JACO JORDAAN

Nationality: South African
Business Unit and country: MONIER South Africa
In the Group since: January 2008

Why did you join MONIER?

MONIER presented a new challenge to me in my career. The company has strong and established roots in South Africa, yet it also faces a number of challenges. The building industry is coming off an incredible high, and is entering a competitive period. This will present excellent opportunities to companies that have positioned themselves correctly in the market. Consolidations will be inevitable as a number of smaller regional players emerged during the boom period and their sustainability will be challenged during the next years. MONIER has an opportunity to establish a bold new identity as an entrepreneurial multinational organisation that can deliver customer needs by providing quality products and services.

What have been your career steps so far?

I have been fortunate to work for three multinational organisations during the last 18 years. These three organisations were based from Europe to North America, both privately owned and listed organisations, which provided me with valuable experience. They have also afforded me the opportunity to further my managerial and business skills by studying Business Management to complement my Financial schooling at graduate level.

How would you describe a typical day on the job at MONIER?

MONIER presents a huge learning curve to me in understanding the building industry. A large portion of my day is consumed by meeting with colleagues, customers and suppliers and spending time in our manufacturing facilities to gain insight into the mechanics of our business. The South African business unit was also presented with the exciting opportunity of acquiring a large opposition manufacturer in 2007, which resulted in the formulation of a new strategy. Our team is now focusing on implementing this strategy to ensure that we retain and grow our leadership position. I am fortunate to lead a largely experienced team of individuals in implementing our new strategy.

How would you explain the specificities of working in the roofing industry?

The roofing industry in South Africa has traditionally been regarded as somewhat of a “stepchild” in the building industry. Where other role players in the industry such as bricklayers and carpenters have enjoyed the privileges of specialised training and apprenticeships, roofers have been neglected and no specialised training or scholarships exist. MONIER has and will continue to play a significant role in elevating the roofing industry to a professional role player in the building industry.

Seeing the company with "fresh eyes", what makes MONIER unique? How would you describe the company culture?

MONIER has created their uniqueness through product innovation and people development. MONIER encourages and fosters an entrepreneurial spirit, and a culture of empowerment exists. This, coupled to an exceptional geographical footprint close to all markets, creates a winning formula.