Bernie Clear
Melbourne,VIC
Summary
Professional operations leader with strong track record of driving efficiency and optimizing processes. Adept at leading teams to achieve organizational goals and adapting to changing business needs. Skilled in strategic planning, logistics, and resource management. Known for fostering collaboration and consistently delivering results that align with company objectives.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
National Key Account & Engagement Manager
Independent Pharmacies of Australia (IPA)
01.2023 - 04.2025
- Led strategic relationships and engagement programs for a national network of independent pharmacies. Worked closely with banner groups, wholesalers, and retail partners to deliver value-add programs, streamline operations, and support category growth.
- Key Achievements:
- Strengthened national key account partnerships, resulting in a 25% uplift in banner group member retention over 2 years.
- Launched a national engagement strategy that increased pharmacy participation in IPA programs by 40%.
- Delivered tailored commercial proposals that supported multi-million-dollar promotional campaigns across major suppliers.
- Championed cross-functional collaboration with retail partners to improve planogram compliance and store execution.
National Operations Manager
IPA
03.2019 - 12.2022
- Oversaw multi-site operational delivery across the pharmacy network. Led a national team to implement consistent operational standards, enhance retail execution, and support member success.
- Key Achievements:
- Designed and rolled out a national store performance framework, improving compliance and operational consistency across 200+ pharmacy sites.
- Reduced operating inefficiencies by 18% through improved scheduling, merchandising audits, and regional training programs.
- Supported onboarding and integration of 50+ new member stores annually through tailored operational toolkits and hands-on coaching with support team.
Pharmacy Group Manager
IPA
12.2013 - 03.2019
- Managed day-to-day support for a portfolio of pharmacies, providing guidance on retail best practice, promotional execution, and supplier collaboration.
- Key Achievements:
- Built strong relationships with independent pharmacy owners, resulting in a 95% retention rate across managed stores.
- Developed pharmacy-specific improvement plans that led to sales growth of 10–15% in underperforming locations.
- Led localised marketing initiatives that increased community foot traffic and OTC category performance.
Store Manager
Spotlight Australia
03.2010 - 11.2013
- Managed all aspects of high-volume retail operations across two major sites, including staffing, inventory, merchandising, and customer service.
- Key Achievements:
- Lifted sales performance by 5% YoY through enhanced store presentation, team motivation, and promotional execution.
- Mentored and developed 5+ team members into leadership roles, strengthening internal succession.
- Improved stockturn and shrinkage rates through proactive stock control and process improvement.
Branch / Warehouse Operations Manager
Campbells Cash & Carry (Metcash)
05.2002 - 02.2010
- Directed warehouse and retail branch operations, overseeing logistics, financials, staff training, stock control, and customer service across the grocery / Liquor wholesale division.
- Key Achievements:
- Streamlined inbound/outbound logistics, reducing turnaround time by 30% and improving on-time delivery metrics.
- Rolled out new warehouse layout and racking systems, boosting picking efficiency and accuracy.
- Maintained strong B2B relationships with independent grocery buyers, driving repeat sales and account loyalty.
Education
Diploma - Business Management
Certificate IV - Retail Management
Skills
- Standard operating procedures
- Operational excellence
- Warehouse management
- MS office suite
- Stakeholder management
- Team leadership
- Customer service management
- Adaptability and flexibility
Accomplishments
- Led National Team implementing engagement programs, increasing member retention and satisfaction through tailored account strategies, ongoing support, and regular pharmacy visits.
- Implemented scalable solutions and best practices across a large pharmacy network, improving in-store performance, compliance, and operational consistency while supporting member growth.
- Provided one-on-one coaching to independent pharmacy owners on business strategy, category management, and operational execution—resulting in measurable improvements in sales, margin, and compliance.
- Fostered long-term relationships with key pharmaceutical and FMCG suppliers, working together providing better deals and marketing support that improved margins and delivered stronger commercial outcomes for member pharmacies.
- Actively mentored team members across account management and operations, fostering a high-performance culture and supporting several staff through promotions and professional growth.
Training
Various leadership and compliance training (Workplace Safety, Merchandising Standards, HR Fundamentals)
Timeline
National Key Account & Engagement Manager
Independent Pharmacies of Australia (IPA)
01.2023 - 04.2025
National Operations Manager
IPA
03.2019 - 12.2022
Pharmacy Group Manager
IPA
12.2013 - 03.2019
Store Manager
Spotlight Australia
03.2010 - 11.2013
Branch / Warehouse Operations Manager
Campbells Cash & Carry (Metcash)
05.2002 - 02.2010
Certificate IV - Retail Management
Diploma - Business Management
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