Wendy Sawan

Strategic Business Growth

• Spearheaded strategic initiatives that resulted in significant business growth and expansion of market presence.
• Successfully secured new business opportunities by effectively engaging in tender submissions, relationship building, and strategic partnerships.
• Developed and maintained key relationships with clients, leading to enhanced customer loyalty and increased repeat business.

Client Base Expansion

• Implemented targeted strategies to win over key clients.
• Utilizing proactive relationship management and customized solutions, I successfully expanded our client base and fortified partnerships by cross-selling our brands to esteemed entities such as Microsoft, Apple, New Balance, and diverse educational institutions within the education sector, wholesale, and direct supply customers.

Government Contracts

• Successfully navigated government procurement processes and executed contracts with government bodies, leveraging expertise in compliance and contract negotiation.
• Secured lucrative contracts, further diversifying revenue streams and enhancing organizational stability.

Contract Execution Excellence

• Ensured seamless execution of contracts with meticulous attention to detail and adherence to timelines.
• Maintained high standards of professionalism and integrity throughout the contract execution process, earning trust and credibility with clients and stakeholders.

Revenue Growth

• Maximized sales opportunities and drove revenue growth by nurturing existing relationships and identifying new avenues for sales expansion.
• Implemented innovative sales strategies and maintained a relentless focus on customer satisfaction, resulting in substantial revenue increases.

Market Share Expansion

• Led initiatives to capture a larger market share within the retail sector, particularly in the education segment for uniform supply.
• Developed and executed targeted marketing campaigns to enhance brand visibility and competitiveness in the market.

Exceeding Sales Targets

• Led a high-performing team of 8 Business Development Managers (BDMs) to consistently exceed sales targets and performance metrics. Through strategic planning and effective execution, I achieved remarkable sales growth and exceeded organizational goals.
• Consistently exceeded sales targets and performance metrics, showcasing a strong track record of achieving and surpassing organizational goals.
• Demonstrated agility in adapting to market dynamics and leveraging growth opportunities.
• Overall, my tenure as National Sales Manager at School Locker has been marked by a commitment to excellence, innovative thinking, and a results-oriented approach, driving sustainable growth and success for the organization.

Training, Development & Recruitment

• Successfully recruited and onboarded a high-performing team of Business Development Managers (BDMs) nationwide.
• Implemented effective recruitment strategies to attract top talent, conducted thorough interviews, and selected candidates with the right skills and experience to drive sales success.
• Provided comprehensive training and development programs to enhance the skills and capabilities of the BDM team.
• Implemented tailored training initiatives focusing on sales techniques, product knowledge, and customer relationship management, resulting in improved performance and productivity.
• Streamlined sales processes and implemented best practices to optimize efficiency and effectiveness. Introduced sales automation (JIRA) tool and performance metrics to track progress and identify areas for improvement, resulting in increased sales productivity and profitability.
• Provided strong leadership and guidance to the BDM team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
• Motivated team members to achieve excellence and provided ongoing support and mentorship to facilitate their professional growth and development.
• Implemented recognition programs to acknowledge and reward top-performing BDMs for their outstanding contributions.
• Designed commission structures that were closely aligned with the company's strategic objectives.
• Celebrated individual and team achievements to foster a culture of recognition and appreciation, driving motivation and morale within the sales team.

