Deborah Julies
Gqeberha
Summary
Experienced operational leader with more than 20 years of progressive leadership experience managing large-scale, customer-focused operations within high-volume environments.
Currently responsible for multi-site business operations comprising 17 locations, over 150 team members, and an annual revenue of approximately R277 million. Proven success in driving operational excellence, customer experience, financial performance, talent development, and business growth.
Recognized for building high-performing teams, developing future leaders, improving operational efficiencies, and maintaining strong compliance and service standards. Demonstrate ability to lead through change, manage complex operations, and deliver sustainable commercial results while creating positive workplace cultures.
Seeking to leverage extensive operational leadership experience into a Deputy General Manager role within the hospitality sector. where strong people leadership, customer-centric thinking, and commercial acumen can contribute to exceptional guest experiences and business success.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Area Manager
PEP Stores
Gqeberha
01.2007 - Current
- Directed multi-site operations across 17 business locations
- Led more than 150 employees through a team of departmental leaders.
- Drove customer service excellence and operational standards across all locations.
- Managed budgets, labour productivity, financial performance, and cost controls.
- Developed leadership pipelines through succession planning and coaching.
- Ensured consistent delivery of operational, compliance, and service standards.
- Collaborated with senior leadership to execute strategic business objectives.
- Managed performance improvement initiatives to enhance customer satisfaction and business results.
Risk Controller
PEP Stores
Overberg
09.2005 - 01.2007
- Supported stores in loss prevention and risk mitigation strategies.
- Conducted audits and facilitated stock take processes.
- Implemented robust financial controls to minimise risk and protect organisational assets.
- Conducted investigations into financial records and operational discrepancies.
- Ensured compliance with company policies, operational standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Built strong relationships with store teams, providing guidance, support, and operational coaching.
- Developed managerial capabilities and gained valuable business ownership and operational management experience.
- Awarded Best Risk Controller in the Southern Division for the 2005/2006 financial year in recognition of outstanding performance in stock loss prevention, operational compliance, and financial risk management.
Store Manager & Store Trainer
PEP Stores
Kleinmond
09.2001 - 09.2005
- Managed day-to-day store operations within a fast-paced retail environment, consistently achieving business KPAs.
- Drove sales growth, controlled costs, mitigated risks, and minimised stock losses.
- Managed store budgets and controlled expenses to ensure financial targets were achieved.
- Oversaw stock management and inventory control processes to optimise operational efficiency.
- Analysed sales data to identify trends, forecast demand, and improve merchandising execution.
- Prepared detailed store performance reports for senior management to support strategic planning.
- Recruited, trained, coached, and developed staff to achieve operational and sales objectives.
- Conducted performance reviews and implemented succession planning initiatives.
- Selected as a Store Trainer responsible for training, coaching, and mentoring newly appointed Store Managers on company operations, leadership standards, customer service excellence, and operational compliance.
- Supported the development of new Store Managers by sharing operational best practices and strengthening leadership capability within the business.
- Managed customer complaints and resolved escalations while maintaining high customer satisfaction levels.
- Collaborated with HR on recruitment, interviewing, and onboarding of new employees.
Sales Assistant
PEP Stores
Kleinmond
07.1996 - 09.2001
- Delivered excellent customer service and supported daily retail operations.
- Assisted customers with product selection and provided detailed product knowledge.
- Supported stock management, merchandising, cash handling, and promotional activities.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve sales targets and operational objectives.
- Maintained store presentation and ensured compliance with health and safety standards.
- Demonstrated integrity, accountability, and a proactive approach to achieving business goals.
Education
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) - Retail Management
Mancosa, Member of Honoris United Universities
01.2025
Higher Certificate - Business Management
Mancosa, Member of Honoris United Universities
01.2022
Matric -
Swartberg High School
01.1993
Skills
- Leadership & Team Development
- FMCG Operations
- Regional Retail Management
- Multi-site Operations Management
- Sales & Customer Service Excellence
- Commercial Execution
- KPI Management
- Business Performance Optimisation
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Financial Forecasting & Budget Control
- P&L Oversight
- Cost Management
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Customer Experience Strategy
- Retail Operations Leadership
- Team Performance Management
- Risk Management & Loss Prevention
- Retail Loss Prevention
- Stock & Inventory Control
- Merchandising & Promotional Execution
- Operational Auditing
- Succession Planning
- Talent Development Mastery
- Talent Review
- Change Management
- Retail Marketing
- Sales Techniques
- Staff Training & Development
- Coaching & Mentorship
- Diversity & Inclusion Advocacy
- Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
- Communication & Interpersonal Skills
- Presentations & Proposals
- Computer Literacy
- Time Management
Timeline
Area Manager
PEP Stores
01.2007 - Current
Risk Controller
PEP Stores
09.2005 - 01.2007
Store Manager & Store Trainer
PEP Stores
09.2001 - 09.2005
Sales Assistant
PEP Stores
07.1996 - 09.2001
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) - Retail Management
Mancosa, Member of Honoris United Universities
Higher Certificate - Business Management
Mancosa, Member of Honoris United Universities
Matric -
Swartberg High School
Accomplishments
- Regional Manager relief experience
- Financial management
- Compliance oversight
- Regional reporting exposure
- Manage 17 retail stores with an annual turnover of approximately R277 million
- Achieved 2.3% year-on-year growth
- Maintained stock losses below 1% against the company benchmark of 2%
- Achieved an efficiency ratio of 109%
- Exceptional Retention Maintained by having 0% controllable turnover of permanent Store Managers
- Team Development success: Developed multiple internal promotions into leadership positions
- Awarded Best Risk Controller in Southern Division (2005-2006)
Websites, Portfolios and Profiles
linkedin.com/in/deborah-julies-890918b3
Awards
- Sikula Kunye Award Recipient
- 2014
- 2016
- Nominated and recognised by colleagues and team members for demonstrating exceptional passion, integrity, leadership, and commitment to company values.
References
Available upon request
Websites, Portfolios and Profiles
linkedin.com/in/deborah-julies-890918b3
Awards
- Sikula Kunye Award Recipient
- 2014
- 2016
- Nominated and recognised by colleagues and team members for demonstrating exceptional passion, integrity, leadership, and commitment to company values.
References
Available upon request