Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Volunteer Experience
Timeline
Generic

Michael Squire

Melbourne,Australia

Summary

Dynamic Senior Commercial Executive Manager at Coles Supermarkets, adept in strategic planning and stakeholder management. Spearheaded the launch of over 1500 products and developed innovative e-commerce solutions, driving significant growth. Proven leadership in cross-functional teams, ensuring compliance and optimizing processes for enhanced commercial outcomes.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Commercial Execution, Process & Planning Manager - Digital

Coles Supermarkets
, VIC
10.2024 - 07.2025
  • Established and led integration of innovative working methods for executing Merch Plans across Digital LT and broader Business.
  • Created Compliance as a Product within Digital Product model.
  • Managed CFC and Digital Commercial Process, ensuring adherence to governance standards.
  • Collaborated with Merch Transformation to maintain consistency across various Transformation pillars.
  • Developed Merch as a Product in the Digital Product model, enhancing product offerings.
  • Oversaw Merch and Compliance Digital Products Range review process, optimizing Agile processes for extended ranges.
  • Identified and coordinated commercial opportunities, focusing on range and supplier collaborations.
  • Implemented Store Ranging Dashboard and Waste and Markdown Objectives to drive operational efficiency.

Senior Category Manager – Events

Coles Supermarkets
03.2022 - 09.2024
  • Led complex transition of team of 8 following amalgamation of Seasonal and Best Buys groups.
  • Overcame differences in skills and practices through patience, prioritizing customer focus.
  • Expanded Best Buys program from 8 stores to 681 through effective cross-functional collaboration.
  • Developed E-Commerce website from inception with over 13,000 products launched.
  • Managed integration of Seasonal Events and Coles Best Buys teams into single unit.
  • Delivered over 1,500 new market products while guiding five direct reports to promotions.
  • Embedded Coles Best Buys into daily operations for enhanced customer experience.
  • Onboarded and integrated over 20 new suppliers into Coles Ways of Working.

Category Manager / Buyer

Coles Supermarkets
08.2017 - 02.2022
  • Managed commercial results across multiple categories, including Outdoor, DIY, and Kitchen Appliances.
  • Developed innovative customer offers featuring first-to-market ranges.
  • Crafted go-to-market strategies leveraging retail expertise and supplier relationships.
  • Attended trade fairs to source products directly from factories and develop private label items.
  • Successfully launched Coles Best Buys Program in over 600 stores.
  • Negotiated exclusive brands to enhance product offerings.
  • Developed and launched over 1,500 new products within various categories.
  • Created process maps to streamline store operations.

General Manager

Sports Balloons
04.2015 - 07.2017
  • Developed and executed innovative product strategies for Australian and international retail markets.
  • Managed end-to-end product life cycle, including concept, marketing, manufacturing, logistics, compliance, and profitability.
  • Successfully launched Licensed Footy Balloons across major retailers in Australia, including Coles and Woolworths.
  • Secured licenses from AFL, Sherrin (FOTL), Steeden, NRL, and Arsenal Football Club.
  • Conducted marketing activations with various publicly listed companies to enhance brand visibility.
  • Established exclusive manufacturing relationships in Guadalajara, Mexico, maintaining molds and trademarks.
  • Achieved 100% delivery in full on time to customers through effective supply chain management.
  • Generated year-on-year growth in sales and profitability while leading teams of over 200 people.

Education

Diploma of Management - Retail

Deakin University
02.2003

Certificate of Management - Retail

Deakin University
12.1998

Skills

  • Customer service
  • Strategic planning
  • Budget management
  • Financial oversight
  • Interpersonal communication
  • Project management
  • Accountability
  • Problem solving
  • Business development
  • Leadership skills
  • Effective communication
  • Collaboration techniques
  • Stakeholder management
  • Product development
  • Procurement strategies
  • Negotiation skills

Affiliations

  • Golf Australia
  • Global Retail Merchandise Buyers
  • Retail Execs

Volunteer Experience

  • Vice President, Romsey Golf Club, 08/01/19, 08/31/21
  • President, Romsey Junior Netball / Football Club, 03/01/18, 11/30/18
  • Committee Member, Romsey / Lancefield Little Athletics Club, 03/01/11, 03/31/16

Timeline

Senior Commercial Execution, Process & Planning Manager - Digital

Coles Supermarkets
10.2024 - 07.2025

Senior Category Manager – Events

Coles Supermarkets
03.2022 - 09.2024

Category Manager / Buyer

Coles Supermarkets
08.2017 - 02.2022

General Manager

Sports Balloons
04.2015 - 07.2017

Diploma of Management - Retail

Deakin University

Certificate of Management - Retail

Deakin University
Michael Squire