Gerard Dorus van den Brink

Chief Operational Officer & Board Member
Elst, NL.

About

Highly accomplished Chief Operational Officer and Board Member with extensive experience across product, procurement, and international sales management. Proven expertise in e-commerce, retail, and logistics, driving significant revenue growth and operational efficiencies. Skilled in leading cross-functional teams, implementing strategic change, and optimizing complex processes to achieve measurable business outcomes across diverse industries.

Work

Origo B.V
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Chief Operational Officer & Board Member

Summary

As Chief Operational Officer and Board Member, led strategic operations, business development, and comprehensive change initiatives across multiple ventures, driving growth and efficiency.

Highlights

Directed comprehensive operational strategies and business development, including new market entry and international client/supplier relations across Europe and Asia.

Led and optimized logistics processes while managing cross-functional teams, overseeing significant operational improvements and a successful company reorganization.

Managed diverse portfolios including sales, procurement, and product management, contributing to the strategic oversight of three affiliated companies (USA2NL BV, Limbama BV, Recywatt BV).

Drove change management and service process improvements, ensuring operational continuity and strategic alignment during periods of significant organizational transformation.

Successfully negotiated with key clients and suppliers, optimizing terms and fostering strong business relationships.

Avans Hogescholen
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External Expert, HBO Small Business & Retail Management Program

Summary

Served as an external expert, evaluating final examination reports and graduation theses for the HBO Small Business & Retail Management program.

Highlights

Reviewed and assessed 2-4 final examination reports twice annually, providing critical feedback on academic rigor and practical application.

Evaluated and graded 2-4 oral HBO graduation theses (SBRM final exams) twice annually, contributing to student assessment.

VME Nederland B.V.
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Senior Procurement Manager / Formula Manager Trendhopper

Summary

Managed category procurement and formula development for Trendhopper, driving revenue, margin, and operational excellence across accessories and furniture.

Highlights

Managed multi-category procurement for accessories and furniture, overseeing budget and P&L responsibility for significant revenue and margin targets.

Developed and managed content for marketing folders and online platforms, enhancing brand visibility and product presentation.

Led negotiations with suppliers and guided franchise stores/entrepreneurs, optimizing purchasing agreements and operational processes.

Directed operational teams and service processes, ensuring efficient supply chain and retail operations.

Kwantum Nederland B.V.
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Senior Buyer Rattan, Small Furniture, Plastics, Cleaning & Specials

Summary

Directed procurement for specific product categories including rattan, small furniture, plastics, and cleaning supplies, with a focus on revenue and margin optimization.

Highlights

Managed end-to-end category procurement for diverse product lines, achieving revenue and margin objectives through strategic purchasing.

Conducted international supplier negotiations and market visits across Europe and Asia, securing favorable terms and sourcing new products.

Guided and supported store operations and entrepreneurs, ensuring consistent product presentation and sales performance.

Developed content for marketing materials and implemented process improvements to enhance operational efficiency.

Techn-O-Tape B.V.
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International Account & Sales Manager

Summary

Managed international and national sales accounts, driving product sales and market expansion through strategic marketing and process improvements.

Highlights

Managed and expanded international and national client accounts, driving sales of end products.

Collaborated on marketing plan development and execution, enhancing market reach and brand presence.

Improved product and production processes in partnership with procurement and R&D, optimizing efficiency and quality.

Coordinated and executed international trade show participation across Europe, America, and the Middle East, expanding market opportunities.

AS Watson
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Buyer General Merchandise

Summary

Managed general merchandise procurement for multiple retail formulas, including new ventures, driving category performance and operational efficiency.

Highlights

Managed diverse product categories for retail formulas including Savers (startup), Kruidvat, and Trekpleister, overseeing significant revenue and margin responsibilities.

Negotiated with international suppliers and conducted market visits across Europe and Asia to optimize product sourcing and terms.

Led operational assistants and implemented process improvements, enhancing efficiency across procurement and webshop operations.

Developed content for promotional materials, ensuring effective product presentation and marketing alignment.

Kwantum Nederland B.V.
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Senior Buyer Furniture & Garden Furniture

Summary

Directed procurement for furniture and garden furniture categories, responsible for revenue, margin, and supplier relations.

Highlights

Managed category procurement for furniture and garden furniture, with full P&L responsibility for significant revenue and margin targets.

Conducted extensive international supplier negotiations and market visits across Europe and Asia, securing optimal purchasing conditions.

Provided guidance to retail stores and entrepreneurs, ensuring consistent product strategy and sales execution.

Oversaw content development for marketing materials and led process improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency.

OTAK Nederland B.V.
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Head of Procurement Accessories & Furniture

Summary

Led procurement for accessories and furniture, overseeing category management, P&L, and team operations.

Highlights

Directed category management for accessories and furniture, responsible for revenue and margin performance.

Managed and led the OTAK procurement team, ensuring efficient operational execution.

Negotiated with suppliers and provided support to retail stores/entrepreneurs, optimizing purchasing and sales processes.

Developed content for marketing materials and implemented process improvements.

