Mr Thomas Pieterse
About Me
Strategic, SACE-registered educator and high-performance rugby coach with 25 years of experience in athletic development, educational instruction, and business operations. Background includes teaching (Business Studies and Life Orientation), mental skills coaching, and project management, with leadership roles across schools and rugby programs.
Personal Details
Education & Qualifications
Work Experience
Backline and Skills Coach
Performance Analysis
Head Coach under 14 and 15 team
Backline and Skills Coach
Head of Performance Analysis
Head Coach of the Senior Team
Head of Rugby
Performance Analysis
Coaching Educator
Teaching Life Orientation Grade 8 - 12
Head Coach U/15
Head Coach U/16 (Blue Bulls League Winners)
Manage a busy petrol station
Skills
Languages
Licences & Certificates
Personal Traits
Hobbies & Interests
References
Cover Letter
Thomas Pieterse
083 308 7848
[email hidden]
Pretoria
The Hiring Manager
Fast Forward Finance
South Africa
SUBJECT: Application for Business Development Manager (BDM) Role
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am reaching out because I would love to join Fast Forward Finance as a Business Development Manager. While my recent years have been focused on high-performance rugby coaching and educational leadership, I have a strong commercial background. With an Advanced Diploma in Business Management and nearly a decade of experience running a large retail operation, I bring a mix of real-world business grit and strong relationship-building skills that fit perfectly with your agricultural funding model.
Before moving into sports and education full-time, I spent nine years as the General Manager of Petroport Tsitsikamma. Running a massive, high-volume petrol station taught me exactly what it takes to manage tight daily cash flows, deal with complex supply chains, and handle strict compliance audits. I know first-hand the cash-flow pressures that independent business owners face every day. This helps me understand exactly why Forward Finance’s early payment solutions are such a game-changer for growers and contractors, allowing me to pitch your services with genuine understanding.
My qualification in Business Management gives me a solid grasp of financial operations, but my degree in Sport Psychology is what helps me connect with people. I don't view business development as just a numbers game. It is about earning people's trust. Whether sitting down with corporate off-takers or driving out to meet a farmer on-the-ground, I know how to listen, find common ground, and build long-term partnerships.
Additionally, my career as an elite rugby coach has made me highly adaptable and an excellent communicator. In South Africa, being a coach gives you an immediate connection with people from all walks of life. I am used to breaking down complex strategies into clear, simple ideas that anyone can understand, which is exactly what a BDM needs to do when explaining asset-light funding.
I am eager to bring my management experience and relationship skills to Forward Finance to help grow your client book. I would appreciate the chance to have a quick chat or coffee to discuss how I can add value to your team.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Warm regards,
Thomas Pieterse
Advanced Diploma in Business Management | B.Soc.Sci Sport Psychology