Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Timeline
Generic

ADELE ARMSTRONG

Auckland

Summary

I am an experienced National Retail Manager with demonstrated history of working in the fashion apparel industry. Working as part of an executive lead team to build strategy and deliver key result areas across the business with ownership and accountability of the New Zealand Retail channel. Skilled in Multi channel sales driving, KPI management of high performing teams, people management and development, coaching, profit and loss control, senior level recruitment, HR, sustainability, trend and product analysis, merchandise management, passionate about developing individuals and teams. Consistently achieve optimal utilization of staff and operations through process improvement planning, program coordination, and cultivation of strong business relationships. Established track record of creating and implementing programs and long-term business strategies aimed at company growth. High-energy leader of cross-functional teams, successfully aligning customer needs and organizational objectives to ensure optimal operating efficiency.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Head of Retail - Platypus Shoes NZ

Accent Group Ltd
06.2024 - Current
  • Oversee 38 Platypus shoes retail locations across NZ
  • Directly manage a team of 4 Area Managers ensuring accountability
  • Drive operational strategies to enhance customer experience across multiple retail locations.
  • Drive robust KPI and Sales growth
  • Champion operational excellence across all stores to enhance customer satisfaction
  • Lead coaching and training initiatives to enhance training and development and champion professional development
  • Implement succession planning strategies
  • Analyzed market trends to inform product selection and optimize inventory management.
  • Developed and implemented training programs to elevate team performance and service standards.
  • Managed budget allocations, driving cost efficiencies while maintaining high-quality standards.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to execute promotional campaigns that increased foot traffic.
  • Leveraged data analytics tools to assess sales performance, identifying opportunities for growth and improvement.
  • Championed customer-centric culture, empowering employees to provide personalized solutions that exceed expectations while cultivating long-term loyalty

National Retail Manager

Glassons Ltd
02.2018 - 12.2022
  • An active part of the senior leadership team- this was a varied sales and management role, managing HR and ER, training and developing staff members, implementing strategies, managing stock levels, managing sales and profitability of all stores, managing store and senior team succession and development, recruitment, loss prevention responsibility and reporting for NZ, reporting monthly to board members and stakeholders, and traveling across NZ to oversee regional retail teams and stores to offer support and have a positive impact and influence.
  • Created and maintained positive employee relations by building, leading, and developing quality retail team.
  • Led, coached and developed retail employees to achieve sales goals.
  • Recruited, interviewed and hired qualified candidates for open positions.
  • Monitored daily operations of NZ stores
  • Motivated staff through incentives, rewards programs and recognition.
  • Ensured that all merchandise was accurately priced and properly stocked.
  • Created weekly schedules for employees based on business needs.
  • Directed staff training initiatives to ensure customer service excellence.
  • Recruited, retained and mentored high-performing and diverse team.
  • Implemented loss prevention policies and procedures to protect company assets.
  • Identified areas of improvement within the organization’s processes or systems.
  • Developed effective strategies to maximize sales and profits.
  • Met or exceeded fiscal sales goals within operating budgets.
  • Achieved financial and operational objectives with regard to expense control, loss prevention and audits.
  • Analyzed sales data to identify trends and developed strategies to increase sales.
  • Developed promotional campaigns to drive store traffic and increase sales volume.
  • Analyzed market trends to identify opportunities for increased revenue growth.
  • Evaluated operating statements to identify business trends.
  • Reviewed financial statements, sales reports, and other performance data to measure productivity.
  • Demonstrated and supported continuous improvement and growth mindset.
  • Set and implemented strategic goals and initiatives to align company with mission, values, and vision.
  • Created an environment of open communication between departments that improved collaboration among teams.
  • Designed innovative approaches to optimize workflow, streamline procedures, and enhance customer service satisfaction levels.
  • Analyzed data from financial reports to identify areas of improvement in business operations.
  • Spearheaded multiple projects from concept through completion while successfully managing budgets and timelines on each project.
  • Coordinated and directed financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, or increase efficiency.
  • Established and implemented departmental policies, goals, objectives and procedures in conjunction with board members, organization officials, and staff members.
  • Led cross-functional projects that improved operational efficiency.
  • Collaborated with stakeholders to develop long-term strategic plans for growth.
  • Planner duties- stock allocation
  • Merchandising and providing New Zealand stores with Daily Merch briefs
  • Website Merchandising
  • Board meetings and preparation
  • Was the Health and Safety representative for Glassons NZ

