Clara Mongelluzzi
Melbourne,VIC
Summary
Results-driven businesswoman with an exceptional personal brand, forward-thinking approach, centred on company success, customer and employee satisfaction and competitive growth for both the business and its people. Proven track record of success in building high performing teams and profitable business lines. Active and respected member of the community with a passion for cultivating cultural awareness and sustainable wellbeing.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Owner, Founder and Managing Director
Cafe iPugliesi
11.2018 - 12.2023
- Developed Strategy (including vision, business plan) and secured real estate, technology and supplier agreements ahead of business start-up.
- Maintained strong revenue growth and above-industry profit margins over 5 years of management - even through Covid Lockdowns - thanks to strategic agility and rapidly adapting daily operations
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Delivered exceptional results under tight deadlines by prioritizing tasks effectively and delegating responsibilities appropriately throughout the team.
- Strengthened company reputation by consistently meeting or exceeding customer expectations in terms of quality products/services offered.
- Increased client satisfaction by implementing innovative business strategies and streamlining processes.
- Enhanced company profitability by reducing overhead costs and negotiating favorable contracts with suppliers - with daily BAU focus
- Established strong customer relationships through excellent communication and attentive service.
- Maintained a safe work environment by enforcing strict safety protocols and regularly updating staff on industry best practices.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
- Launched staff engagement, gender diversity and cultural programs in addition to robust reporting tool that increased operational quality.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
- Developed a high-performing team through effective recruitment, training, and performance management.
- Secured long-term sustainability of the business through prudent financial management practices such as cash flow optimization, cost control, and strategic investments.
- Ensured compliance with all relevant regulations by staying current on industry requirements and implementing necessary changes in operations.
- Fostered an inclusive workplace culture that valued diversity, collaboration, and continuous learning.
- Executed a profitable exit strategy and divestment of business assets to support a deliberate plan to spend more time with family
Various Positions - Store Manager
Inditex Zara Australia
10.2005 - 07.2017
- Managed sales and operations for Zara stores across several Italian Regions (incl Rimini, Ferrara, Reggio Emilia, Riccione) and once transferred to Australia, responsible for driving growth of the Melbourne flagship store - in addition to supporting Zara's scaling to other Victorian points of presence.
- Managed inventory levels to minimize waste and ensure product availability, supporting customer satisfaction and sales efficiency.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Managed daily operations to ensure smooth functioning of the store, maintaining a clean, safe environment for customers and employees.
- Improved customer satisfaction through staff training in customer service and product knowledge.
- Optimized labor scheduling according to store needs while adhering to budget constraints, maximizing productivity without compromising service quality.
- Addressed customer complaints promptly and professionally, resolving issues to maintain positive relationships with clientele.
- Organized special events such as seasonal sales promotions to drive foot traffic into the store and increase sales opportunities.
- Tracked trends and suggested enhancements to both challenge and refine company's product offerings.
- Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives, and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings.
- Managed financial aspects of store operations, including budget planning, expense tracking, and accurate record-keeping to maintain fiscal responsibility.
- Maximized sales by creating innovative visual merchandising displays and store layouts.
- Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Delivered exceptional results under tight deadlines by prioritizing tasks effectively and delegating responsibilities appropriately throughout the team.Various
- Strengthened company reputation by consistently meeting or exceeding customer expectations in terms of quality products/services offered.
- Established strong customer relationships through excellent communication and attentive service.
Restaurant Manager
Woodstock Pizzeria & Babbo Cafe`
11.2013 - 09.2015
- Met, greeted, and encouraged feedback from customers and used feedback to implement positive changes within restaurant.
- Assisted in development and implementation of new menus to offer variety and options to customers.
- Promoted a positive work environment with proactive conflict resolution strategies and team-building activities.
- Reconciled cash and credit card transactions to maintain accurate records.
- Increased restaurant revenue by optimizing table turnover rates and enhancing menu offerings.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Keep a constant eye on the table to gauge needs and fulfil them immediately
- Make coffees and prepare aperitif cocktails at the bar
- Built rapport with regular customers through friendly interactions and attentiveness to their preferences.
- Maintained clean and welcoming dining environment, ensuring a positive guest experience.
- Maintained customer satisfaction with timely table check-ins to assess food and beverage needs.
- Used cash registers and credit card machines to cash out customers.
Education
Content and Social Media Certificate -
RMIT
01.2021
Commercial school Diploma -
Technical Institute ‘Mauro del Giudice’
01.2003
Skills
- Entrepreneur with successful track record
- Highly experienced leader of high performing teams across various industries
- Self-motivated, dependable leader and team member
- Confident and calm under pressure
- Uncompromisable standard of customer care
- Acute self and situational awareness
- Seasoned taskmaster
- Expert business intuition - ability to balance tactical work commitments and priorities with the business' strategic goals
- Innate commercial discipline and personal drive towards continued improvement in fiscal results
References
- Stefano Marciano (Partner at iPugliesi and Head of Business Strategy at Telstra Enterprise), 0488117128
- Rocco Aloisio (National Head of Sales - Lavazza [key supplier partner of iPugliesi]), 0412927099
- Franca Pascuzzi (Cook, Teacher and Community Service Leader), 0400246828
Hobbies and Interests
- Cooking / food experience
- Fashion
- Travel
- Volunteering and Ambassador for Italian Culture
Skills
Self-motivated and able to relate positively to customers and company personnel, Dependable team member and conscientious, Enjoy working with the public and have a polite, helpful manner, Confident dealing with difficult and sometimes unexpected situations, Comfortable using computerised equipment such as cash tills, Solid work ethic, Reliable and punctual and able to work to deadlines, Ability to demonstrate initiative, Able to maintain a high standard of customer care and work, Confident and motivated, Flexible and receptive to new situations, A good organiser and able to work unsupervised, Works effectively under pressure, Ability to maintain accuracy under pressure, Able to set and achieve personal goals, Ability to delegate, Well presented with good communication skills, Have a genuine interest in people/customer service, Willingness to work unusual hours, flexible, Can relate to a wide range of people, Ability to think creatively, Microsoft Office, Xero system, Italian speaker
Languages
Italian
Native or Bilingual
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Business Owner, Founder and Managing Director
Cafe iPugliesi
11.2018 - 12.2023
Restaurant Manager
Woodstock Pizzeria & Babbo Cafe`
11.2013 - 09.2015
Various Positions - Store Manager
Inditex Zara Australia
10.2005 - 07.2017
Commercial school Diploma -
Technical Institute ‘Mauro del Giudice’
Content and Social Media Certificate -
RMIT
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