I would describe myself as someone who is result driven, both motivated and motivator, adaptable, punctual and loves attention to detail. Having lived and worked in Botswana for over a decade has allowed me to work with, learn from and adapt to various cultures. I have 29 years experience in the Retail Industry. Having grown and developed through the ranks over the last 2 decades within the FMCG sector, one summary of retail has always remained the same: Retail is Detail!
I am a dedicated retail professional with a history of meeting company goals utilizing consistent and organized practices. Skilled in working under pressure and adapting to new situations and challenges to best enhance the organizational brand.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages
Work History
Co-owner
Silver Orchid company
08.2021 - Current
Importing retail and professional beauty-related products and equipment from Australia and America
Extending cost on invoice to calculate profitability for stock imported.
Warehousing and shipping goods to various beauty salons and third-party distributors throughout SA
Repair and maintenance of equipment
Planning and controlling cost on marketing and advertising through various promotions and digital marketing platforms.
Oversee financial management tasks, including budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow optimization.
Branch Manager
Pick 'n Pay Family Stores
04.2014 - 08.2021
Together with departmental managers enabled day to day running of business and adhering to standards as set out by Pick n Pay Franchise division
Overseeing purchasing of stock to optimize service level and control stock levels
Overseeing weekly stock take of service departments and hazard items
Completed filings and upheld strict compliance with regulatory agencies and supervisors.
Analyzed business processes to identify cost savings and operational efficiencies.
Manage and control overall wastage and shrinkage thereby optimizing profitability and service levels
Planning and Implementation of new business development as set out by Franchise Division and in agreement with business owner
In-house training and development of all departmental managers as and when required by Franchise Division on new and ongoing business-related matters
Ensuring business complies with all Labour, OHS, and Food safety-related requirements as set out by Franchise Division.
Managing over 60 staff members
Implemented effective sales strategies to achieve branch targets and exceed expectations consistently.
Utilized data-driven insights to make informed decisions regarding staffing levels during peak seasons thereby maintaining smooth functioning of branch operations.
Continuously monitored branch performance against key performance indicators, taking corrective actions as needed to ensure objectives were met or exceeded.
Increased branch profitability by implementing cost-saving measures and streamlining operational processes.
Director
Counton Investments (Twizza Botswana)
05.2012 - 04.2014
Overall operations of business
Importing stock from SA to Botswana
Marketing, selling and merchandising of stock into Retail and Wholesale sector. Through close collaboration and negotiations of each respective Buyers in various groups
Planning of logistics to ensure all deliver are made timeously and cost effectively
Controlling and updating stock rotation of stock
Controlling of cost to company expenses related to importing, warehousing, marketing, distribution, merchandising and staffing requirements.
Reporting to directors monthly on business growth, profitability and financial status
Training and development of employees in their various departments and daily operations.
Implemented innovative solutions to solve complex problems, resulting in increased productivity and streamlined operations.
Increased company revenue by streamlining processes and implementing cost-saving measures.
Managed daily operations while overseeing multiple locations to foster increased productivity.
Oversaw operations and provided corrective feedback to achieve daily and long-term goals.
Monitored expenditures to mitigate risk of overages.
Supervised creation of exciting merchandise displays to catch attention of store customers.
Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue, and effectively targeting new markets.
Operations Executive Retail Division
Sefcash Head Office
04.2010 - 04.2011
Daily general operations of business as per company's requirements and policies
Interviewing of potential Managers, performance review, disciplinary action and conducting appraisal
Motivating managers to increase sales and ensure efficiency by means of training and development
Planning and conducting new store development or takeover in terms of Take over stock take, store merchandising layout, pricing of stock, training and implementation of all operational functions as per company requirements
Placing of store opening stock and promotional stock
Comparing and approving of final promotions
Compiling and pricing of KVI lines to be forwarded to all stores for activation on monthly basis
Monitoring and managing stock levels (taking into consideration influencing factors) to make key decisions concerning stock control
Approving JAB orders allocated in to stores or DC
Approval of range and suppliers to be listed or delisted as per store's customer requirements and size.
Analyzing all information to guide store managers with strategic business decisions for continuous business improvement
Analyzing and communicating business financials (Profit and Loss Report) to all concerned, implementing plans on maintaining and improving set budgeted
Promoting business locally by organizing customer days with participating suppliers, additional in store promotions and use of media
Maintaining awareness of local market trends and monitoring what local competitors are doing to assist in business adapting and remaining competitive
Ensuring standards for quality and customer service are met and improved on continuously
Planning and organizing further development and improvements on existing business.
Reduced operational costs through the identification of inefficiencies and implementation of cost-saving measures.
Coordinated seamless communication between departments, resulting in enhanced collaboration efforts across the organization.
Collaborated with executive leadership on key initiatives, providing valuable insights from an operational perspective.
Assisted in the development of long-term strategies that supported sustainable growth for the company.
Strategically coordinated operations according to objectives and capabilities, effectively allocating resources to meet demands
Defined strategic goals to drive resource allocation, capability requirements and budgeting activities.
Negotiated supplier discounts to improve bottom line.
Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
Reduced operational risks while organizing data to forecast performance trends.