OTAK Nederland B.V.
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Buyer Furniture

Summary

Managed furniture procurement, focusing on category management, supplier relations, and retail support.

Highlights

Managed furniture category procurement, including supplier negotiations and market visits across Europe.

Provided guidance and support to retail stores and entrepreneurs, ensuring product alignment and sales effectiveness.

Contributed to process improvement initiatives within the procurement department.

Techn-O-Tape B.V.
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Purchase Manager & MT Member

Summary

Managed product assortment procurement and served as a member of the Management Team, driving operational efficiency and supplier relations.

Highlights

Managed operational procurement for the product assortment, ensuring optimal stock levels and cost efficiency.

Led negotiations with suppliers and directed procurement assistants, streamlining purchasing processes.

Participated in international market visits across Europe and implemented process improvements.

Overtoom International Nederland B.V.
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Product Manager

Summary

Managed product categories for workshop and office furnishings, responsible for revenue, margin, and marketing content.

Highlights

Managed category for workshop and office furnishings, overseeing P&L and budget responsibilities.

Developed and managed content for folders and marketing materials, enhancing product visibility.

Negotiated with suppliers and provided operational guidance to assistants, optimizing product flow.

Participated in international market visits across Europe, identifying new product opportunities.

Freelance Assurancetussenpersoon
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Insurance Broker

Summary

Provided freelance insurance brokerage services, specializing in the sale of mortgages and insurance products to private clients.

Highlights

Sold mortgages and various insurance products to private clients, providing tailored financial solutions.

Overtoom International Nederland B.V.
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Logistics Buyer

Summary

Managed logistics procurement, focusing on planning, inventory management, and process optimization.

Highlights

Managed planning and inventory control, ensuring efficient supply chain operations.

Implemented and improved logistics processes, contributing to operational efficiency.

Volunteer

Libertaire Partij (LP)
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Candidate & Coordinator Education Committee

Summary

Served as a candidate for the 2023 General Election and coordinator for the education committee/scientific institute of the Libertarian Party.

Highlights

Contributed to policy development and political positioning by analyzing documents and defining stances.

Coordinated and planned educational programs for the education committee, enhancing public understanding of party principles.

Actively participated in campaign activities for the General Election, promoting party initiatives and engaging with voters.

Schietsportvereniging Driebergen
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Coordinator Competitions & Events

Summary

Coordinated and managed internal and external competitions and annual events for the Driebergen Shooting Sports Association.

Highlights

Organized and facilitated numerous internal and external competitions and annual events, ensuring smooth execution and participant satisfaction.

Actively involved in the daily management and strategic direction of the association's board.

VVD Rhenen
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Faction Follower (io)

Summary

Contributed to local policy development and political positioning as a faction follower for the VVD in Rhenen, currently involved in founding a new local party.

Highlights

Analyzed policy documents and defined local political stances, contributing to community engagement.

Currently involved in the establishment of a new local political party (as of March 2025), leveraging insights from previous political engagement.

Education

Various Institutions

Basic Course

Chinese Language (Mandarin)

Courses

Basic Chinese Language (Mandarin dialect)

Open Universiteit

Coursework

Business Administration

Courses

1 year of Business Administration coursework

Various Institutions

Coursework

French Language

Courses

French Language Education

ISW

Diploma

Middle Management

VTP

Diploma (B-level)

Insurance Agent

NEVIE MIL

Diploma

Procurement and Logistics

MEAO-CE

Diploma

Commercial Economics

MAVO D-niveau

Diploma

General Secondary Education

Languages

Dutch
English
German
French
Spanish
Chinese (Mandarin)

Certificates

NIMA B

Issued By

NIMA

NIMA A

Issued By

NIMA

NEVI 1

Issued By

NEVI

VTP Erkend Assurantie Agent (B-diploma)

Issued By

VTP

Skills

Management & Leadership

Product Management, Procurement Management, International Sales Management, Category Management, Change Management, Team Leadership, Operational Management, Strategic Planning, Business Development, Cross-functional Collaboration.

Business Operations

E-commerce, Logistics Management, Mail Order, Retail Operations, Marketing Strategy, Process Improvement, Budgeting, P&L Responsibility, Supplier Management, Client Relations, Negotiation.

Industry Expertise

Home Furnishings & Accessories, Office Project Furnishing, Workshop Furnishing, General Merchandise (Electronics, Toys, Sports, Outdoor, Textiles, Decoration), Packaging Materials, Incentives, Photo Finishing, Photo Gifts, Computers, Telecom / Mobile Telephony, Transport.

Software & Technology

Common Business Software, AI Applications.

Project Management

Project Coordination, Concept Development, Sourcing, Styling, Implementation.

Interests

Sports & Hobbies

Motorcycling, Mountain Biking, Fitness, Shooting Sports.

Community & Governance

Politics, Board Activities, Friends, Family Time.

Projects

LVG Advocaten Office Furnishing Project

Summary

Led the comprehensive furnishing project for LVG Advocaten, designing and implementing 10 new workspaces.