Ariella Mata Luque
Mullumbimby,Australia
Summary
A dynamic, purpose-driven executive with a proven track record in strategic transformation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth. Known for authentic communication and forging high-impact partnerships across sectors. Visionary and results-focused, skilled in empowering teams, embedding innovation, and turning challenges into growth opportunities.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
COO
Clearlight Saunas
06.2021 - 03.2025
- Lead transformative growth initiatives, driving strategic change to position the organisation for long-term success and sector leadership.
- Achieved a $4M+ financial turnaround within 18 months through targeted operational, structural, and cultural improvements.
- Build and lead a high-performing international team, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Translate high-level strategy into actionable plans, supported by robust KPI frameworks, clear deliverables, and accountability structures.
- Champion innovation by embedding a solutions-focused mindset, and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement across all business units.
- Optimise operational workflows and resource allocation to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and support strategic goals.
- Oversee end-to-end business operations, including workforce planning, scheduling, logistics, inventory management, and service delivery.
- Facilitate effective cross-functional collaboration across sales, customer service, finance, IT, HR, legal, and executive leadership to align operations and strategy.
- Ensure organisational compliance with relevant legislation, regulatory frameworks, and internal policies, including the development and enforcement of governance protocols.
- Support the CEO and board reporting functions, providing timely updates, insights, and analysis to guide executive and governance decisions.
- Monitor risk, compliance, and quality assurance across departments, initiating internal controls and mitigation strategies where necessary.
- Analyse customer and market feedback to inform improvements in products, services, and client engagement.
- Develop and implement policies and procedures that reflect organisational values and compliance obligations across departments.
- Drive cost-efficiency by identifying and executing process automation and optimisation initiatives.
- Design and monitor KPIs to measure business success and performance against strategic objectives
Executive Leader
Aldi
Melbourne, Northern NSW
01.2014 - 01.2021
- Oversaw multi-site operations across five Northern Rivers stores, aligning strategic, financial, and operational objectives.
- Negotiated supplier and service contracts to ensure value and quality.
- Developed and executed tailored store strategies to boost performance, customer engagement, and regional growth.
- Managed resources, staffing, and inventory to meet KPIs and budget targets.
- Ensured compliance with internal policies and external regulations, maintaining audit-ready records.
- Mentored store managers to strengthen leadership and improve team performance.
- Set annual KPIs, sales budgets, payroll forecasts, and loss-prevention targets.
- Delivered monthly and quarterly performance reports on key metrics for executive review.
- Led monthly leadership meetings to address challenges and align on priorities.
- Managed recruitment, promotions, and performance processes to align with workforce plans.
Regional Manager
Brotherhood of St Laurence
Melbourne
01.2011 - 01.2014
- Drove a $1M+ uplift in retail performance in FY11/12 through strategic reform and financial discipline.
- Maintained strong year-on-year growth in FY12/13, improving store metrics and profitability.
- Led a cultural shift across the division, fostering a high-performance, values-aligned environment.
- Managed flagship and specialty stores, consistently exceeding KPIs in sales and customer engagement.
- Developed and rolled out a Retail Operations Manual to ensure consistency and compliance.
- Held full P&L responsibility, optimising resources to maximise profit contribution.
- Increased volunteer-to-staff ratio, leading 250+ volunteers and boosting community engagement.
- Represented Brotherhood Stores as media spokesperson and public ambassador.
Importer
Self employed
Melbourne
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Secured reliable textile supplier network to ensure consistent product availability.
- Managed international logistics, customs compliance, and import clearances for timely deliveries.
- Forecasted market trends to guide targeted buying trips and maximize sourcing ROI.
- Oversaw daily operations, including team leadership, inventory management, budgeting, and pricing strategies.
- Established strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and subcontractors for seamless project delivery.
- Negotiated vendor contracts to achieve cost savings and streamline supply chain processes.
Membership & Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator
Asia Pacific Business Coalition on HIV/ AIDS
Melbourne
01.2006 - 01.2009
- Coordinated growth of diverse membership base, strengthening relationships across public and private sectors.
- Served as key liaison, ensuring high engagement levels and delivering value to members.
- Managed onboarding and retention initiatives, increasing member satisfaction and organizational impact.
- Supported policy development by gathering member insights and aligning advocacy priorities.
- Collaborated with internal teams and external partners to drive member-centric initiatives.
- Oversaw CRM data integrity, enhancing strategy and service delivery through informed reporting.
Education
Cert IV - Audio engineering
SAE
BA - Business and marketing
MONASH
Melbourne, VICSkills
- Strategic planning
- Risk management and governance
- Operational and financial oversight
- Stakeholder engagement
- Influential negotiation
Certification
First AID
Australian driver's license
Affiliations
- Landcare volunteer. Bush regeneration
- Sailing
- Audio engineering
Timeline
COO
Clearlight Saunas
06.2021 - 03.2025
Executive Leader
Aldi
01.2014 - 01.2021
Regional Manager
Brotherhood of St Laurence
01.2011 - 01.2014
Importer
Self employed
01.2008 - 01.2010
Membership & Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator
Asia Pacific Business Coalition on HIV/ AIDS
01.2006 - 01.2009
Cert IV - Audio engineering
SAE
BA - Business and marketing
MONASH
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