David Strange Email & Phone Number

London, Gb

Marylebone

London, United Kingdom

London

 Achieved £100 million turnover annually across 25 stores in 2014 - 2015 up 18% on prior year. Outstanding client retention record of 89% annually. 25 Team leaders directly reporting to me. Responsible for their growth, profit goals and personal remuneration. 27 Business Development Managers with targets of £30 Million per annum in winning new business. Implemented efficient complaint handling within working hours and with a strategy for out of hours servicing. Coaching and motivating over 130 staff, including setting recruitment goals with training and development plans. Empowering Business Development Managers to exceed their sales targets and whilst keeping accurate KPIs by setting a sound performance driving structure. Delivering SLA’s to maintain a solid standard of service for existing and recently acquired business. Delivering presentations to international audiences on driving sales performance.

South Africa

 Heading up the retail arm of Flight Centre South Africa consisting of 660 sales staff and 151 stores.  Meeting annual and financial growth targets in line with Global, national standards and budgeted numbers. Establish and continually develop excellence in travel retailing, ensuring all basic systems are firmly in place and delivering maximum cost effectiveness to the business. Driving market share and brand awareness through complete ownership of marketing with senior project teams. Creating a “One best way” throughout the brands.  Regular business reviews with CFO and key stakeholders to discuss growth strategy and ensure effective delivery of the Flight Centre business model. Maximise employee engagement, loyalty and performance, via development opportunities, challenging work and effective communication. Develop and drive a customer attraction and retention policy for the retail business Provide guidance and support to the area leader team.  Minimum 20% growth in profit, commission average, turnover and staff numbers year on year.

South Africa

 Ensuring the total portfolio of product sales has stability and opportunities for growth.  Responsible for the wholesale, distribution and contracting channels for Flight Centre South Africa. Ability to formulate product & marketing strategies. Personable, with an ability to motivate staff towards the achievement of set goals. Strong analytical skills - ability to identify trends and opportunities/risks. Ability to effectively negotiate with suppliers and service providers to achieve outcomes. Proactively develop and maintain strong business relationships with key airline and wholesales partners. Full understanding of travel distribution and implementation of platforms, market drivers and competitor activity.

Durban Area, South Africa

 Expanding business and people numbers in line with budget expectations.  Recruiting and retaining the right staff.  Coaching and developing our staff, with BOF and succession plans at all levels.  Mentoring business acumen with team leaders.  Motivation, inspiration and leadership of our people, via effective one on ones, buzz nights, handbooks and newsletters.  Creating ownership amongst our staff at all levels. Growth in profit, commission average and turnover.