Aaron Walker
Palmerston North,MWT
Summary
Proven leader in operational excellence and team building, spearheaded Vector Group/HRV LTD's regional growth to become the top-performing branch for four consecutive years. In lower North island/South island role have met Budget every year and EBITDA budget.
Leveraging outstanding communication skills and a knack for continuous improvement. Boosted operational efficiency and fostered a culture of achievement, resulting in significant revenue increases and enhanced employee loyalty. Strong leader and problem-solver dedicated to streamlining operations to decrease costs and promote organizational efficiency. Uses independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success.
Hands-on Manager with exceptional gifts in budgetary and cost control. Adaptable and versatile to oversee multiple locations. Exceptionally skilled at motivating location managers to perform duties and achieve highest potential. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy. Knowledgeable in occupational health and safety. Qualified to create safety policies, conduct inspections and deliver training along with reporting back to business leaders
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
National Operations Manager
Vector Group/HRV LTD
06.2017 - Current
- Started in working HRV in 2017 as Manawatu Ops/Branch manager and grew region to highest growth branch for 4 years then moved into Lower North island Operations manager in 2021 then National Manager from start of 2023 to current. Main motivation for looking into new job opportunity as looking for change
- Managed, supported and grew business relationships with existing accounts and developed strategies to increase sales and revenue.
- Collaborated with business development managers in partner planning process to develop mutual performance objectives, financial targets and critical milestones.
- Complied with policies and quality standards to maintain consistency in quality of services.
- Implemented comprehensive training programs for employees, resulting in improved performance and increased job satisfaction.
- Optimized supply chain management processes, reducing lead times and minimizing inventory costs.
- Managed budgets and financial reporting to ensure fiscal responsibility and cost-effective operations.
- Led team of regional managers to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality services across multiple locations.8 branches across New Zealand and 1 in Australia remotely.
- Increased operational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing new technologies.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to achieve business goals, fostering culture of teamwork and cooperation.
- Managed change effectively during periods of rapid growth or restructuring within organization. Have been part of 3 restructures with current company
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
- Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
- Streamlined internal communication channels by implementing regular meetings between department heads.
- Spearheaded initiatives to improve workplace safety, resulting in significant reduction in accidents and injuries onsite.
- Traveled to over 8 locations at least 1 an month to manage each store and perform reviews of individual managers and employees.
- Updated and resolved incidents and managed accessorial charges objectively while maximizing profit.
- Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
Owner
Rumour Has It Ltd/Vault 168 Wholesale
03.2001 - 09.2016
- Bought business in 2001 then rebrand then grew business to 3 locations over manawatu(1 commercial premise)
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently by team members.
- Increased customer satisfaction by implementing efficient business processes and providing exceptional service.
- Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
- Hired trained, and managed a high-performing team of employees dedicated to achieving company goals.
- Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers for better pricing and terms, reducing overall costs for the business.
- Sold business in 2016 to focus on family for a year.
Pastry Chef
Cottage Cake Kitchen/Bake Escape
04.1996 - 02.2001
- Finished qualifications as a pastry chef
- Determined quantity of product to prepare for next day operation by maintaining detailed production schedule.
- Implemented efficient production techniques, reducing waste and improving overall pastry quality.
- Effectively managed multiple tasks simultaneously during high-volume periods, maintaining consistent quality across all products.
- Developed new pastry recipes for seasonal menus, resulting in increased sales and positive feedback.
- Mixed icing and other toppings by reading recipes, scaling, and measuring ingredients and operating mixer.
- Consistently met tight deadlines for special orders, ensuring client satisfaction and repeat business.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to guarantee timely delivery of all pastries, cakes and desserts.
Education
High School Diploma -
Palmerston North Boys' High School
Palmerston North, NZ11.1993
No Degree -
UCOL Manawatu
Palmerston North, NZ01.2001
Skills
- Standard Operating Procedures
- Operational Excellence
- Warehouse Management
- MS Office Suite
- Recruitment and selection
- Process Improvements
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Operations Oversight
- Performance Improvements
- Payroll Administration and Timekeeping
- Staff Development
- Training Management
- Customer Retention
- Staff hiring
- Delegating Work
- Inventory Management
- Management Team Building
- Continuous Improvement
- Time management abilities
- Inventory Control
- Hiring and Onboarding
- Key Performance Indicators
- Distribution Management
- Operational Efficiency
- Budget knowledge
- Outstanding communication skills
- Maintenance Scheduling
- Time Management
- Multitasking Abilities
Hobbies and family/ refences
-In my spear time i enjoy time with my wife and kids aged 14/12/4 (yes bit of gab)
-Help and supporting my Son moving in his motorsport career moving into circuit racing this year in formula vee and saloon racing after 4 years in karting which to alot of time/Money and commitment but with alot a rewards including national titles,etc
- Coaching sons football team
- Saving to take my kids to disneyland in the next year
REFERENCE
-Andrew Huxford
Current role; North island Manager for Halls transport.
Worked under Andrew when he was North Business Manager for Vector group/HRV Ltd
Phone 0275067408
-Dylan Perret
Current role:Kapiti coast council manager of public spaces & animal Management
Worked under Dylan when he was North island Operations manager
Phone 027 3255 827
-Brett Taylor
i have been working with Brett for pasted 6+ years and now works under me as Wellington Branch manager
Phone 0278861145
-Mark Richdale
family friend
021 337414
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
National Operations Manager
Vector Group/HRV LTD
06.2017 - Current
Owner
Rumour Has It Ltd/Vault 168 Wholesale
03.2001 - 09.2016
Pastry Chef
Cottage Cake Kitchen/Bake Escape
04.1996 - 02.2001
High School Diploma -
Palmerston North Boys' High School
No Degree -
UCOL Manawatu
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