Jared Robbie Email & Phone Number

Melbourne, Australia

Christchurch, New Zealand

Shanghai City, China

I worked as the Merchandise Manager for Mitre 10 New Zealand’s Shanghai branch. As such I was responsible for leading a team of 12 staff based both in Shanghai and in Ho Chi Minh City. Together we had sourcing oversight over all 14 product categories. Drawing on my experience working in different cultures, I was responsible for the introduction of a more Kiwi business and quality control culture to these offices, thus ensuring that nothing was shipped which would not meet customer and regulatory expectations back home. This was achieved through instigation of a strict inspection regime and the application of a ‘fit for purpose’ benchmark. I took a hands-on approach, embarking on regular buying trips throughout China, Vietnam and Indonesia, cutting down on wasteful purchases of substandard products that would not meet benchmarks. I also travelled to New Zealand 3 times a year to report back on newly developed buying practices and potential opportunities, as well as to meet with buyers and Merchandise Managers to ensure that all sourcing priorities were being met. During my time in this role turnover / order value in these markets almost doubled.

Shanghai City, China

I worked as a Sourcing Specialist for Mitre 10 New Zealand’s Shanghai branch, where I was responsible for the identification and communication of new direct sourcing opportunities. This role required a lot of attention to detail as well as process oversight and integration. For example, I was responsible for the reintroduction of several key process documents which detailed procedures for all levels of interaction between sourcing and buying teams, including itineraries, vendor meeting and buying trip summaries, factory assessments and work-in-progress templates. My Mandarin language skills enabled me to act effectively in this capacity, and I was responsible for designing and implementing several new initiatives designed to streamline relations between the New Zealand buying team and the Chinese sourcing team.My time in this role saw a marked increase in the regularity and consistency of all communication processes, allowing for increased confidence in all departments and, consequently, much higher success rates in the rollout of new initiatives.

Shanghai City, China

I worked as the Merchandise Manager for The Warehouse Group’s Shanghai branch, where I oversaw a team of 7 responsible for ordering product in 7 main categories – Consumer Electronics, Home Appliances, Seasonal (Christmas), Consumables, Home Wares, Home Décor and Large Plastic Storage. It was my responsibility to successfully achieve an annual order value of in excess of $15 million US, the aim being to grow this total as rapidly as possible. Achievement of this goal relied on the facilitation of effective, bilingual negotiation and liaison between buyers and suppliers on all aspects of strategy and trade protocol – from management-level training and development right down to the details of packaging, labelling and regulatory compliance. Additionally I was responsible for developing and implementing travel itineraries and cultural awareness initiatives.During my time at the Warehouse I was able to foster strategic partnerships which countered MOQ problems arising from New Zealand’s small population, and as a result order values across all categories rose significantly.

Shanghai City, China

I worked as a Sales Department Manager for Ruby Red Fine Wines in Shanghai. I was responsible for the development and maintenance of key accounts, as well as for the training of sales teams and the selection and budgeting of new additions to the portfolio.I was the only non-Chinese member of a delegation selected by the South African Wine Association to travel to South Africa on behalf of the company.

Zhejiang Province, China

I worked as an Auditor for Saduh China, a hosiery manufacturer in Zhejiang Province. During my time I successfully developed, implemented and audited cohesive health and safety, quality control and payroll systems across two factories, enabling them both to pass American Garment Compliance Audits.

Havelock North, Hawke'S Bay, New Zealand

I worked on the launch of the domestic division of New Zealand By-Products Ltd, a company specialising in the sale of animal by-products. The division gained market share quickly, reaching projected profitability levels way ahead of expectations. Within a year, the department was ready for sale, which I negotiated successfully.

Diploma Of Chinese Language, Mandarin Studies

Chinese Studies

Bachelor Of Commerce, Management