Christine Matamela
Loss & Prevention Manager
Johannesburg
Summary
Dynamic Loss Prevention Manager with a proven track record at Leroy Merlin, skilled in investigation techniques and staff leadership. Successfully reduced inventory shrinkage through robust loss prevention programs, enhancing security and customer satisfaction. Adept at access control and incident reporting, fostering a safe shopping environment while driving team performance.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Loss Prevention Manager
Leroy Merlin
08.2024 - 05.2025
- Monitored paperwork procedures to prevent error-related losses.
- Performed thorough cash audits and deposit investigations.
- Increased customer satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns related to theft or security breaches within the shopping environment.
- Spearheaded internal investigations when necessary, preserving the integrity of the organization and protecting its assets from potential harm.
- Collaborated with store management to create effective action plans for addressing identified vulnerabilities.
- Collaborated with law enforcement to report crime and suspicious activity.
- Assisted law enforcement with apprehending shoplifters and provided detailed reports for successful prosecution.
- Improved store security by implementing comprehensive loss prevention programs and strategies.
- Led a team of loss prevention associates, providing guidance and support in their daily tasks and responsibilities.
- Enhanced employee awareness of loss prevention practices by conducting regular training sessions.
- Installed and maintained covert security equipment.
- Oversaw inventory tracking procedures, making certain accurate record-keeping was maintained consistently across all departments.
- Reduced inventory shrinkage through meticulous monitoring of merchandise and thorough investigations.
- Conducted audits on high-risk merchandise, ensuring proper inventory control measures were in place.
- Managed schedules and workloads efficiently among loss prevention personnel while maintaining optimal coverage during peak hours or high-traffic events.
- Supervised surveillance, detection and criminal processing related to theft and criminal cases.
- Analyzed data from various sources to identify patterns, trends, and areas of concern related to theft or fraud within the store environment.
- Implemented robust access control systems at critical points throughout the facility, minimizing unauthorized entry risks.
- Developed comprehensive emergency response plans for various scenarios, enhancing overall safety within the store premises.
- Participated in regional loss prevention meetings to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices for safeguarding business assets effectively.
- Evaluated surveillance equipment performance and recommended upgrades or replacements when necessary.
- Trained loss prevention staff, retail managers and store employees on loss control and prevention measures.
- Worked closely with law enforcement in investigating and solving theft and fraud cases.
- Established strong relationships with local law enforcement agencies, improving communication and collaborative efforts to prevent retail crime.
- Monitored CCTV footage regularly for suspicious activity, enabling swift response to potential threats or incidents.
- Conducted daily store walk-throughs to identify potential security risks.
- Supported audits, shortage control initiatives, apprehensions, and disposition by preparing and reviewing associated paperwork.
- Trained personnel on security best practices, protocols and procedures.
- Attentively monitored store and surrounding areas for signs of attempted theft by customers or personnel, intervening when necessary.
- Investigated and documented thefts and suspicious activity to improve issue prevention.
- Completed incident reports and activity logs for accurate, current records.
- Generated comprehensive reports documenting evidence of attempted theft and recovered merchandise.
- Calmly and efficiently addressed emergency situations such as safety hazards and threats to life or property, deescalating when possible, and directing shoppers to safety.
- Interviewed suspects, customers and witnesses to obtain helpful information and statements.
- Observed video surveillance systems for prompt emergency response.
- Patrolled store premises to detect and prevent shoplifting and security breaches.
- Collaborated with law enforcement to detain and prosecute theft perpetrators, appearing in court hearings to provide honest and full eyewitness testimony of events.
- Responded quickly to emergency alarms and calls for assistance for improved issue prevention.
- Created and maintained records of security incidents and investigations.
- Worked with auditors to conduct investigations into suspected theft or fraud by internal personnel.
Head of Department
Leroy Merlin
10.2021 - 08.2024
- Improved customer satisfaction rates through attentive service, prompt issue resolution, and continuous process improvements.
- Provided ongoing staff development opportunities through training programs, workshops, and regular feedback sessions.
