Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Emily Rakau

Cape Town

Summary

Team Leader with over 22 years of experience in the retail industry excelling in inventory coordination, customer relationship management, staff management, optimizing trade and health and safety management; with most of the experience obtained at Hilton Weiner, The Group of Quintessential Wear and Cape Union Mart Group.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience

Work History

Corporate Operations Team Leader

Cape Union Mart Group
03.2023 - 09.2025
  • Overlooking the Corporate, Poetry Living and Non Merchandise Products department daily operations.
  • Learned safety protocols and standard operating procedures for team operations
  • Assisted in training new team members on equipment usage and workflow processes
  • Supported daily operational tasks to ensure efficient production schedules
  • Coordinated inventory management and restocking activities to maintain supply levels.
  • Managed the Inbound and Outbound for all the 3 departments
  • Managed the QC process for Poetry Living.
  • Coordinating store product change over and logistics processes.
  • Produced detailed reports outlining performance against benchmarks.
  • Evaluated staff performance and provided coaching to address inefficiencies.
  • Managing the logistics and dispatching of product for offsite and onsite photoshoot.
  • Liaising with the design team with matters of QC findings and working on the best solution to minimize loss.
  • Coordinated team schedules, ensuring optimal staffing levels were maintained at all times.
  • Conducted regular staff training sessions to ensure consistent implementation of best practices across the teams.
  • Developed strong relationships with cross-functional teams to improve communication and collaboration
  • Liaising with suppliers to schedule delivery or collections of product and making sure all processes are followed.
  • Promoted a positive work environment by fostering open communication and encouraging teamwork among employees.
  • Responding to customer service team with customer complaints and advising on the best possible solution for the customer and the the company.
  • Making sure all supplier invoices are submitted to finance for payment.
  • Submitting timesheets to payroll


Assistant Store Leader to Store Leader

Old Khaki
02.2016 - 02.2023
  • Led daily store operations, ensuring optimal staffing and inventory management.
  • Developed and implemented strategies to enhance customer engagement and drive sales growth.
  • Analyzed sales data to inform merchandising decisions and improve product placement effectiveness.
  • Coordinated visual merchandising initiatives, aligning displays with brand standards and seasonal promotions.
  • Oversaw loss prevention efforts, implementing measures to reduce shrinkage, minimize financial losses for the company and ensure store security.
  • Developed strong customer relationships by promoting a culture of delivering exceptional service and personalized attention.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with customers, addressing inquiries and resolving issues promptly.
  • Optimized staff performance through regular training, regular evaluations, coaching sessions, providing constructive feedback and goal-setting initiatives.
  • Established open communication channels with employees to encourage feedback sharing and improve team dynamics.
  • Maintained visual merchandising standards, ensuring an appealing store appearance that attracted customers.
  • Coordinated clearance events to clear shelf space for new product lines.
  • Streamlined inventory management with accurate record-keeping and timely ordering of products.
  • Managing expenses consistently to effectively minimize waste and increase profits.
  • Leading change in the company and implementation of new procedures and campaigns.
  • Driving consistent sales by cultivating competitive and results-driven culture.
  • Involved team members in decision-making processes to empower team and drive continued successes.
  • Managing cash management procedures including reconciling daily transactions; minimized discrepancies and maintained accountability.
  • Increased overall store productivity with effective scheduling, task delegation, and resource allocation.
  • Provided feedback to the design team on product performance.
  • Managed the process of replenishing the store with relevant product for the store to maximise on sales.
  • Recruiting and training new team members.

