Ben Caldow
Essendon,VIC
Summary
Accomplished Retail Director, skilled in strategic planning and P&L management, with a proven track record of significantly enhancing store profitability and operational efficiency. Experienced in leading diverse teams to success, excel in relationship-building and problem-solving, driving continuous improvement and market growth. Specializing in partner management, real estate, compliance, and fostering employee engagement, dedicated to delivering exceptional results in dynamic retail environments.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Pacific Retail Director
Nike
09.2017 - 06.2024
- Led and executed rolling 3 year Strategic Plan aligned to global and territory objectives to maximise Nike Store potential, both Partnered Stores and Owned Stores.
- Oversaw full P&L for Nike Owned Stores, from accurate budgeting and leveraging SG&A to maximise overall profitability.
- Cultivated and strengthened Franchise Partner relationships to influence the strategic direction of our Partnered Stores.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations and legal requirements through comprehensive contract and disclosure management.
- Continuously refined 3 year Pacific Nike Store Fleet Plan, leading real estate, leasing and store design to transform the marketplace.
- Influenced global, geography and territory leadership to champion investment into Pacific business.
- Influenced corporate decision-making with insightful analysis of current market conditions, consumer behaviour, and competitive landscape.
- Streamlined inventory management processes for improved efficiency and reduced waste.
- Implemented loss prevention measures to minimize shrinkage and protect store assets.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring smooth functioning of all retail departments.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to improve overall store performance and achieve company objectives.
- Developed a strong retail team culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration and continuous learning opportunities.
- Built high performing teams through effective recruitment, onboarding and talent development initiatives.
- Championed diversity and inclusion efforts within the workplace, resulting in an inclusive environment that fostered creativity and innovation among employees from various backgrounds.
Pacific Nike Stores Partnered Manager
Nike
07.2014 - 08.2017
- Cultivated and strengthened Franchise Partner relationships to influence the strategic direction and transform the marketplace.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations and legal requirements through comprehensive contract and disclosure management.
- Modeled and negotiated ongoing trading terms with Partners to ensure mutual profitability.
- Rolling 3 year fleet planning, influencing real estate, leasing and store design execution.
- Led quarterly business reviews with major partner and senior leadership.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Drove operational efficiency through data-driven decision-making processes, leveraging analytics tools for informed strategy development.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
Pacific Nike Owned Stores Manager
Nike
07.2009 - 06.2014
- Oversaw full P&L and Operations of all Nike Factory Stores & Company Store.
- Monitored and analyzed business performance to identify areas of improvement and make necessary adjustments.
- Developed a strong company culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Improved safety procedures to create safe working conditions for workers.
- Managed budgets effectively, ensuring optimal financial performance while investing in necessary resources for business growth.
- Reduced operational costs through comprehensive process improvement initiatives and resource management.
- Conducted competitive analysis to identify market trends and capitalize on emerging opportunities for growth.
- Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
Managament Roles
Amart All Sports
04.2001 - 11.2008
- State Manager VIC/TAS Sep 2006 - Nov 2008
- National Operations Manager Bris Feb 2006 - Sep 2006
- Area Manager Queensland Aug 2004 - Feb 2006
- Store Manager Darwin Feb 2004 - Aug 2004
- Store Manager Gold Coast Mar 2003 - Feb 2004
- Store Manager Brisbane Oct 2002 - Mar 2003
- Assistant Store Manager Rockhampton Apr 2002 - Oct 2002
- Assistant Store Manager Cairns Apr 2001 - Apr 2002
Skills
- Retail professional
- Authentic relationship building
- Strategic planning
- P&L management
- Team and business leadership
- Contract and compliance
- Real estate, leasing and store design
- Store operations
- Partner negotiation
- Effective decision making
- Problem solving
- Employee engagement
Life Balance
- Family adventures providing experiences and lifetime memories for our children to explore their passions and what is possible
- Mental and physical wellbeing through meditation, yoga, pilates and running
- Define clear boundaries to ensure I am present and focused in the moment
Timeline
Pacific Retail Director
Nike
09.2017 - 06.2024
Pacific Nike Stores Partnered Manager
Nike
07.2014 - 08.2017
Pacific Nike Owned Stores Manager
Nike
07.2009 - 06.2014
Managament Roles
Amart All Sports
04.2001 - 11.2008