- Oversaw inventory management processes, maintaining optimal stock levels while minimizing waste and losses due to shrinkage or obsolescence.
- Led a team of professionals to consistently achieve or exceed performance targets.
- Optimized scheduling practices to ensure adequate staffing during peak business hours without sacrificing employee satisfaction or budgetary constraints.
- Advised upper management on key decisions based on thorough analysis of sales trends, market conditions, and competitor activities.
- Implemented quality control measures that resulted in improved products or services within the department offerings.
- Collaborated with other departments to ensure seamless coordination in achieving company-wide objectives.
- Implemented cross-training initiatives for employees, increasing overall departmental knowledge and versatility.
- Enhanced department efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing time-saving strategies.
- Evaluated employee performance fairly and accurately, rewarding hard work while addressing areas needing improvement.
- Contributed to the creation of long-term strategic plans that aligned with the company''s overall vision and goals.
- Managed projects efficiently from inception to completion ensuring timely delivery within budget constraints.
- Assisted in talent acquisition efforts, hiring top candidates to strengthen the department''s capabilities.
- Increased productivity by identifying bottlenecks and implementing targeted solutions.
- Established clear performance expectations for staff members which led to increased accountability.
- Maintained a professional work environment by addressing conflicts proactively and fostering open communication among staff members.
- Developed strong relationships with suppliers, securing better deals and ensuring timely deliveries.
- Fostered culture of continuous improvement, leading to notable enhancements in staff performance and morale.
- Cultivated strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring support for departmental initiatives and goals.
- Increased customer satisfaction with proactive issue resolution strategies.
- Developed comprehensive risk management strategy, mitigating potential obstacles to departmental success.
- Implemented customer feedback mechanisms, leading to significant improvements in product offerings and service quality.
- Developed and executed innovative promotions, driving increased foot traffic and sales.
- Improved operational efficiency with introduction of cutting-edge technology solutions.
- Streamlined inventory management processes, resulting in more efficient replenishment system and reduced stock shortages.
- Facilitated team meetings to ensure alignment with organizational goals and to foster open communication.
- Conducted competitive analysis to identify market trends, informing strategic planning and decision-making.
- Enhanced team productivity by implementing streamlined workflow processes.
- Coordinated training programs for new employees, significantly reducing learning curve and enhancing productivity.
- Oversaw departmental budgets to ensure financial efficiency, leading to significant reduction in unnecessary expenditures.
- Championed customer-first approach, significantly enhancing customer experience and loyalty.
- Led cross-functional teams in high-priority projects, ensuring successful outcomes within tight deadlines.
- Negotiated with suppliers to secure cost-effective purchasing agreements, impacting bottom line positively.
- Analyzed sales data to identify opportunities for growth and areas for improvement, informing strategic direction.
- Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- Leveraged data and analytics to make informed decisions and drive business improvements.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Developed detailed plans based on broad guidance and direction.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Set aggressive targets for employees to drive company success and strengthen motivation.
- Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
- Reduced waste and pursued revenue development strategies to keep department aligned with sales and profit targets.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Identified and communicated customer needs to supply chain capacity and quality teams.
- Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
- Improved staffing during busy periods by creating employee schedules and monitoring call-outs.
- Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
- Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
Inventory Manager
Leroy Merlin
05.2020 - 09.2021
- Created and updated regular inventory reports and records.
- Maintained sufficient inventory levels to meet customer demands at all times.
- Enhanced inventory accuracy by conducting regular audits and implementing efficient tracking systems.
- Labeled, organized and located inventory items in staging areas or on shelves according to quantity, size, or type of material.
- Analyzed inventory data to identify and address stock discrepancies.
- Reduced stock discrepancies with thorough monitoring of inventory levels and timely resolution of issues.
- Participated in regular cycle counts to confirm accuracy of inventory records.
- Maintained high levels of customer satisfaction through efficient handling of orders, prompt issue resolution, and effective communication channels with clients.
- Coordinated with suppliers to guarantee timely delivery of inventory and materials.
- Achieved operational excellence by continuously improving processes, systems, and procedures related to inventory management.
