Craig Stephenson
BURPENGARY EAST,QLD
Summary
Encouraging manager and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Independent Liquor Group
05.2018 - Current
- Oversee Queensland Operations including Sales Teams/ Warehouses/Inventory/Training/ WPHS and Motivation Exercises for Teams
- Leading QLD Sales Team to achieve sales targets, working within budgets, working with external stakeholders to implement and drive sales
- Identify Potential New Customers and implement strategies to win their business
- Identifying and targeting potential staff to join sales teams, employment process
- Representing and organising ILG at Events like Race Days, Golf Days and Overseas Study Tours
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Motivated team members to meet and exceed objectives by setting goals, tracking performance on daily basis and implementing improvement strategies.
- Handled customer relations issues, enabling quick resolution, and client satisfaction.
- Monitored customer buying trends, market conditions, and competitor actions to adjust strategies and achieve sales goals.
- Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives, and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings.
- Applied established sales techniques and persuasive communication skills to meet personal sales objectives.
- Coached employees in successful selling methods and encouraged cross-selling to drive revenue.
- Closed lucrative sales deals using strong negotiation and persuasion skills.
- Conducted team meetings to reinforce goals and objectives and set clear expectations about policies and procedures.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
- Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
- Managed budget implementations, employee evaluations, and contract details.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
- Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions.
- Provided strategic oversight of marketing and promotional campaigns to keep campaigns aligned with overall goals and objectives.
- Trained new employees on proper protocols and customer service standards.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Identified and qualified customer needs and negotiated and closed profitable projects with high success rate.
- Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
Queensland Operations Manager
Independent Liquor Group
05.2017 - 03.2018
- Oversee Operations of 2 functioning Warehouses Located in Brisbane and Townsville
- Oversee and Lead Queensland Sales Team of 6
- Implement New Initiatives launched by Banners
- Monitor Sales Performance by State/Territory
- Lead and Keep Motivated QLD Sales Team to achieve Budgets
- Work on Culture within our business to develop and assist Sales Teams to Perform at its best
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Organise and Attend ILG Functions Including Race Days, Golf Days, Oversees Study Tours
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend and holiday shifts.
- Cultivated interpersonal skills by building positive relationships with others.
Sales Business Development Executive
Independent Liquor Group
03.2012 - 05.2017
- Covered Wide Territory from Brisbane North to Nth QLD and out to Western QLD
- Developed business relationships by consistency and regular visits
- Selling a concept, Banner and Wholesaler to prospective members
- Set and Achieve Budgets for Territory
- Always punctual and honest in any transactional activity with customers
- Developed deep understanding of customer needs, priorities and pain points to deliver customized service.
- Analyzed sales data to identify opportunities for improvement and created action plans to capitalize on those opportunities.
- Liaised with external stakeholders to form strategic partnerships with prospective clients.
- Resolved problems with high-profile customers to maintain relationships and increase return customer base.
- Managed accounts to retain existing relationships and grow share of business.
- Created customer loyalty programs to increase repeat business.
- Qualified leads by scheduling introductory discovery meetings and calls.
- Collaborated with sales, marketing and other internal teams to meet shared goals.
- Prepared sales presentations for clients showing success and credibility of products.
- Organized promotional events and interacted with community to increase sales volume.
- Managed revenue models, process flows, operations support and customer engagement strategies.
- Maintained financial controls, planned business operations and control expenses while identifying and pursuing opportunities to grow business operations and boost profits.
- Developed compelling presentation decks to gain approval for ideas and communicate results.
Group Operations Hotel Manager
Wheldon & Associates
01.2007 - 04.2012
- Oversee Operations of Two Large Independent Hotels located in Brisbane and Sunshine Coast
- Large Liquor Retail operation including 2 Drive Thru's and 4 DBS Bottle Shops with T/O of $300K per week
- Oversee venue managers/Retail Managers and all staff
- High Performing Poker Machine Turnover with 75 Machines in Total
- Budgets and Expenditure of each venue
- Working to Budgets
- Employing Staff and HR issues
- Working to Policies and Procedures
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
Queensland State Manager
D'Aquino's Group Of Companies
01.2000 - 04.2007
- Start Queensland Sales of New product Range
- Selling into all Banners, Independents and Groups
- Travelling all over Queensland selling Beer, Wines and Spirits
- Initial Cold Calling into Venues and increased sales state wide
- Gain Entry into numerous banners
- Successfully negotiated ranging into Coles Group of Cleanskin Wines
- Successfully sold range of entry level products into 150 outlets all over QLD
- Sales Increased year on year
Education
High School Diploma -
Muirfield High School
North Rocks, NSW11.1998
Skills
- Sales Presentation
- Excellent Communication Skills
- Account and Territory Management
- Leadership
- Team Oversight
- National Account Management
- Team Development
- Employee Motivation
- Employee Coaching
- Sales Strategy Development
- Sales Planning and Implementation
- Sales Leadership
Timeline
General Manager
Independent Liquor Group
05.2018 - Current
Queensland Operations Manager
Independent Liquor Group
05.2017 - 03.2018
Sales Business Development Executive
Independent Liquor Group
03.2012 - 05.2017
Group Operations Hotel Manager
Wheldon & Associates
01.2007 - 04.2012
Queensland State Manager
D'Aquino's Group Of Companies
01.2000 - 04.2007
High School Diploma -
Muirfield High School
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