James Williamson

I am a can-do person. I am an excellent problem solver and solutions go-to person.

With a strong background in operations, inventory control and team leadership—combined with my hands-on experience in the signage and shop fitting industries—I am confident in my ability to contribute significantly to your operational efficiency and service excellence.

Over the past 20 years, I have successfully managed fast-paced environments, ensuring timely and accurate order fulfilment, implementing inventory management systems, and maintaining strict safety and quality standards. I supervised teams of 30 permanent staff and numerous subcontractors, coordinated logistics for incoming and outgoing materials, and reduced inventory discrepancies through better process documentation and staff training.

I take pride in fostering a team culture that values accountability, communication, and continuous improvement. I am customer centric and I always strive to create a positive customer experience at every stage of the customer journey.  I understand the importance of precise handling of custom signage, both for brand integrity and customer satisfaction.

I would welcome the opportunity to bring my operational expertise, leadership skills, and attention to detail to help ensure your signage warehouse runs smoothly and efficiently.

AVANT GARDE ARCHITECTURAL SIGNS
Signage Manufacturer
April 2024 - Present
I am the go-to person at Avant Garde. From loading in stock, to sorting,
organizing the floor space and stock on hand. Creating easier workflow
in areas to ease pinch points. I am involved in production of the signs,
from water-jetting materials, repairing the CNC machines. Setting up
the files for the CNC router and running the router. Prepping the units
for paint and powder-coating. Running electrics for LED lighting.
Programming of digital signboards and correcting the graphics files for
upload onto the digital boards. Vinyl installations. Setting up the
graphic files and printing of all the ADA compliant signs on the UV
printer and operating the Roland print and cut. I am comfortable
installing signs on my own as well as being part of a team. Whilst I am
aware of the dangers of working at height, I am not afraid of working
at height.
When I get a spare moment, I am learning how to spray paint.
I am currently working on implementing a cross company
computerized system from the design office through all the
manufacturing departments to dispatch and installation crews.
This will include a full feed-back reporting function and cross company
communication platform to centralize job and production specific
information.
My day is not limited to any of the above and I am equally
comfortable dealing with the clients over the phone and on-site
meetings, as I am on the production floor.
 

UNLIMITED BUSINESS SOLUTIONS
Managing Director
April 2008 – March 2024
I started the business from my home with just my wife and I selling,
installing and servicing industrial catering equipment.
Being selective and cherry picking our customers, we managed to
build a large client base servicing several A grade establishments.
In 2012 I opened a full service shopfitting and equipment division of
Unlimited Business Solutions, servicing a nice market of quick build small
upmarket food outlets.
2015 we moved exclusively into the turn-key shop fitting space. Adding
a signage division 6 months later. From design to work-flow plans,
shopfitting, computer networks and CCTV we were able to build highquality,
low-cost outlets for our courier clients. During Covid, we were
handing over completed retail outlets every 4 days to our courier client
– The Courier Guy. We have designed and built over 200 branches for
them throughout South Africa over the past 10 years. This includes
several depots. All of them turn-key.
My project management and sales skills have been honed during this
time and I thrive under pressure.
 

LETHABO HOLDINGS
General Manager – Executive Chef
June 2005 – March 2008
Operational Duties (50 % of the time):
Responsible for all catering of a 150 acre estate
Oversee the grounds, cleaning and housekeeping staff
Hands on in construction projects from design to operation
Organize client and sales meetings
Office administration including answering client and supplier emails
Creating all advertising and marketing material both print and online
Organize and chair all event production meetings
Oversee the grounds crew, housekeeping and the kitchen
Supervise goods received for quality.
General maintenance beyond the scope of the grounds crew
Executive Chef Duties (50% of the time):
Menu planning
Menu costing
Client tastings and final sign off for events
Opening the venue and getting the venue crew briefed as to the day's
events
Checking kitchen crew preparations for the day and advising timing
schedules
Overseeing meal preparation throughout the day
Ensuring all occupational health and safety regulations are adhered to
Hands on cooking during crunch times and when staff were on leave
Post event equipment maintenance

University of Johannesburg
National higher diploma in Food service management
School of tourism and hospitality
January 1995 – December 1997
Work Site Safety
July 2024 – August 2024
Certified in Indoor and Outdoor Crane Safety – Fall Prevention – Mobile
Elevating Work Platforms – WHMIS 2015
3m Fall arrest certification. Leavitt