• In my position as the National Retail Manager at School Locker, I am responsible for overseeing a team of 6 Area Operations Managers, 6 Account Managers, 4 Business Development Managers, and over 150 retail teams across Australia.
• My role also requires me to lead the sales and operations functions across all regions in Australia, including a large number of onsite campus stores as well as large retail superstores across The School Locker & Harvey Norman network.
• Leading, growing, and empowering Area Operations Managers, Account Managers, and BDMs nationally to grow the organization's sales and ensure targets & KPIs are met and exceeded.
• Creating and closing new business opportunities through business development.
• Responding to & participating in tender submissions to secure government business.
• Utilizing strong client relationships to upsell and cross-sell into different divisions of the business (New Balance Team Sportswear, Technology, Stationary, Footwear, Music and Uniforms
• Increased sales revenue by implementing innovative marketing strategies and effective sales team management.
• Developed and maintained key relationships with clients, leading to enhanced customer loyalty and increased repeat business.
• Implemented data-driven decision-making processes for optimizing sales performance and targeting new opportunities.
• Coordinated cross-functional teams for product launches, ensuring timely delivery and market penetration.
• Delivered comprehensive sales presentations, showcasing the company's products and services to secure new business contracts.
• Create & monitor the P&L performance of retail stores and regions.
• Identify sales opportunities through data analysis.
• Oversee and manage store refurbishments.
• Streamlining processes to promote efficiency and productivity of the team whilst reducing overhead costs.
• Acting as an escalation point for Account Managers to assist in retaining business and conflict resolution.
• Conduct regular Key Account reviews with external stakeholders to monitor performance, renegotiate terms, and secure re-signing for an additional period.
• Traveling inter-state across Australia to meet with partner schools and support internal teams when necessary.
• Key Achievements: N/A
• Increased team productivity by implementing streamlined processes and effective communication strategies.
• Increased sales by implementing effective merchandising strategies and optimized store layouts.
• Improved customer satisfaction through proactive engagement, attentive service, and efficient problem resolution.
• Led a team of retail associates to achieve sales targets and deliver outstanding customer experiences.
• Developed staff training programs that resulted in improved product knowledge and enhanced selling skills.
• Managed inventory control, ensuring optimal stock levels for in-demand products and reducing excess merchandise.
• Implemented loss prevention strategies to minimize shrinkage and maintain profitability.
• Oversaw store operations, including opening and closing procedures, cash management, and safety compliance.
• Collaborated with corporate marketing teams to execute promotional campaigns that increased foot traffic in-store.
• Analyzed sales data to identify trends, adjust inventory levels accordingly, and maximize revenue opportunities.
• Established positive relationships with vendors, negotiated favorable terms, and ensured timely delivery of merchandise orders.
• Recruited top talent for retail positions by conducting thorough interviews and selecting qualified candidates that aligned with company values.
• Fostered a supportive work environment through coaching sessions, team-building activities, and open communication channels for staff feedback.
• It enhanced store appearance by maintaining cleanliness standards and visually appealing displays that showcased products effectively.
• Streamlined operational processes through the implementation of efficient scheduling systems and task delegation strategies among staff members.
• Achieved monthly performance goals by setting clear objectives for employees while providing regular progress updates during team meetings.
• Boosted overall store revenue by adapting targeted marketing initiatives based on demographic research within the local area.
• Prioritized excellent customer service through continuous monitoring of employee interactions with shoppers.
• Coordinated special events such as holiday promotions or clearance sales to drive additional business.
• Ensured consistent brand messaging across all aspects of the retail experience from signage placement to employee uniforms.
• Contributed to company-wide initiatives by participating in regional manager meetings, sharing best practices, and collaborating on strategy development.
• Implemented daily operating procedures to keep the store clean, adequately stocked, and well-organized.
• Controlled store inventory and reviewed cash handling and operations reports.
• Oversaw employee performance, corrected problems, and increased efficiency to maintain productivity targets.
• Effectively allocated tasks during high-traffic times to keep operations running smoothly and employees focused.
• Exhibited excellent people skills during interaction with employees and customers.
• Trained and developed new employees for ease of transition into the team.
• Completed daily paperwork and computer entry of sales data as established by management.
• Offered hands-on assistance to customers, assessing needs, and maintaining current knowledge of consumer preferences.
• Coached employees and trained them on methods for handling various aspects of sales, complicated issues, and difficult customers.
• Answered questions about store policies and addressed customer concerns.

• In the position as Multi-State Manager at School Locker, I ran the sales and operations across 4 regions - Northern Rivers, Coffs Harbour, Newcastle, Western Australian, and Sydney North/Metro
• Increased overall sales by implementing strategic marketing plans and optimizing regional resources.
• Achieved operational efficiency through effective budget management and resource allocation.
• Managed the team of sales representatives, providing guidance and support for their professional growth.
• Developed strong relationships with key clients, leading to increased revenue and market share.
• I was responsible for the sales strategy and overseeing the operation of a total of 64 stores both onsite campus and retail super stores across The School Locker/Mac 1 Service & Harvey Norman network
• This role also required me to manage and support 9 Area Operations Managers, 5 Account Managers & 4 Business Development Managers.
• Lead/manage Area Operations Managers, Account Managers, and BDM's across allocated regions.
• Ensured store and sales KPIs were met and exceeded.
• Generated new business leads and closed deals through cold calling and business development.
• Delivered compelling proposals and responded to tenders to win new business.
• Managed P&L performance, budgets, staffing, and salary costs of teams and stores in my portfolio.
• Identified new retail opportunities.
• Drew on sales data and analytics to generate and execute new sales strategies.
• Increased net profit & reduced salary costs from 28.8% to 8% in 15 months.
• Implemented data-driven decision-making processes to identify areas for improvement and drive business growth.
• Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying strengths and areas for improvement in staff performance.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions for complex business challenges.

