Jacques Marais
Somerset West
Summary
Detail-oriented individual with exceptional communication and project management skills. Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively and efficiently in fast-paced environments. Recognized for taking proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues, with focus on optimizing processes and supporting team objectives.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
CO-FOUNDER
Hammond Kids
01.2019 - Current
- Hammond Kids, a premier online store for baby & kid’s furniture, bedding & décor
- We source, design and curate a selection of local brands and use local manufacturers and suppliers for all things baby and kids.
HEAD RETAIL OPERATIONS
Marina Home (Marina Gulf LLC Dubai)
12.2016 - 11.2018
- Managed large high end, busy retail operations in the GCC with 203 permanent employees – 11 stores in 4 territories: UAE, Bahrain, Oman and India
- In addition worked in collaboration with the Franchise Head – 8 stores in 6 territories; India, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt.
SENIOR RETAIL OPERATIONS MANAGER
Homes R Us (Lals Group Dubai)
01.2016 - 12.2016
- Managed large high street, busy retail operations in the GCC with 504 permanent employees – 16 stores in 4 territories; UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman.
GENERAL MANAGER
Baituti and B&B Italia (BinHendi Dubai)
11.2015 - 04.2016
- Managed the Brands B&B Italia and Maxalto showroom in Abu Dhabi and B&B Italia, Maxalto and Baituti showrooms in Dubai, including Baituti Interiors and Baituti Design, working with brands such as Promemoria, Driadre, Flos, Andrew Martin, MDF Italia, Flexform and Glass Italia.
DIVISION MANAGER
Kutmec Furniture (White Stores Trading Kuwait)
08.2013 - 10.2015
- Managed a high-end luxury showroom in Kuwait city, exporting to neighboring GCC countries, working with American brands such as Thomasville, John Richards, Le Barge, Maitland Smith, Broyhill, Pearson, Drexel Heritage, Hickory Chair and Henredon.
COMMERCIAL MANAGER
Purity (Purity LLC Dubai)
06.2009 - 06.2013
- Managed 3 high end designer showrooms in Dubai, working with brands such as Artemide, Omvivo, Ellissi, Boffi, Paola Lenti, Glas Italia, Ritmonio, Décor Walther, Depadova, Aquavision, Expormim, Ethimo, Fantini, and Mosaico.
Multi-Site Store Manager
The One (The One Total Home Experience Dubai)
03.2005 - 04.2009
- Managed 8 home fashion showrooms in Dubai – The One, The One Fusion, The One Outlet & The One Café’s.
Call Centre Team Leader, Call Centre Operations Manager and Call Centre Portfolio Manager
Santam
01.1999 - 12.2004
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by establishing clear communication channels and addressing concerns promptly.
- Managed inventory and supply chain operations to achieve timely and accurate delivery of goods and services.
- Developed and implemented strategies to maximize customer satisfaction.
- Developed and maintained relationships with external vendors and suppliers.
- Established positive and effective communication among unit staff and organization leadership, reducing miscommunications, and missed deadlines.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
Store Controller, Assistant Independent Store Manager, Area Controller
Edgars/Sales House
02.1994 - 11.1998
- Ensured timely financial statement preparation, allowing for better decision-making and strategic planning.
- Optimized working capital management by reviewing inventory levels, payment terms, and cash conversion cycles.
- Managed budgeting process, aligning departmental budgets with organizational goals and monitoring performance against targets.
- Supervised accurate, efficient, and compliant completion of monthly financial reporting packages.
- Prepared balance sheets, cash flow reports and income statements.
Store Manager
Pep Stores
01.1992 - 12.1993
- Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures.
- Addressed customer complaints promptly and professionally, resolving issues to maintain positive relationships with clientele.
- Conducted regular performance reviews for staff members, providing constructive feedback and opportunities for growth.
- Maximized sales and minimized shrinkage through excellent customer service and adherence to standard practices.
- Managed store employees successfully in fast-paced environment through proactive communication and positive feedback.
Retail Trainee
Woolworths
09.1990 - 10.1991
- Helped customers complete purchases, locate items, and join reward programs.
- Answered questions about store policies and addressed customer concerns.
- Efficiently rotated perishable items within storage spaces according to expiration dates.
- Skillfully demonstrated product features and benefits during interactions with potential buyers.
Education
Marketing And Business Management -
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Cape Town11.1991
Skills
- Customer Relations
- Operations Management
- Excellent Communication
- Attention to Detail
- Partnership Development
- Business Development
- Stakeholder Communication
- Adaptability
- Relationship and Team Building
- Problem-Solving
- Problem-solving abilities
- Time Management
Timeline
CO-FOUNDER
Hammond Kids
01.2019 - Current
HEAD RETAIL OPERATIONS
Marina Home (Marina Gulf LLC Dubai)
12.2016 - 11.2018
SENIOR RETAIL OPERATIONS MANAGER
Homes R Us (Lals Group Dubai)
01.2016 - 12.2016
GENERAL MANAGER
Baituti and B&B Italia (BinHendi Dubai)
11.2015 - 04.2016
DIVISION MANAGER
Kutmec Furniture (White Stores Trading Kuwait)
08.2013 - 10.2015
COMMERCIAL MANAGER
Purity (Purity LLC Dubai)
06.2009 - 06.2013
Multi-Site Store Manager
The One (The One Total Home Experience Dubai)
03.2005 - 04.2009
Call Centre Team Leader, Call Centre Operations Manager and Call Centre Portfolio Manager
Santam
01.1999 - 12.2004
Store Controller, Assistant Independent Store Manager, Area Controller
Edgars/Sales House
02.1994 - 11.1998
Store Manager
Pep Stores
01.1992 - 12.1993
Retail Trainee
Woolworths
09.1990 - 10.1991
Marketing And Business Management -
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
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