Managing Director

The Group of Quitessential Wear
09.2010 - 10.2014
  • Creating and designing a range for the store.
  • Identifying business opportunities.
  • Recruiting, training and developing the team.
  • Looking for alternative suppliers locally and internationally.
  • Assisting customers design their desired products.
  • Networking with different business people to forster partnerships and collaborations.
  • Attending different networking sessions to advertise our business.
  • Handling the finances of the business, making sure staff, suppliers and other expenses are paid on time.
  • Responsible for the pricing of all the product to maximise profit while offering competitive prices to our customers.
  • Making sure the company compliance is up to date with different government departments.
  • Analyzed market trends to inform decision-making and identify new business opportunities.
  • Offered leanership and mentorship programs to students in the field of retail and fashion.
  • Strengthened client relationships with regular communication, timely project delivery, and high-quality services.
  • Developed comprehensive business plans, outlining long-term goals and actionable steps toward success.
  • Oversaw complex negotiations with suppliers/vendors for favorable contract terms that led to cost savings.
  • Launched innovative products/services that captured new market share while maintaining competitive pricing structures.
  • Spearheaded development of new product line, significantly expanding company's offerings and customer base.
  • Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
  • Applying for funding with different institutions.


Store Leader

Hilton Weiner Classics
09.2006 - 09.2010
  • Led store operations, optimizing inventory management and enhancing customer experience.
  • Analyzed sales data to inform product placement and merchandising strategies, driving revenue growth.
  • Implemented operational procedures to improve efficiency and reduced waste within store processes.
  • Conducted regular performance evaluations, identifying areas for improvement and providing actionable feedback to staff.
  • Managed budgeting processes and resource allocation, ensuring financial targets were consistently met or exceeded.
  • Optimized staff performance through regular evaluations, coaching sessions, and goal-setting initiatives.
  • Controlled expenses consistently to effectively eliminate waste.
  • Developed strong customer relationships by creating a cultures of delivering exceptional service and personalized attention to our customers.
  • Oversaw cash management procedures including reconciling daily transactions; minimized discrepancies and maintained accountability.
  • Addressed escalated customer complaints professionally, resolving issues promptly to retain loyal clientele base.
  • Managed shrinkage levels through diligent monitoring, staff education, and improved security measures.
  • Maintained attractive, clean and fully stocked store environments to maintain appeal for every customer.
  • Conducted inventory analysis to determine optimal stock levels.
  • Managed efficient cash register operations.
  • Conducted product demonstrations to highlight features and redirect objections to positive aspects.
  • Maintained visual merchandising standards, ensuring an appealing store appearance that attracted customers.
  • Coordinated clearance events to clear shelf space for new product lines.
  • Increased overall store productivity with effective scheduling, task delegation, and resource allocation.
  • Implemented loss prevention strategies to detect theft incidents and minimize financial losses for the company.
  • Achieved sales targets consistently by motivating team members and creating a positive work environment.
  • Gave regular feedback to the design team on the performance on the range for future product planning.
  • Managed the after sale feedback to ensure customer satisfaction and repeat sales.
  • Planning and executing monthly stock takes.
  • Regular reporting to the Area Leader.


Sales Assistant

Hilton Weiner Classics
10.2003 - 02.2006


  • Processing transactions accurately while maintaining a high level of customer service.
  • Building strong customer relationships and providing excellent service to increase sales.
  • Helped customers locate products and checked store system for merchandise at other stores
  • Achieving monthly targets.
  • Maintaining store neatness.
  • Maintaining VM standards throughout the store.
  • Assisting with stocktakes preparations


Education

Senior Certificate - Matric Certificate

SAD College
Johannesburg, South Africa
12-2020

Certificate - Entreprenuership

GIBS
Johannesburg, South Africa
03-2013

Skills

  • Health and safety management
  • Industry expertise
  • Customer relationship management
  • Operations management
  • Performance monitoring
  • Inventory coordination
  • Marketing
  • Logistics coordination
  • Workforce planning
  • WMS, RMS and ORP systems
  • Compliance requirements

Timeline

Corporate Operations Team Leader

Cape Union Mart Group
03.2023 - 09.2025

Assistant Store Leader to Store Leader

Old Khaki
02.2016 - 02.2023

Managing Director

The Group of Quitessential Wear
09.2010 - 10.2014

Store Leader

Hilton Weiner Classics
09.2006 - 09.2010

Sales Assistant

Hilton Weiner Classics
10.2003 - 02.2006

Senior Certificate - Matric Certificate

SAD College

Certificate - Entreprenuership

GIBS

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Emily Rakau