Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Work Preference
Software
Work Availability
Accomplishments
Timeline
OperationsManager
Richard Whiteford

Richard Whiteford

Mona Vale,NSW

Summary

Experienced and dynamic manager with a proven track record in Australian and UK markets, offering expertise in Finance Analytics and Sales. Demonstrated success in leading diverse teams and excelling in various roles. Possess extensive skills and knowledge in managing financial operations, sales forecasting, and budgeting. Highly driven team player dedicated to achieving success in every aspect of the professional journey. Consistently strive for excellence in navigating debt collection complexities and overseeing the establishment and management of multiple storefronts. Passionate about building and fostering successful teams. Well-rounded skill set positions me as an asset ready to contribute to organizational success.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

Sales and Operations Manager - Direct Business and PlayStation Account Manager

Sony Australia
09.2018 - Current
  • In charge of the Direct Business Store performance along with developing B2B, Corporate business
  • Streamlined the end-to-end business process across the retail channel to drive revenue
  • Managed Sales, Operations, and Marketing for all Sony branded stores in Australia.
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
  • Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
  • Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
  • Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
  • Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
  • Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
  • Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them.
  • Managed inventory and supply chain operations to achieve timely and accurate delivery of goods and services.

Retail Operations Analyst

Sony Australia & New Zealand
04.2017 - 08.2018
  • Advised and prepared commentary on monthly performance of the Channel
  • Identified and documented improvements to existing business processes
  • Worked across functions to prepare key retailer presentations.
  • Managed multiple projects simultaneously, delivering results within tight deadlines while maintaining high-quality standards.
  • Optimized operational efficiency by analyzing and streamlining processes.
  • Improved team productivity by implementing effective workflow strategies and time management techniques.
  • Created custom reports and visualizations to support decision-making processes.

Supply Planner

Sony Australia and New Zealand
10.2016 - 04.2017
  • Led forecasting and procurement activities for imported and local finished goods
  • Reviewed and managed inventory requirements and collaborated with internal teams to ensure supply chain efficiency.
  • Optimized inventory levels by implementing efficient supply planning strategies.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop demand forecasts, ensuring adequate stock levels to meet customer needs.
  • Improved order accuracy with meticulous tracking and monitoring of purchase orders, delivery schedules, and invoices.
  • Addressed any discrepancies between received items and purchase orders promptly, minimizing potential disruptions to production schedules.

Demand Planner – Retail Operations Controller

Sony Europe
07.2015 - 08.2016
  • Owned and developed commercial efficiency for the Specialist Channel
  • Managed commercial investments and monitored store performance dynamics.
  • Presented monthly forecast updates to senior management, highlighting key changes and risks in the demand outlook.
  • Reduced inventory costs by optimizing safety stock levels and effectively managing obsolete items.
  • Ran weekly fill rate reports to highlight potential issues and corresponding solutions.
  • Monitored actual sales performance against forecasts, adjusting plans as necessary to ensure optimal inventory levels are maintained.

Accounts Receivable Specialist and Dispute Analyst

Sony Europe
01.2013 - 06.2015
  • Liaised with the AR outsource team and attended external customer meetings to resolve escalations
  • Supported the training needs of the team.
  • Supported month-end closing activities by reconciling accounts, preparing reports, and analyzing trends in account performance.
  • Reduced outstanding accounts receivable balances by diligently following up on overdue payments.
  • Ensured the accuracy of customer records in internal systems by updating contact information, payment terms, and other relevant data as needed.
  • Prepared and mailed invoices to customers, processed payments, and documented account updates.

Accounts Receivable and Outsource Supervisor

Sony Europe
11.2010 - 12.2012
  • Set up and managed an Outsource team of AR advisors responsible for collection
  • Managed daily relationships and held weekly issue resolution meetings.
  • Oversaw daily operations of the department, ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks.
  • Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows.
  • Improved customer satisfaction with timely response to inquiries, addressing concerns, and finding effective solutions.
  • Increased team productivity by implementing efficient workflows and setting clear expectations for staff members.

Education

High School Diploma -

Norkem High School
South Africa
12.1996

Skills

    Problem-Solving

    Team Leadership

    Operations Management

    Customer Service

    Operational Efficiency

    Employee relations and conflict resolution

    Staff Management

    Inventory Management

    Staff Development

Work Preference

Work Type

Full Time

Work Location

Hybrid

Important To Me

Work-life balanceCareer advancementPersonal development programs

Software

SAP

Business Warehouse

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Accomplishments

Spearheaded the successfully conversion of the 3 Kiosk retail environments into Retail Stores

Timeline

Sales and Operations Manager - Direct Business and PlayStation Account Manager

Sony Australia
09.2018 - Current

Retail Operations Analyst

Sony Australia & New Zealand
04.2017 - 08.2018

Supply Planner

Sony Australia and New Zealand
10.2016 - 04.2017

Demand Planner – Retail Operations Controller

Sony Europe
07.2015 - 08.2016

Accounts Receivable Specialist and Dispute Analyst

Sony Europe
01.2013 - 06.2015

Accounts Receivable and Outsource Supervisor

Sony Europe
11.2010 - 12.2012

High School Diploma -

Norkem High School
Richard Whiteford