continue to be leaders in the industry due to our continuous supply of quality material from our world-class suppliers. Our in-house expertise allows us to assist our customers with making the best material choice for their specific applications and environments. While the initial cost of duplex  stainless steel might be higher compared to alternative materials, the long-term advantages, including enhanced durability, minimised maintenance, and prolonged service life, often justify the upfront investment.

Identifying a specific sector with future potential is difficult to answer. The remarkable aspect of stainless steel has always been its versatility, finding applications across a wide array of sectors.

To read more about NDE go to: www.nde.co.za