Quintin Lee Thompson

• Company Overview: Spar Engage [www.spar.co.za]
• Oversee all Groceries and Perishables products for the Spar Housebrand across 31 stores.
• Cultivate and sustain relationships with Spar Retailers, Retail Operations Managers, Accelerate and Supplier Representatives.
• Lead and develop team of Merchandisers by providing coaching and sharing information to ensure precise plan execution.

• Supervise FS, NC & NW Regions, maximizing regional effectiveness.
• Forge strong relationships with customers to enhance loyalty and trust.
• Conduct Trade Visits across a total of 208 Retail & Wholesale stores.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Distribution departments to improve visibility and sales strategies.
• Manage Third Party Sales and Merchandising agents effectively.
• Represent the company at trade shows.

• Acted as Inland KAM for all Retail Buying Groups, optimizing purchasing agreements.
• Negotiated promotional leaflets, grids, and pricing structures strategically.
• Executed company objectives to align team efforts with business goals.
• Managed a team of 11 Sales representatives.

• Responsible for Wholesale account Nationally
• Negotiated promotional grids, listings, pricing and trading terms with Independent and Wholesale accounts.
• Created and executed market strategies for the account.
• Volume forecasting to the Factory.

• Managed 3rd party Sales and Merchandising Team.
• Increased market share through new business and increasing volumes at existing customers.
• Established strong relationships with key clients, resulting in increased customer retention and satisfaction.
• Established strong relationships with major accounts and key decision-makers to increase sales in designated territory.

• Conduct trade visits, ensure correct ranging and orders are placed.
• Manage Third party Sales and Merchandising company.
• Build strong relationships with customers.
• Negotiate pricing, promotional grids and leaflets.

• Recruited, Trained and developed sales team to enhance performance.
• Chaired disciplinary inquiries to ensure compliance and professional standards.
• Train the Trainer - provided training across different regions.
• Manage employee administration including staffing and payroll.

• Met sales budgets and managed return metrics in accordance with targets.
• Ensure correct ranging on shelf.
• Maintain merchandising standards.
• Secured new business opportunities, generating a significant increase in sales.

• Initially served as Merchandiser and Till operator.
• Thereafter I worked and received training in all departments, (Clothing & Home, Customer Service, Receiving, Operations and Foods Department).

Promoted to Store Administrator with the following responsibilities:

• Served as Training facilitator for all store departments.
• Planning of all departments staffing.
• Control store expenditure, ensuring adherence to budget.
• Manage Payroll and control wage cost.
• Perform HR Admin including leave and absence.
• Manage all systems, methods and procedures. (SMP's)