Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Personal Information
References
Timeline
Generic
Richard Matthews

Richard Matthews

Townsville,QLD

Summary

Seasoned Operations Manager and talented leader with 20 years of experience applying exceptional planning and problem-solving abilities toward enhancing business plans and day-to-day activities. With high level management & leadership skills and excellent stakeholder management, communication, negotiation and influencing skills.


Results-driven and resilient in developing teams while improving processes and increasing productivity. Bringing solid understanding of industry trends, excellent oral and written communication skills, a talent for spotting areas in need of improvement and implementing changes with a strategic approach.


Relaxed personal nature with the ability to successfully manage highly stressful situations. Demonstrated people skills with the capacity to coach and lead teams with diverse responsibilities and accountabilities and a proven knack of facilitating the information bridge between both stakeholders and colleagues at all levels.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience

Work History

Group Operation Manager

Woolworths
03.2020 - Current
  • Lead a team of over 1500 team
  • Annual turnover of $520 million
  • Full P&L, Operational, People and WHSE accountability
  • 10 sites in North Queensland including 6 Townsville and regional locations Mount Isa, Bowen, Ayr and Charters Towers
  • Implemented training programs to improve team skill sets, enhancing overall productivity and job satisfaction.
  • Initiated process improvements that led to reduced costs while maintaining or improving standards.
  • Enhanced team productivity by implementing efficient workflow processes and prioritizing tasks.
  • Identified areas of improvement through regular performance reviews, providing constructive feedback and coaching for team members.
  • Championed a culture of continuous improvement within the department, encouraging innovation and creative problem-solving among staff members.
  • Drove organizational change initiatives that resulted in streamlined operations, improved employee morale, and increased efficiencies throughout the group.
  • Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, resulting in increased customer satisfaction and retention rates.
  • Managed budgets for various projects, consistently meeting financial targets while maintaining high-quality output.
  • Cultivated a supportive work environment by addressing employee concerns promptly and implementing policies that promoted work-life balance.
  • Led cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones, ensuring timely completion and adherence to budget constraints.
  • Conducted competitive analysis to identify potential threats and capitalize on emerging market opportunities

Group Operations Manager

Woolworths
08.2014 - 03.2020
  • Lead a team of over 900
  • Annual turnover of +$250 million.
  • 9 sites, 6 in Townsville and regional locations - Ingham, Mission Beach and Innisfail
  • Implemented new inventory management system to optimize stock levels and reduce waste.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by establishing clear communication channels and addressing concerns promptly.
  • Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them.
  • Developed robust contingency plans to ensure business continuity during unforeseen disruptions.
  • Oversaw facility maintenance, ensuring optimal functionality of equipment and infrastructure at all times.
  • Achieved higher employee retention rates by fostering a positive work environment and providing opportunities for professional growth.
  • Led hiring, onboarding and training of new hires to fulfill business requirements.
  • Evaluated employee performance regularly, promoting professional growth opportunities through coaching methods.

Operational Specialist

Woolworths
11.2012 - 08.2014
  • Support to the Operations manager
  • Coached and mentored Store managers and store teams on process and best practice
  • Implementation lead for the rollout of new process and procedures.
  • Led cross-functional teams during complex projects ensuring clear communication lines were maintained throughout all stages.
  • Contributed to the development of new business opportunities by analyzing market trends and identifying potential growth areas within the business.
  • Created detailed project plans outlining timelines, milestones, resources, and deliverables for successful execution.
  • Enhanced communication within the team through regular meetings and progress updates, fostering a collaborative work environment.

Site Manager North Queensland

Woolworths
04.2005 - 11.2012
  • Led 5 sites throughout North Queensland Cairns and Townsville including the two highest turnover stores.

Education

Harvard Data Analytics -

Harvard Business Publishing Corporate Learning
02.2024

Bachelor Of Business In Business Management -

James Cook University
Townsville, QLD
01.1997

High School Diploma -

Heatley Secondary College
Townsville, QLD
01.1993

Skills

  • Leadership Skills
  • Negotiation & Influencing Skills
  • Business Analysis
  • Operations Management
  • KPI Tracking
  • Disaster and Risk Mitigation
  • Performance Improvement
  • Resource Allocation
  • Team Development
  • Data Analysis
  • Cost Control
  • Financial Oversight

Personal Information

Title: Group Operations Manager

References

Ross Spencer

Store Enablement Director Woolworths

rspencer@woolworths.com.au

0429 565 278


Kerry White

Team Experience Partner

kwhite3@woolworths.com.au

0448 780 404

Timeline

Group Operation Manager

Woolworths
03.2020 - Current

Group Operations Manager

Woolworths
08.2014 - 03.2020

Operational Specialist

Woolworths
11.2012 - 08.2014

Site Manager North Queensland

Woolworths
04.2005 - 11.2012

Harvard Data Analytics -

Harvard Business Publishing Corporate Learning

Bachelor Of Business In Business Management -

James Cook University

High School Diploma -

Heatley Secondary College
Richard Matthews