Chris Melton
Torquay
Summary
Accomplished leader with extensive experience at Kmart Group, driving operational excellence and strategic growth. Expert in retail store, store renewal and supply chain leadership and team collaboration. Proven problem-solver with excellent communication skills, adept at fostering positive relationships, enhancing productivity and team culture. Committed to continual improvement and delivering impactful communication to bring the team along for the journey. Also located in Torquay, with a passion for surfing and community.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Domestic Supply Chain ANZ
Kmart Group
Melbourne, VIC
05.2024 - Current
- Currently leading a team that is the biggest international importer of goods into ANZ. 1.4B units annually.
- Proficient in Operational Excellence driving year on year safety, service and productivity improvements.
- Expert in in-house and/or 3PL warehousing operations.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
State Operations Manager VicTas/2IC to the GM
Kmart Group
Melbourne, VIC
11.2020 - 04.2024
- Lead 120 Stores across Kmart and Target Victoria and Tasmania. Over 11k employees and $3.5B sales portfolio
- 2IC to GM of Retail Operations with multiple caretaking opportunities to lead the $11B ANZ and Global Retail Operation
- Year on Year Safety, Sales and Cost improvements.
- Integrated the Target business into the Kmart Group operations
- Part of the Executive team that led Kmart Group from $4B in sales to $11B in sales over the last decade.
- Streamlined operational processes to enhance efficiency across state operations.
- Led cross-functional teams to implement strategic initiatives aligned with corporate objectives.
- Analyzed performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and drive operational excellence.
- Mentored junior staff on best practices in inventory management and workflow optimization.
- Oversaw compliance with safety regulations and company policies within state operations.
- Collaborated with regional leaders to develop operational strategies that support business growth.
- Improved operational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing new technologies.
State Operations Manager WA/SA/NT
Kmart Group
Perth, WA
10.2018 - 11.2020
- Lead 60 Stores across Kmart and Target WA/SA/NT. Over 4k employees and $1.5B sales portfolio
- 2IC to GM of Retail Operations with multiple caretaking opportunities to lead the ANZ and Global Retail Operations
- Year on Year Safety, Sales and Cost improvements.
- Integrated the Target business into the Kmart Group operations
- Part of the Executive team that led Kmart Group from $4B in sales to $11B in sales over the last decade.
- Led team initiatives to improve inventory management accuracy and reduce stock discrepancies.
- Streamlined operational processes, enhancing overall efficiency and reducing turnaround time.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance workflow efficiency and achieve organizational goals.
- Established strong relationships with stakeholders, improving collaboration and communication.
- Analyzed data trends to identify potential areas of opportunity or concern within the organization''s operations.
- Reduced costs while maintaining quality standards through effective resource management.
Head of Store Renewal ANZ
Kmart Group
Melbourne, VIC
03.2012 - 04.2016
- Led a world class Store Renewal program refitting 200 stores across four years and reduced the cost of the refit from $6M/store to $1M/store and reduced the time spent on refit from 15weeks to 3weeks per store.
- Developed training programs for staff to improve service delivery and operational efficiency.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends and implement strategic merchandising initiatives.
- Oversaw budget management, ensuring cost control and resource allocation aligned with business goals.
- Implemented visual merchandising strategies that increased product visibility and sales performance.
- Coordinated promotional events to drive foot traffic and enhance community engagement activities.
- Maintained compliance with health and safety regulations, ensuring a secure shopping environment for customers and employees.
- Collaborated with corporate teams on promotions, marketing initiatives, and seasonal displays for maximum impact.
Store Manager
Kmart
Perth, WA
03.2002 - 03.2013
- Led store operations to optimize inventory management and enhance customer satisfaction.
- Fostered team collaboration through regular performance reviews and constructive feedback sessions.
- Initiated local community outreach events to promote brand awareness and foster goodwill in the community.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers for cost-effective purchasing of products needed in-store operations like closing deals on lower prices or better terms.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations to identify areas for improvement and promote career growth among staff members.
- Oversaw budget management to optimize spending and maximize profitability.
- Maintained a clean, safe working environment compliant with company policies and local regulations – resulting in improved inspection scores.
- Ensured compliance with all legal requirements including labor laws which ultimately protected the company from potential liabilities or lawsuits.
- Streamlined store operations with efficient scheduling, task delegation, and communication.
Education
BBA - Commerce And Public Administration
Murdoch University
Perth, WAHigh School Diploma -
Kolbe Catholic College
Perth, WASkills
Friendly, positive attitude
Problem-solving
Teamwork and collaboration
Excellent communication
Critical thinking
Calm under pressure
Active listening
Verbal communication
Accomplishments
CCI Young Retailer of the Year 2004 -Runner up
Kmart Store Manager of the Year - 2005
Coles Group Store of the Year Safety -2006
Timeline
Head of Domestic Supply Chain ANZ
Kmart Group
05.2024 - Current
State Operations Manager VicTas/2IC to the GM
Kmart Group
11.2020 - 04.2024
State Operations Manager WA/SA/NT
Kmart Group
10.2018 - 11.2020
Head of Store Renewal ANZ
Kmart Group
03.2012 - 04.2016
Store Manager
Kmart
03.2002 - 03.2013
BBA - Commerce And Public Administration
Murdoch University
High School Diploma -
Kolbe Catholic College