Zalfa El-Harake: Expert in Sales, Procurement, and Management
With over 15 years of experience in global purchasing across multiple industries and six years as an entrepreneur, I am a seasoned professional with a proven track record in sales, procurement, and management. My career spans sectors such as hair care, beauty care, baby care, fabric & home care, IT, and food industries, supporting 25 brands. My strategic and tactical expertise, combined with project management skills, has enabled me to optimize supply chains, set up new plants, and develop innovative solutions tailored to industry needs.
Professional Highlights:
Founder & CEO of Z&C Switzerland Sàrl, Swiss TaskForce, SANMP (Swiss Association of Non-Woven Mask Producers) and zaWash
- Provided strategic consulting, trading, and brokerage in fats, oils, and derivatives.
- Managed purchasing, sales, customer service, and strategic consulting for SMEs.
- Developed and trained Key Account Managers and engaged in non-woven trading and mask production.
- Co-founded a Type IIR mask production plant in Geneva during a critical consultancy period for the Geneva Government.
- Raised 750K CHF to establish the mask plant in just four months.
- Established the association to support and protect Swiss non-woven mask producers.
- Launched zaWash in Switzerland and France, an on-demand waterless car wash service.
- Successfully raised 950K CHF in capital.
- Developed the brand, concept, franchise, and organizational structure in France and the UK.
Procurement Professional at Procter & Gamble (Jun 2003 - Feb 2018)
- Identified short-term savings projects and developed global and local strategies for targeted savings and innovations.
- Championed competitive bidding using e-tools and reverse e-auctions.
- Managed acquisitions, bankruptcies, new plant transitions, and plant shutdowns without supply interruptions.
- Led global teams and value stream mapping for a global supplier in Asia.
Skills & Competences:
- Business Administration
- Client and Supplier Relationship Management
- Strategic Account Management
- Negotiation Tactics
- Advanced Presentation Skills
- Project Management
- Supply Chain Optimization
- Team Financial Reporting
- Global and Local Strategy Development
- Competitive Bidding
- Leadership and People Management
Industry Knowledge:
1. Chemicals:
Specialty chemicals, commodity chemicals, and various industrial chemicals (fatty acids, alcohols, PKO derivatives, citric acids, etc...). Plastics, nonwovens, absorbent jelly material, baby diaper related plastics.
2. Packaging: Expertise in flexible packaging with multiple layers.
3. Services: Proficient in IT resources, licenses, software, telecom, and hardware.
Education & IT Skills:
- MASPALA (Purchasing and Supply Chain), University of Geneva (2008-2010)
- Bachelor, Business School Geneva (1996-1998)
- Baccalauréat, Collège du Léman (1995)
- Proficient in SAP, Microsoft Office, and ERPs architecture
Fluent in French, English, Italian, Arabic, and Spanish, I bring a diverse and dynamic approach to business, ensuring effective communication and relationship building across cultures. My dedication and emotional intelligence enable me to thrive under pressure and excel in people management, driving success in every project I undertake.
Strategy Workshop
Key Account Management training
On-going consulting
Type IIR Mask design and homologation
Plant building with 2 production lines
Redesign of packaging
Supply chain consultancy
Company positioning + strategy, mission, vision
African sardine business study setup