Managed cross-functional teams, ensuring successful completion of projects within deadlines and budget constraints.
Implemented innovative solutions that addressed ongoing challenges faced by the organization, leading to successful outcomes.
Forecasted business needs accurately, allowing for appropriate resource allocation and staffing decisions.
Optimized supply chain management to ensure effective inventory control and reduced lead times for customers.
Oversaw daily operations activities, ensuring smooth functioning across all departments while maintaining high-quality standards.
General Manager
Sefalana Hyper (Sefcash)
07.2008 - 04.2010
Daily general operations of business as per company's requirements and policies
Analyzing all information to guide departmental managers with strategic business decisions for continuous business improvement
Monitoring and managing stock levels (taking into consideration influencing factors) to make key decisions concerning stock control
Motivating managers to increase sales and ensure efficiency by means of training and development
Analyzing and communicating business financials (Profit and Loss Report) to all concerned, implementing plans on maintaining and improving set budgeted
Chairing monthly Shop stewards, Sales committee, Loss control, Debtors (age analysis), Banner group and Technical Union committee, meetings
Promoting business locally by organizing customer days with participating suppliers, additional in store promotions and use of media
Maintaining awareness of local market trends and monitoring what local competitors are doing to assist in business adapting and remaining competitive
Ensuring standards for quality and customer service are met and improved on continuously
Planning and organizing further development and improvements on existing business
Meetings with suppliers to obtain additional deals or discounts, increasing additional income through advertising and marketing claims to suppliers.
Drove the successful execution of numerous large-scale events/promotions while closely managing costs/budgetary constraints associated with event planning/management activities.
Managed budget development, forecasting, and financial reporting processes to track progress towards organizational objectives accurately.
Directed comprehensive sales efforts to exceed revenue targets consistently while maintaining customer satisfaction levels.
Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
Store Manager
Shoprite
10.2004 - 11.2005
Overall responsibilities for stock, cash, maintenance on building, all departments and managers
Enforcing company rules and regulations and supplying training where necessary
Random checks on cash office and receiving
Monthly salary calculations
Controlling store expenses
Informing managers of new activities in store
Planning and conducting meetings with managers and store supervisors
Overseeing all staff schedules for departments
Ensuring that customers receive highest level of service and giving training to staff where needed
Overseeing general housekeeping of store and back store area
Reviewing training of new trainee managers.
Ensuring that correct mark-up is used with extension of invoices.
Seeing that best possible service level is obtained in all departments.
Branch Manager
OK FOODS
06.2003 - 09.2004
Overall responsibilities for stock, cash, maintenance on building, all departments and managers
Enforcing company rules and regulations and supplying training where necessary
Random checks on cash office and receiving
Monthly salary calculations
Controlling of store expenses
Informing managers on new activities in store
Planning and conducting meetings with managers and store supervisors
Overseeing all staff schedules for departments
Ensuring that customers receive highest level of service and giving training to staff where needed.
Overseeing general housekeeping of store and back store area
Reviewing training of new trainee managers
Ensuring that correct mark-up are used with extension of invoices
Seeing that best possible service level is obtained in all departments.
Assistant Manager
Shoprite
07.2002 - 06.2003
Ordering of dry groceries and non-foods
Ensuring stock received is stock ordered
Reporting any problems with stock supply to group buyer
Obtaining best service level at all times
Planning and leading all new merchandising and layout.
Overseeing stock counters, keeping system updated on stock levels
Managing all dry groceries and non-foods supervisors and assistants
Employing of staff and appointing supervisors through Branch Manager
Training of new staff and assisting in training of new trainee managers
Overseeing perishable/Service department Manager
Assisting in front end and customer care
Ensuring that all damages and expired stock is returned to appropriate suppliers
Leasing with reps on call days, delivery days, new products and in store deals
That housekeeping standards are adhered to
Planning and overseeing stock take preparations and actual stock take
Controlling shrinkage by enforcing company policy on Loss control.
Perishables/Service department Manager
Shoprite
11.2001 - 01.2002
Overseeing orders placed
Placing order on promotion stock in advance
Checking that stock received is stock actually ordered
Assist with receiving of stock as to be assured of quality, shelf life and condition of fresh produce, temperature of delivered goods, weight of weighted items. Obtaining and maintaining best possible service level
Ensuring that damaged and expired stock is returned to supplier if possible.
Employing and disciplining of staff when necessary
Training of staff on stock ordering, rotation culling and freshness
Managing and scheduling of all supervisors and shop assistants
Ensuring that housekeeping standards in all departments.
Perishables/Service department Manager
Pick 'n Pay Family Stores
04.1994 - 11.2001
Overseeing orders placed
Placing order on promotion stock in advance
Checking that stock received is stock actually ordered
Assist with receiving of stock as to be assured of quality, shelf life and condition of fresh produce, temperature of delivered goods, weight of weighed items
Obtaining and maintaining best possible service level
Ensuring that damaged and expired stock is returned to supplier if possible
Employing and disciplining of staff when necessary
Training of staff on stock ordering, rotation culling and freshness
Managing and scheduling of all supervisors and shop assistants
Ensuring that housekeeping standards are met in all departments.