Lwandile Qongo
Manager
Roodepoort
Summary
Management professional with over 12 years of experience in retail operations and team leadership. Expertise in enhancing operational efficiency through strategic workforce planning and performance management. Achievements include significant improvements in team productivity and consistently exceeding sales targets. Committed to optimizing workforce processes to drive success in innovative retail environments.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Country Road Store Manager
CRG Clearwater
Johannesburg
11.2024 - 02.2026
- Oversaw daily operations to ensure seamless store functionality and uphold a clean, safe environment for customers and employees.
- Managed inventory control to ensure accurate stock levels and reduce waste. Executed cash control procedures to maintain financial integrity and accuracy. Oversaw store opening and closing procedures to enhance operational efficiency.
- Supported recruitment, orientation, and coaching of new staff members.
- Executed point of sale opening and closing procedures
Department Manager
CRG Mall of Africa
Johannesburg
02.2023 - 11.2024
- 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.
Department Manager
Country Road Group Eastgate
Johannesburg
07.2019 - 02.2023
- Streamlined scheduling practices to guarantee optimal staffing during peak business hours while maintaining employee satisfaction and budgetary limits.
- Counseled upper management on strategic decisions derived from comprehensive analysis of sales trends, market conditions, and competitor activities.
- Established quality control measures enhancing product and service offerings within department
- Partnered with other departments to facilitate seamless coordination in achieving company-wide objectives.
Team Leader
CRG Retail (V&A)
Cape Town
10.2017 - 06.2019
- Set performance expectations for the team, monitoring progress towards goals and providing constructive feedback as needed.
- Developed team members'' skills through targeted coaching sessions, resulting in improved individual performance.
- Enhanced team productivity by implementing efficient work processes and regularly reviewing performance metrics.
- Mentored junior staff members, helping them develop their leadership potential and advance in their careers.
Department Manager
Country Road Group (Tygervalley)
Cape Town
10.2013 - 07.2016
- Enhanced scheduling methods to secure optimal staffing levels during peak business hours without compromising employee satisfaction or financial limits.
- Guided upper management in strategic decision-making through detailed evaluation of sales trends, market conditions, and competitor activities.
- Instituted quality control protocols resulting in superior products and services across department
- Coordinated with various departments to ensure effective collaboration towards company-wide goals.
Store Manager
LTD(V&A Waterfront)
Cape Town
03.2011 - 09.2013
- 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.
- Increased store profitability by implementing cost-saving measures and efficient inventory management strategies.
- Addressed customer complaints promptly and professionally, resolving issues to maintain positive relationships with clientele.
- Managed financial aspects of store operations, including budget planning, expense tracking, and accurate record-keeping to maintain fiscal responsibility.
- Developed strategies for attracting new customers by analyzing demographic data and conducting targeted marketing initiatives.
- Conducted regular performance reviews for staff members, providing constructive feedback and opportunities for growth.
- 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.
- Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives, and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings.
- Rotated merchandise and displays to feature new products and promotions.
- Set effective store schedules based on forecasted customer levels, individual employee knowledge, and service requirements.
- Promoted team collaboration, performance, and efficiency by fostering healthy environments focused on mutual success.
Sales Supervisor
Truworths (V&A Waterfront)
Cape Town
01.2010 - 02.2011
- Achieved sales targets consistently through regular monitoring of team performance and adjusting strategies accordingly.
- Worked jointly with team members to assist with closing sales, cross-selling and upselling of products and services.
- Developed strong relationships with key clients, resulting in repeat business and increased revenue.
- Increased customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving client concerns efficiently.
- Supervised staff successfully, utilizing effective communication and dynamic interpersonal skills.
- Organized weekly team meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and opportunities for growth.
- Boosted sales by implementing effective training programs for new and existing employees.
- Offered hands-on assistance to customers, assessing needs, and maintaining current knowledge of consumer preferences.
- Generated detailed reports highlighting team achievements as well as areas requiring further attention or improvement efforts.
- Handled escalated customer issues promptly, ensuring timely resolution and high levels of client satisfaction.
- Created innovative sales strategies, leading to improved market share and visibility for the company''s products.
- Checked store merchandise regularly for proper display and replenishment.
Education
Human Resources Management - Human Resources Management and Practices, Retail Business Management
MSC College (Learnership from Woolworths)
Johannesburg03-2025
Diploma - Retail Business Management
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Cape Town12-2009
Matric -
Masibambisane High School
Cape Town12-2004
Skills
HR management
Talent acquisition
Retail operations management
Employee training
Skills planning
Mentorship and coaching
Trading skills
Diversity leadership
Workplace relations
Conflict resolution
Product expertise
Customer promise management
Climate control
Induction facilitation
Supply chain management
Procurement management
Supply chain management
staff scheduling
Executive management
Communication proficiency
Data analysis
Networking skills
Team management
Performance evaluation
Timeline
Country Road Store Manager
CRG Clearwater
11.2024 - 02.2026
Department Manager
CRG Mall of Africa
02.2023 - 11.2024
Department Manager
Country Road Group Eastgate
07.2019 - 02.2023
Team Leader
CRG Retail (V&A)
10.2017 - 06.2019
Department Manager
Country Road Group (Tygervalley)
10.2013 - 07.2016
Store Manager
LTD(V&A Waterfront)
03.2011 - 09.2013
Sales Supervisor
Truworths (V&A Waterfront)
01.2010 - 02.2011
Human Resources Management - Human Resources Management and Practices, Retail Business Management
MSC College (Learnership from Woolworths)
Diploma - Retail Business Management
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Matric -
Masibambisane High School