Area plan to reach monthly financial target and implementations.Ensuring all stores within my area open, close and function daily as per company Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).Opening of new stores and identifying potential sites.Ensuring store maintenance and visual aesthetics are on point.Maintain optimal stock levels and movement of stock within the area based on sell off.Escalation on over/under stocks.Identifying marketing and branding opportunities in the area.Store Structure and hiring of new staff.Guide my area to meeting national visual and marketing change over deadlines.Rehabilitation plan of hope for under performing stores.Daily sales tracker and weekly recuperation plan.Store support visits and staff performance appraisals.Developing strategies to grow income sources (Lay Buy, Store Card, External Vendor, Promotions, marketing).Maintain stock loss standards as per company standardsWeekly hanger counts and investigations on potential losses.Monthly P&L (profit and loss) statement review.Plan of action for out of line aspects on P&L statement.Intervention and investigation for cash up discrepancies.Addressing customer concerns immediatelyHandling of staff conflict that arise in order to to maintain a harmonious workplace.Succession plan within area.Identifying specific team members training and development needsImplementing online training and ensuring completion.Company representative in SEESA hearings.

Maintaining the financial health of all stores within my areaStructured store visits and business meeting discussions with managers and FranchiseesMaintaining a fully stocked area by ensuring stores have sufficient stock based on the sell off and customer requirements.Store help visits to improve the stores visual aspect, staff issues and financial discussions with the team.Identifying security threats that may affect the business.Monthly mystery shopper exercise and instant remedial plan.Assessing each stores needs in terms of performance based on the previous months performance and implementing measurable solutions.EXCO feedback to the directors on the areas performance.P&L breakdown with Franchisees and store operators in order to minimize costs and get the store to perform at an optimal level.Managing GP margins to ensure profitability.Daily high value stock takes and monthly total stock takes to monitor stock integrity, theft and correct booking in and out of stock.Developing and implementing systems to maximize store profitability.Approval of stock orders and new line introduction in terms of store available funds.Assessing available spend on new sites and projected returns.Plan of action for out of line aspects on P&L statement.Follow up on outstanding credits to the store/Franchise that can negatively impact the stores financial performance.Addressing all internal staffing issues and concerns to ensure a happy and productive workplace.Succession plan within area.Staff monthly performance incentive payout calculation and sign off.Training roll out and completion time frame adherence.

Performance of the Steve Madden brand in Kwa Zulu NatalAccountable for the Store-in-Store concept (multi-store concept)Ensuring the stockroom to retail floor process flows as per SOP to minimize stock loss and maximize stock exposure on the retail floor.Sales planner and stores execution of daily sales targets.Monitoring Social Media channels are updated and paid marketing runs smoothly.Competitive shopping and Mystery shopper exercises with full write ups to head office.Store visits and formal feedback to head office.Ensuring the stockroom to retail floor process flows as per SOP to minimize stock loss and maximize stock exposure on the retail floor.Liaising with service providers, landlords, mall center managers in order to maximize store opportunities within an areaEnsuring external stores are sufficiently equipped with product.Admin and stock audits at external store in stores.Negotiating external stock room areas with landlords.Keeping damages and shrinkage at a minimum to ensure store does not run a loss.Risk visits to external stock rooms and stand alone stores.Investigate stock loss and variances.Weekly product knowledge training to store teamsHiring and recruitment of new staffIdentifying staff training needs and relating this to head office.Staff performance appraisalsSuccession planning and development.Preparing disciplinary documentation for hearings.Identifying suitable influencers for the brand.

I joined the business in 2011 as a store manager and was promoted to Area Manager within the business in 2015. My duties and responsibilities included:Identifying new sites for potential stores.Planning and opening/relocating of stores.Overseeing all stores operations within the Durban and surrounding.Care taking further North and Midlands areas.Resolving store, staff and customer issues.Liaising with service providers, landlords, mall center managers in order to maximize store opportunities within an area.Implementing spontaneous in store promotions to generate turnover.Guiding managers and staff with regards to maximizing sales and rendering exceptional customer serviceTraining new store managers in terms of developing towards the companies’ culture and expectations.Identifying possible lines for promotion or markdown.Liaising with buyers regarding store requirements in terms of seasonal as well as sizesRegular checking that all staff are motivated and resolving any issue’s that may arise.Working with managers to meet deadlines and constant follow ups on issues that hinder sales performance.Identifying suitable candidates that can be developed and retained within the business.Implementation of store flight plans (seasonal spec).Management of store budgets and allowances.Implementation of emergency visual changes due to supplier issues.Arrange for and distribution of promotional material as required for stores promotions.Keeping up with competitors and their trends.

I joined the business in 2001 and upon leaving the business in 2011, I was a Co-Manager of a flagship Ackermans store in Durban. The major part of my retail journey and passion for the retail environment is due to time and growth at Ackermans. During this time I functioned in the roles of a Sales Assistant, Stockroom Supervisor, Floor Supervisor, Administration Manager, Relief Manager, Assistant Manager and Co- Manager.