- Designed and implemented successful inventory control system to track inventory levels and optimize stock levels.
- Monitored inventory levels to confirm compliance with company policy.
- Maximized storage capacity by effectively organizing warehouse layout and implementing space-saving techniques.
- Collaborated with purchasing department to optimize procurement strategies, ensuring appropriate stock levels at all times.
- Improved order fulfillment rates by closely monitoring stock availability and promptly addressing shortages.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement within the team by encouraging idea generation and problem-solving initiatives.
- Strengthened inventory processes to balance supply needs with budget and space limitations.
- Developed comprehensive reporting system to provide insights into inventory performance.
- Conducted thorough training for new staff to ensure high standards of inventory management.
- Improved warehouse organization, leading to more efficient retrieval system.
- Increased efficiency in inventory turnover, reducing holding costs and increasing cash flow.
- Improved inventory accuracy, ensuring that stock levels closely matched records through regular audits.
- Streamlined inventory management processes, significantly reducing waste and improving efficiency.
- Coordinated with sales and marketing teams to align inventory with promotional activities, boosting sales.
- Trained new staff on job duties, company policies, and safety procedures for rapid onboarding.
- Developed and maintained knowledgeable and productive team of employees.
- Integrated warehouse operations with existing and new business processes.
Department Manager
Leroy Merlin
09.2019 - 09.2021
- Initiated sustainability program, reducing waste and promoting environmentally friendly practices within department.
- Enhanced department visibility by leading development of new online presence, including revamped website and social media engagement.
- Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
- Trained personnel in equipment maintenance and enforced participation in exercises focused on developing key skills.
- Improved customer satisfaction rates through attentive service, prompt issue resolution, and continuous process improvements.
- Oversaw inventory management processes, maintaining optimal stock levels while minimizing waste and losses due to shrinkage or obsolescence.
- Led a team of professionals to consistently achieve or exceed performance targets.
- Optimized scheduling practices to ensure adequate staffing during peak business hours without sacrificing employee satisfaction or budgetary constraints.
- Managed projects efficiently from inception to completion ensuring timely delivery within budget constraints.
- Assisted in talent acquisition efforts, hiring top candidates to strengthen the department''s capabilities.
Store Manager
Gelmar PTY LTD
12.2016 - 09.2019
- Managed daily operations to ensure smooth functioning of the store, maintaining a clean, safe environment for customers and employees.
- Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures.
- Assisted with hiring, training and mentoring new staff members.
- Completed point of sale opening and closing procedures.
- Improved customer satisfaction through staff training in customer service and product knowledge.
- Maximized sales and minimized shrinkage through excellent customer service and adherence to standard practices.
- Maximized sales by creating innovative visual merchandising displays and store layouts.
- Managed store employees successfully in fast-paced environment through proactive communication and positive feedback.
- Maintained proper product levels and inventory controls for merchandise and organized backroom to facilitate effective ordering and stock rotation.
- Oversaw loss prevention efforts, minimizing shrinkage by implementing effective security measures and training staff on proper procedures.
- Reconciled daily sales transactions to balance and log day-to-day revenue.
- Supervised guests at front counter, answering questions regarding products.
- Mentored new hires during their onboarding process, ensuring they were well-equipped to excel in their roles from day one.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, policies by regularly reviewing store procedures and taking corrective measures when necessary.
- Maintained open lines of communication with corporate headquarters, sharing pertinent information about store performance and requesting support when needed.
- Collaborated with other managers to develop company-wide initiatives aimed at improving overall performance across all locations.
- Developed a successful employee retention plan, reducing staff turnover rates significantly.
- Negotiated with vendors to introduce new products that matched consumer trends, keeping store's offerings fresh and appealing.
- Improved efficiency and accuracy of inventory management by implementing new stock control system.
- Reduced employee turnover by creating supportive work environment and recognizing outstanding performance.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends and adjust inventory accordingly, preventing stockouts of popular items.
- Implemented loss prevention strategies, significantly reducing shrinkage.
