Chris Strawson
Area Manager
D'Aguilar,QLD
Summary
Results-driven Area Manager accustomed to overseeing operations with strong attention to detail. History of meeting demanding group objectives through employee training, motivation and performance management. Working knowledge of optimal practices and safety behaviors for retail operations.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Area Manager
Sunshine Mitre10
01.2021 - Current
- Analysing P&L data with store managers to find efficiencies and savings in store operations.
- Analyzed market trends to inform decision-making processes regarding product offerings and pricing strategies.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations to identify areas for improvement and develop action plans for growth.
- Managing the employment life cycle of senior leaders and team members.
- Achieved high employee retention rates by creating an inclusive work environment where staff felt valued and supported.
- Established clear objectives for each project, setting expectations and assigning appropriate resources as needed.
Store Manager
Sunshine Mitre10
12.2016 - 01.2020
- Fostered a positive work environment by cultivating strong relationships between team members through team-building activities and consistent recognition of individual achievements.
- Manage the day to day operations of a busy trade/retail store.
- Manage profit and loss including sales, gross profit, employment costs, and shrinkage.
- Recruiting, training and coaching team members including performance management.
- Inventory management including overseeing goods in, despatch, ordering, aged stock clearance and shrinkage.
- Sales management which includes tracking sales, gross margin, comparative growth, catalogue performance and identifying new growth opportunities.
- Maintaining merchandising standards including range and space planning, planogram implementation, and promotion and catalogue execution.
- Supporting the team with ongoing coaching and development.
Merchandise Manager
Masters Home Improvement
03.2014 - 12.2016
- Launched seasonal merchandise assortments in alignment with key industry events ensuring timely availability of products.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with vendors to secure exclusive product offerings and favorable terms.
- Maintain impeccable merchandising standards throughout the 8,000sq/m store, catalogue and promotion planning and execution, project management, managing sales budgets and conducting range and space planning reviews.
- Managing the day to day operations of the hardware and trade departments including inventory management, sales tracking and reporting, creating quotes and raising invoices, building relationships with suppliers, representatives and customers.
- Engaging each team member with ongoing training and development, managing performance, and identifying professional challenges they face and addressing them within a supportive relationship.
- Ensuring each team member is upholding the values and standards of the organisation with an emphasis on customer service and safety.
Technical Support Team Leader
Apple Retail
02.2012 - 03.2014
- Provide first point of contact for customers requiring sales, technical or training support.
- Provide relevant, practical solutions to customer queries and communicate them in a way the customer will understand.
- Troubleshoot and repair all Mac and iOS devices currently eligible for service.
- Lead and mentor a group of skilled technicians.
- Identify and develop internal talent, providing structure and direction to allow those team members to achieve their professional goals.
- Facilitate the development and training of team members through group workshops, discussions and ongoing one to one coaching.
- Deliver structured training programs to both individuals and groups.
Retail Manager
Coles Group
09.2001 - 01.2012
- Prioritized excellent customer service through continuous monitoring of employee interactions with shoppers.
- Manage customer complaints and feedback and conduct follow-up calls.
- Manage and action planogram changes.
- Manage pricing integrity.
- Manage sales, waste, and remuneration budgets and create forecasts.
- Manage profit and loss.
- Recruit and onboard new team members in-line with current and future department needs and in coordination with the management team.
- Create team rosters in line with current sales, forecasts and enterprise agreement rules.
- Liaise with suppliers and sales representatives on upcoming catalogues, promotions and seasonal events in order to maximise sales.
Education
High School Diploma -
Southern Cross
North Brisbane 04.2001 - 05.2000
MEGT
North Brisbane 04.2001 - 05.2015
Skills
Sales FocusTraining and DevelopmentManaging Organisational ChangeInventory ManagementProblem Solving
Relationship building and management
Operations Management
Controlling costs
Timeline
Area Manager
Sunshine Mitre10
01.2021 - Current
Store Manager
Sunshine Mitre10
12.2016 - 01.2020
Merchandise Manager
Masters Home Improvement
03.2014 - 12.2016
Technical Support Team Leader
Apple Retail
02.2012 - 03.2014
Retail Manager
Coles Group
09.2001 - 01.2012
High School Diploma -
Southern Cross
04.2001 - 05.2000
MEGT
04.2001 - 05.2015