Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Lauren Pearson

Summary

Accomplished and results-driven National Retail Manager with over 20 years’ experience in multi-site retail management. Proven success in driving operational excellence, leading large and diverse teams, and delivering strategic business outcomes across company-owned, franchised, and B2B retail environments. Adept in talent acquisition, training, and succession planning, with a consistent record of building high-performing teams. Expertise spans retail strategy development, new store openings, event management, and cross-functional stakeholder engagement.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

National Retail Manager

RB SELLARS (Propel Group)
01.2025 - Current
  • Lead sales and profitability across 17 stores nationally
  • Conduct regular national travel to audit stores on performance, visual merchandising, inventory, and team development
  • Lead recruitment and training efforts, with a strong focus on future leadership development
  • Deliver monthly one-on-one performance reviews and formal 6-monthly reviews
  • Chair weekly managers meetings and contribute to senior leadership and trade meetings
  • Analyse and share key business insights from weekly reporting
  • Author and execute the annual retail strategy
  • Host the biannual National Retail Conference
  • Oversee national stock control, including annual stocktakes
  • Ensure brand compliance with all VM and marketing initiatives

Partnerships & Sales Manager

EQ Life Magazine, Clip My Horse TV and Horse & Country TV (Propel Group)
01.2025 - 05.2025
  • Developed Multi-Media Campaigns for clients to meet their marketing goals and budget
  • Streamlined sales processes for efficiency, adopting new CRM tools and technologies.
  • Managed key accounts with strategic planning and relationship building, resulting in increased customer loyalty and repeat business.
  • Developed Media Kit and pricing strategy for all 3 brands
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers, ensuring the best pricing and terms for company profitability.
  • Content Development for Editorials, News Articles, Website and Social Media

Sales & Operations Manager

Horseland (Weatherbeeta Pty Ltd)
10.2023 - 12.2024
  • Oversee 2 Area Managers and personally manage Melbourne Metro and ACT stores
  • Conduct regular store visits to coach Managers, review sales performance, and develop capabilities
  • Supervise direct supply functions and ensure product ranging meets strategic goals
  • Drive recruitment and development programs with a focus on team capability and succession
  • Lead implementation of MYAGi digital training platform across all stores
  • Partner with the National Retail Manager to deliver sales initiatives and events
  • Cultivate relationships with suppliers, industry groups, and customers
  • Manage large-scale event activations (e.g., Adelaide Equestrian Festival)
  • Produce weekly retail reports and lead senior team meetings
  • Analyzed sales metrics to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement in the overall operations strategy.
  • Enhanced customer experience by addressing service issues promptly and professionally, resolving concerns efficiently.

Retail Business Development Manager

EQ Saddlery
02.2019 - 10.2024
  • · Partnered with Store Managers across multiple locations to build capability and deliver financial targets
  • · Led local marketing efforts and supported campaign execution
  • · Recruited and trained teams across the network, with succession planning as a key focus
  • · Conducted monthly performance reviews and managed stock control and compliance
  • · Directed all new store openings and refurbishments, including procurement
  • · Facilitated weekly manager meetings and delivered training at conferences
  • · Managed operational policies, internal communications, and digital learning systems
  • Represented company and promoted products at conferences and industry events.
  • Mentored junior team members in effective sales techniques, fostering a high-performance culture within the organization.

Managing Director

Ace Space Indoor Playcentre
03.2014 - 05.2019
  • · Oversaw all business operations, including sales, payroll, accounts, and capital planning
  • · Recruited and led a 22-person team including full-time and duty managers
  • · Managed complete centre refurbishment and equipment procurement
  • · Coordinated over 1,000 annual party bookings and events
  • · Led brand refresh including new website and marketing channels
  • · Maintained full HAACP and council compliance as Food Safety Supervisor

Operations Manager

IGA Supermarkets (Foodstuffs Group Vic)
09.2009 - 03.2013
  • · Developed operational and food safety processes across multiple stores
  • · Played a key role in store fitouts and refurbishments
  • · Managed recruitment and training of 120+ staff
  • · Oversaw product ranging, supplier negotiations, stock control, and shrinkage
  • · Led visual merchandising and compliance with national marketing campaigns
  • · Represented company at IGA regional and national meetings
  • · Ensured full compliance with food safety standards and training

Retail Business Development Manager

Horseland (Weatherbeeta Pty Ltd)
04.2007 - 09.2009
  • · Managed franchise support for VIC and NSW through regular store visits
  • · Created and distributed monthly communications across the network
  • · Assisted with budget setting and monthly P&L reviews
  • · Drove sales, KPI performance, and local marketing in-store
  • · Coordinated and presented at state and national meetings and conferences
  • · Developed National sponsored rider/events schedules and budgets
  • · Supported visual merchandising and in-store execution

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Politics & Journalism

Monash University
Caulfield, VIC
04-2006

Skills

  • - Leadership & People Development: Experienced, hands-on leader with a strong focus on coaching, succession planning, and team capability building
  • - Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving: Skilled at identifying opportunities, developing practical solutions, and driving continuous improvement
  • - Customer & Brand Focused: Deep understanding of customer experience, with a well-developed eye for detail, styling, and brand presentation
  • - Strong Commercial Acumen: Data-driven decision-maker with experience managing sales performance, budgets, P&L, and retail KPIs
  • - Communication & Collaboration: Authentic communicator with strong interpersonal skills; confident presenting to all levels of business
  • - Organisational Excellence: Highly self-motivated with exceptional time management, project planning, and execution skills
  • Relationship building

Timeline

Partnerships & Sales Manager

EQ Life Magazine, Clip My Horse TV and Horse & Country TV (Propel Group)
01.2025 - 05.2025

National Retail Manager

RB SELLARS (Propel Group)
01.2025 - Current

Sales & Operations Manager

Horseland (Weatherbeeta Pty Ltd)
10.2023 - 12.2024

Retail Business Development Manager

EQ Saddlery
02.2019 - 10.2024

Managing Director

Ace Space Indoor Playcentre
03.2014 - 05.2019

Operations Manager

IGA Supermarkets (Foodstuffs Group Vic)
09.2009 - 03.2013

Retail Business Development Manager

Horseland (Weatherbeeta Pty Ltd)
04.2007 - 09.2009

Bachelor of Arts - Politics & Journalism

Monash University

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Lauren Pearson