Assisting in the establishment and day to day operations of a start up RTO within the IT industry. Focusing on participants from diverse backgrounds gaining knowledge, skills and experience within the digital technology sector.

Department Manager for the Furnishings and M2M departments for big box retailer Spotlight.

Responsibilities:• Directed all areas of business within the Acacia Group business framework and facilitated strategic planning meetings• Managed, coached, and supported the senior management team, holding them accountable for their budget expenditure and business activity in line with the company’s strategic plan• Negotiated with government bodies and ensured compliance standards were met• Provided a monthly business review to MD and board members including financial report updates, operational updates, and HR status updates• Monitored the recruitment and management of employees including the development and implementation of HR policies and the performance management system• Coordinated the development and continuous improvement of training and assessment functions to ensure compliance and quality standards were achieved• Identified and designed pilot programs and collaborative partnerships with various stakeholders to develop new business strategies, increase the business portfolio, and build customer relationships.Results achieved through the successful launch of a traineeship pilot program with an initial profit of 35% with future business within this partnership to yield 60% profit. The framework for this program has been developed and is ready to be rolled out state-wide. With two successfully completed audits in 2018 under my leadership, the approach to audits has changed to a proactive opportunity to carry out internal quality checks giving key stakeholders and senior management real-time transparency. Effectively negotiated additions to scope to increase market share, meet industry demands and achieve strategic goals. Successfully built two strong external collaborative partnerships to optimise the student experience and meet industry needs. Expanded government funding opportunities interstate to capitalise on a growing business partnership.

Responsibilities:• Managed all training operations of the Registered Training Organisation (RTO)• Mentored and coached area managers and fostered strategic planning initiatives• The first point of contact with government bodies including ASQA and Training Services NSW • Recruited and managed all trainers, conducted bi-annual workshops and produced trainer manuals whilst identifying and implementing gaps in procedures• Developed training administrative operations, training and assessment resources and compliance requirements• Put into practice tools to monitor government funding expenditure and forecasted expenditure• Supported business excellence by being the escalation point for complex internal and external stakeholder mattersResults achieved included receiving an increase in government Smart and Skilled funding.Successfully overhauled a non-compliance action from the NSW Food Authority regarding training material into a compliant quality resource. Improved staff engagement and structure allowing transparent communication, increased staff retention, and a healthy organisational culture. Successfully spearheaded and resolved challenges that impacted the company on all levels.

Responsibilities:• Conducted business development and liaised with JobActive, other Employment Service Providers, and organisations for the purpose of arranging the provision of training• Networked with businesses and individuals to identify training requirements, course coordination, work experience opportunities, and short course programs • Recruited and managed the south region trainers• Facilitated the delivery of training and assessment to various cohorts of students Results achieved included the successful completion of two retail courses with 80% completion rate. Effectively maintained and retained current business including achieving sustainable student numbers. Built brand awareness and received new business in multiple areas within the region.

Responsibilities:• Developed Policies and Procedures to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of staff• Ensured all staff operated in an ethical and professional manner• Set company budgets, forecasted sales targets and monitored KPIs • Analysed, designed, developed and facilitated a variety of vocational workshops for disadvantaged cohorts• HR, payroll and Bookkeeping activities – using QuickBooks onlineResults achieved included building the foundation blocks of the company’s structure to ensure the correct and lawful implementation of Policies and Procedures. Successfully researched, prepared and negotiated all contracts, tenders and MOU agreements with stakeholders.

Responsibilities:• Encompassed the supervision and management of the day to day operations of the store• Managed a team of 15 staff members including training, delegating duties, coordinating staff meetings and monitoring KPI’s• Empowered and encouraged the store to focus on exceptional customer service• Negotiated and maintained relationships with suppliers especially when preparing for a VIP event and promotions outside of the national campaign• Collaborated with store merchandiser to correctly target our demographic markets by keeping up with seasonal trends, campaigns, and reviewing our focus products • Administration of inventory controls through the buying, analysing and forecasting of product requirements for various departmentsResults achieved included retaining the top-ranking store worldwide for 2012 and 2013 including the highest turnover, stock turns as well as sales to size productivity. Increased staff performance by 16% whilst maintaining the flagship store status.

Responsibilities:• Managed all aspects of a small bakery business/ franchise as a result of exposure to baking, front sales and back office functions • Provided all back-office administration including rostering staff, payroll, recruitment, staff grievances, logistics, accounts• Assisted with baking operations as required during a standard roster, as well as during peak periods like Christmas and Easter• Monitored perishable goods and adequate stock levels in a fast-paced consumer market; this included forecasting, budgeting and revising the product list• Negotiated with various internal and external stakeholders including head office, centre management, suppliers and customers• Provided exceptional customer service to all customers Results achieved included attaining and retaining a 5-star bakery rating across all bakery areas. Effectively maintained below average staff turnover, increased sales and enhanced customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities:• Delivered exceptional customer service, by building a good rapport with customers• Managed the sales team including training, rostering and handling grievances• Developed an in-store staff manual which had a step by step guide on daily Policies and Procedures, contingency plans and other information staff may need to access• Maintained a well presented and clean storefront every day• Negotiated with the bakers to communicate any change in customer demands, requests or assistanceResults achieved included significant improvements in staff performance and received an average of 85% in the Mystery Shopper program. Customers who had discontinued shopping with the store prior to the change of ownership returned to the store and became loyal, repeat customers; thus, growing the loyal customer base.