Group Head of IT heads up a department of four direct reports, and is a senior executive role sitting with 8 other colleagues collectively responsible for the running of the business as a whole, and with full budgetary control for all aspects of IT operations within the Tobar GroupKey Achievements: • Devised and project managed deployment of a system to streamline bulk picking, internal replenishment, and goods-in procedures at Tobar’s DC, by introducing in-house developed applications running on Hand Held Terminals, resulting in a 40% reduction in personnel numbers within these areas.• Managed integration projects between various web platforms and ERP systems, most recently between Maginus ERP and Magento Enterprise.• After the acquisition of the Letterbox Mail-order / Ecommerce brand in 2009, devised and modified warehouse processes and systems to accommodate the requirements of the new operation, allowing it to be merged into the existing operation with no additional IT costs and minimal additional personnel requirements. • Performed within department budget since the introduction of full departmental budgets 5 years ago• Built strong working relationships with third party contractors, and controlled costs and terms of contracts• Provided Robust and scalable IT infrastructure within Tobar’s distribution centre, allowing retail expansion from 16 to 67 permanent stores, along with up to 70 temporary stores trading at any one time, achieved without exponential growth in IT costs.• Worked closely with other key personnel to map out processes and deliver systems for Tobar’s purpose built distribution centre completed in 2007, including an in-house developed interface between Maginus ERP and an automated conveyor based picking system.• Introduced a Virtual Server environment bringing increased resilience to critical systems within the business and reduced costs over 5 years.

Reporting to the Managing Director, responsible for all aspects of the Hawkin’s Bazaar ecommerce / mail-order operation, encompassing 45 Seat Call Centre, Customer Services, and Picking / Despatch Operations Key Achievements• Implemented a semi-automated internal replenishment system to manage the request and booking in of stock between the remote distribution centre and ecommerce warehouse operation.• Implemented a single ERP system to service retail distribution and the needs of both mail-order / Ecommerce and wholesale divisions, previously run on separate ERP platforms.• Responsible for monitoring and ensuring order despatch SLAs are met• Reviewing forecasted sales and peak sales points to ensure sufficient levels of stock within the warehouse pick face.• Responsible for reviewing contracts and controlling costs with third party carriers.• Acted as the senior point of contact for customers with issues or unusual requirements• Recruited and mentored newly introduced and dedicated role of call centre manager

Reporting to the Retail Director, responsible for all head office retail operationsKey Achievements• Adapted Mailbrain ERP system to manage replenishment to multiple retail outlets across the UK• Created and managed a small warehouse picking and packing operation remote to the main distribution centre, which handled retail replenishment for product lines exclusively sourced for retail stores• Monitored sales and replenishment settings to ensure sufficient stock levels in store, and maintain minimum credible offering• Responsible for all product setup and configuration to meet the needs of the retail operation and till system• Main point of contact within the head office support function for retail store managers.

Between 1994 and 1999 introduced computerised accounting processes to the business and adopted roles of Credit Controller, Purchase Ledger Manager, and Management Accountant• Implemented computerised nominal ledger structure and bank rec procedures for the business, previously maintained through paper ledgers• Recruited and mentored Tobar’s eventual credit controller and purchase ledger manager• Provided monthly P & L and Balance Sheet reports to the board for review• Developed automated system for calculating accurate cost of sales with correctly apportioned import costs• Implemented computerised purchase ledger control, previously paper based only• Increased visibility and take up of settlement discounts offered by suppliers where cash-flow permitted• Delivered a complete and automated sales ledger debt chasing system• Successful and diplomatic in recovering bad debts via telephone communication and use of the small claims court• Reviewed and managed credit facilities of all sales ledger accounts

Within a then small and very seasonal business, supervised mail-order and wholesale picking and packing operations. Within this role also regularly manned sales telephone lines for the wholesale division, and took responsibility for processing and allocating sales ledger payments.