- Implemented customer feedback system to address and quickly rectify any issues, thereby enhancing customer loyalty.
- Improved store layout for better customer flow and product visibility, leading to increase in average purchase size.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
- Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
Sales Assistant
Gelmar PTY LTD
06.2016 - 12.2016
- Handled customer inquiries, complaints, and returns professionally, ensuring a positive experience for all clients.
- Increased sales by building strong customer relationships and providing excellent service.
- Helped customers locate products and checked store system for merchandise at other sites.
- Assisted customers in making informed decisions by offering detailed product knowledge and comparisons.
- Processed transactions accurately while maintaining a high level of customer service.
- Boosted store revenue through upselling and cross-selling techniques.
- Updated product displays regularly, keeping store appearance fresh and appealing.
- Managed inventory levels to minimize stockouts and overstock situations, ensuring optimal product availability.
- Identified upselling opportunities, contributing to increase in average transaction value.
- Conducted weekly inventory audits to ensure accuracy in stock levels.
- Managed efficient cash register operations.
Floor Supervisor
@Home TFG
04.2014 - 01.2016
- Held team meetings to gain feedback, provide updates and set policies.
- Streamlined daily processes for increased efficiency, implementing new procedures and best practices.
- Resolved conflicts among staff members diplomatically, maintaining a harmonious working environment conducive to productivity.
- Met with management to discuss work plans and develop enhancements and strategies to achieve operational objectives.
- Offered hands-on assistance to customers, assessing needs, and maintaining current knowledge of consumer preferences.
- Ensured store cleanliness and safety with consistent inspections and proactive maintenance tasks.
- Managed inventory levels to minimize stock discrepancies, conducting routine audits and adjusting orders accordingly.
- Collaborated with management team for strategic planning purposes, offering valuable insights based on firsthand experience at the floor level.
- Boosted sales through effective merchandising strategies and attention to product placement on the floor.
- Managed store inventories with periodic audits to verify correct counts and adherence to stock management protocols.
- Upheld proper visual merchandising standards on retail floor and windows.
- Coordinated daily floor restocks and merchandise resets to drive sales and product promotion.
- Assigned tasks to team members to complete within designated time frames.
- Scheduled shifts and shift changes to accommodate workload and customer needs.
- Handled day-to-day shipping and receiving overseeing more than packages per day.
Sales Associate
@Home TFG
09.2011 - 04.2014
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Solved customer challenges by offering relevant products and services.
- Achieved monthly sales targets consistently by implementing effective sales strategies and maintaining a high level of product knowledge.
- Assessed customer needs and utilized suggestive selling techniques to drive sales.
- Prepared merchandise for sales floor by pricing or tagging.
- Participated in team meetings and training sessions regularly for continuous professional development within the retail industry.
- Handled cash transactions efficiently while adhering to company cash handling policies, ensuring accuracy in all financial exchanges.
- Managed returns, exchanges and refunds in accordance with store policy.
- Contributed to visual merchandising efforts by creating eye-catching displays that showcased products effectively and enticed shoppers to make purchases.
- Organized in-store promotions and events to increase foot traffic and drive additional sales opportunities.
Education
High School Diploma -
Matric
Astra College 04.2001 -
Skills
Loss prevention assessment programs
Security equipment
Investigation techniques
Access control
Interviews and interrogations
Staff leadership
Evidence collection
Incident reporting
Internal auditing
Operational analysis
Cooking and learning other languages
Learning Korean through series of story telling
Timeline
Loss Prevention Manager
Leroy Merlin
08.2024 - 05.2025
Head of Department
Leroy Merlin
10.2021 - 08.2024
Inventory Manager
Leroy Merlin
05.2020 - 09.2021
Department Manager
Leroy Merlin
09.2019 - 09.2021
Store Manager
Gelmar PTY LTD
12.2016 - 09.2019
Sales Assistant
Gelmar PTY LTD
06.2016 - 12.2016
Floor Supervisor
@Home TFG
04.2014 - 01.2016
Sales Associate
@Home TFG
09.2011 - 04.2014
High School Diploma -
Matric
04.2001 -
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