• Onboarded by the School Locker senior management team as an Area Manager
• I was originally tasked to manage and oversee the retail operations of the Northern Rivers region but I quickly a Central Coast, Newcastle & Gold Coast regions to my portfolio also.
• Managed and oversaw store set-ups, relocations, and closures.
• Implemented new merchandise initiatives in regions.
• Implemented sales plans and marketing strategies for underperforming stores.
• Recruited, trained, and supervised staff in allocated regions.
• Reported on monthly financials for 14 stores as well as managed revenue & expenses to deliver sales targets and KPIs.
• Maintained and promoted our School Locker brand.
• Created and maintained retail spaces across 14 stores to deliver positive customer experiences.
• Worked closely with internal stakeholders to deliver products and services.
• Ensured all store merchandising and signage was in line with company standards.
• Ensured daily banking submissions were reported accurately and on time.
• Responded promptly to customer queries, complaints, and escalations.
• Ensured all team members were up to date with WHS training modules.
• Ensured all physical locations were up to date and compliant with WHS standards.
• Key Achievements:
• Implemented a new POS system across 157 locations.
• This included training staff members on new software and procedures.
• I successfully managed and oversaw the opening of 22 new School Locker stores.

• In 2014 I was promoted internally to the position of Cluster Manager at Officeworks.
• Achieved higher team performance by implementing effective coaching and mentoring strategies for cluster staff.
• Developed efficient operational processes to optimize resources and improve overall cluster performance.
• In this role, I was responsible for coaching and leading 14 Store Business Managers and their teams (approx
• 120 team members).
• Led and managed 14 stores and their Business Managers.
• Managed $50 million in sales across a portfolio of stores.
• Reported on all monthly financials.
• Attended and facilitated weekly operational calls.
• Coached, mentored and trained new Store Business Managers.
• Reported on safety results.
• Ensured high standards of merchandising were upheld across stores.
• Implemented company policies and procedures.
• Ensured safety and WHS requirements were strictly adhered to.
• Facilitated training sessions for staff across stores in my portfolio.
• Ensured a high standard of customer service was upheld in stores.
• Ensured store KPI's were met and exceeded.
• Key Achievements:
• With my passion for training, empowering and developing others, the opportunity to lead a group of 14 Business Managers and their teams was a highly rewarding experience both professionally and personally.

• With my previous roles in management with retailers such as Kmart & The Reject Shop, I was approached to work with Officeworks as their Store Business Manager for their Hornsby location.
• A large part of my role was to drive productivity to achieve new goals with new teams, so during my tenure in this position, I was also relocated as a Business Manager at their North Ryde and Glebe locations.
• Led a team of 60 staff members.
• Managed and controlled store expenses.
• Recruited and trained team members for my store and others.
• Delivered store KPI's and drove top-line sales.
• Rolled out and maintained merchandising initiatives.
• Established new stores and store relocations
• Ensured successful Compliance & Safety audits
• Conducted regular safety training
• Coached and mentored junior Business Managers & Coordinators.
• Achieved consistent revenue growth through strong customer service and staff training initiatives.
• Enhanced store sales by implementing effective merchandising and product display strategies.
• Streamlined inventory management processes for improved efficiency and reduced stock shortages.
• Developed high-performing teams with targeted recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing professional development programs.
• Increased customer satisfaction levels by addressing concerns promptly and implementing feedback-driven improvements.
• Implemented loss prevention measures to reduce shrinkage rates and protect store assets.
• Optimized store layout for better traffic flow, contributing to an enhanced shopping experience for customers.
• Boosted employee morale and retention by fostering a positive work environment and recognizing outstanding performance.
• Managed budgeting and financial reporting responsibilities, ensuring accurate record-keeping and cost control measures were in place.
• Oversaw day-to-day store operations, delegating tasks effectively to ensure smooth functioning at all times.
• Ensured compliance with company policies, safety regulations, and local laws in all aspects of store operations.
• Cultivated a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging open communication among team members and promoting best practices within the organization.
• Championed sustainability efforts by implementing eco-friendly practices in-store operations, resulting in a reduced carbon footprint.
• Rotated merchandise and displays to feature new products and promotions.
• Managed store employees successfully in a fast-paced environment through proactive communication and positive feedback.
• Assisted with hiring, training, and mentoring new staff members.
• Reduced overhead costs through diligent monitoring of expenses.
• Ensured consistent high standards of customer service and merchandising.
• Key Achievements:
• Implementation of a new POS system.
• Refurbishment of stores.
• Training and mentoring future Store Business Managers.