Bronwyn Ballenden

Lead product procurement and inventory planning across grocery, café and commercial kitchen operations.
Curate merchandising and store layout to optimise customer flow, conversion and brand presentation.
Train and supervise staff, setting clear standards for quality, service and operational consistency.
Collaborate with chefs and clients on bespoke catering and private event solutions.

• Led end-to-end operations of a successful family-owned retail business, overseeing staffing, inventory planning, procurement, supplier relationships and merchandising strategy.
• Managed and developed a team of 30 + staff, implementing rosters, HR processes and training frameworks to support performance and retention.
• Drove seasonal forecasting and stock control, adjusting purchasing in line with sales trends to maximise sell-through and minimise stock risk.
• Executed strategic visual merchandising initiatives to enhance product visibility, customer engagement and brand loyalty.
• Oversaw daily financial performance and operational KPIs, ensuring consistent service standards and commercial outcomes.

• Directed a high-performing team of 15+
staff at a multi-award-winning restaurant, ensuring outstanding service
in a fast-paced dining environment.
• Played a key role in launching a new restaurant location, managing HR processes including recruitment,
training, and staff development.
• Coordinated wholesale ordering, private
catering, and event services, guaranteeing smooth operations and delivering an exceptional customer experience.
• Proactively handled customer feedback, resolving complaints and ensuring
satisfaction, while contributing to weekly KPI meetings to assess business performance and growth.

• Co-owned and operated a retail food business with full responsibility for budgeting, financial control and supplier sourcing.
• Managed logistics, importing, stock control and margin management across food and homeware categories.
• Built strong community engagement and brand recognition, with features in NZ food and beverage publications.

• Led day-to-day operations of a fashion retail store, overseeing team performance, sales targets and customer experience.
• Contributed to seasonal buying and product selection, working closely with suppliers to align stock levels with trend forecasting and customer demand.
• Maintained strong supplier relationships, negotiating orders and ensuring timely delivery across seasonal collections.
• Played a key role in curating and coordinating in-store fashion shows and promotional events to elevate brand visibility and drive sales.
• Built a loyal client base through personalised styling consultations, increasing conversion rates and repeat business through body-aware, confidence-led dressing rather than trend-driven selling.
• Executed visual merchandising strategies aligned with premium brand positioning and seasonal storytelling.