Northern Regional Manager

Glassons LTD
10.2017 - 02.2019
  • This was a multi-site role managing 13 stores across Auckland to Whangarei
  • Responsibilities included people management and leadership, ER and HR, team training and people development, reporting and forecasting, recruitment, loss prevention, financials, sales management, merchandising management, and running leadership training meetings and sales meetings.
  • Generated monthly reports outlining regional sales figures, inventory levels, expenses, for management review.
  • Facilitated regular meetings with regional teams to review operational goals, KPIs, and progress updates.
  • Worked with senior management to define department goals and objectives to improve the overall customer and employee team experience.
  • Recruited qualified personnel for open positions in accordance with hiring guidelines.
  • Organized successful promotional events to increase brand awareness in target markets across the region.
  • Analyzed data and market trends to identify potential opportunities for business growth in the region.
  • Created detailed reports on regional sales performance, marketing campaigns, and customer feedback.
  • Produced reports of quality metrics and respective targets and goals.
  • Identified new markets for product expansion through extensive research into local demographics and industry trends.
  • Developed appropriate corrective actions for locations performing at sub-standard rates.
  • Implemented innovative solutions to maximize efficiency throughout all areas of regional operations.
  • Maintained accurate records of financial transactions within the region including budgeting and forecasting activities.
  • Developed and implemented efficient organizational strategies to improve the overall performance of regional operations.
  • Evaluated the staffing levels within the region and recommended necessary action.
  • Conducted regular audits of store locations in order to maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety protocols.
  • Worked with direct reports to develop and implement action plans, improving operating results.
  • Recruited and trained new district managers and provided ongoing mentorship.
  • Executed performance management processes to set up employees for success.
  • Recruited and recommended qualified employees for team’s staff positions.
  • Developed and maintained strong relationships with key stakeholders in the district.
  • Provided product feedback to leadership, recommending items to carry or discontinue.
  • Minimized staff turnover through appropriate selection, orientation and training.
  • Developed training modules and documentation to train staff.
  • Conducted monthly meetings to create business plans to drive successful monthly business.
  • Reviewed monthly financial results with partners to identify opportunities to improve profitability.

Head of Retail

Meccano Mens Clothing
02.2017 - 10.2017
  • This was a multi-site role managing 15 stores across New Zealand
  • Responsibilities included people management and leadership, store sales and profitability responsibility for New Zealand, team training, development and succession, HR/ER - restructuring and also dealing with redundancies, and visual merchandising.
  • Managed and coordinated multiple projects while ensuring timely completion.
  • Identified ways to improve efficiency in operations and implemented process changes.
  • Collaborated with departmental leaders to establish organizational goals, strategic plans and objectives.
  • Developed departmental objectives, budgets, policies, procedures and strategies.
  • Sought continuing education opportunities to stay current with industry trends.

Northern Regional Manager

Glassons Ltd
03.2015 - 02.2017
  • This was a multi-site role managing 13 stores across Auckland to Whangarei
  • Responsibilities included people management and leadership, ER and HR, team training and development/progression, recruitment procedures, loss prevention, financials, and leadership across the northern region.
  • Monitored employee performance against established standards while providing coaching as needed.
  • Utilized excellent communication skills to build relationships with key stakeholders, clients, and external suppliers
  • Facilitated regular meetings with regional teams to review operational goals, KPIs, and progress updates.
  • Generated monthly reports outlining regional sales figures, inventory levels, expenses, for management review.
  • Worked with senior management to define department goals and objectives to improve the overall customer and employee team experience.
  • Organized successful promotional events to increase brand awareness in target markets across the region.
  • Created detailed reports on regional sales performance, marketing campaigns, and customer feedback.
  • Worked with direct reports to develop and implement action plans, improving operating results.
  • Identified and addressed customer complaints in a timely and professional manner.
  • Enforced compliance with corporate policies and procedures.
  • Identified and assessed strengths and opportunities and developed plans to maximize employee potential.
  • Recruited and recommended qualified employees for team’s staff positions.
  • Addressed and resolved client or customer inquiries to foster superior standards of service.
  • Led and directed team members on effective methods, operations and procedures
  • Maintained frequent interaction with senior management to measure goal achievement and determine areas of improvement.

Central Regional Manager

Glassons Ltd
02.2014 - 03.2015
  • This was a multi-site role managing 12 stores from Wellington to Hamilton in New Zealand
  • Responsibilities included people management and leadership, ER and HR, team training and development, recruitment, loss prevention, and reporting.
  • Implemented new technologies such as point-of-sale systems, inventory tracking software.
  • Resolved conflicts between employees at different levels of hierarchy within the organization.
  • Monitored competitor activities in the region and adjusted pricing strategies accordingly.
  • Motivated team members through rewards and recognition programs that encouraged higher performance standards.
  • Created monthly reports to track regional performance against budget goals.
  • Maintained accurate records of regional sales data and generated reports as required by senior management.
  • Oversaw inventory management processes across all stores in the region.
  • Managed regional budgets effectively in order to maximize ROI on marketing campaigns.
  • Reviewed customer feedback regularly and addressed any issues or concerns promptly.
  • Established strong working relationships with suppliers, distributors, retailers.
  • Planned promotional activities to drive traffic into stores in the region.
  • Enforced compliance with corporate policies and procedures.
  • Identified and addressed customer complaints in a timely and professional manner.
  • Worked with direct reports to develop and implement action plans, improving operating results.
  • Recruited and trained new district managers and provided ongoing mentorship.
  • Collaborated with senior management to set and achieve district goals.
  • Identified and assessed strengths and opportunities and developed plans to maximize employee potential.
  • Recruited and recommended qualified employees for team’s staff positions.
  • Addressed and resolved client or customer inquiries to foster superior standards of service.
  • Led and directed team members on effective methods, operations and procedures
  • Maintained frequent interaction with senior management to measure goal achievement and determine areas of improvement.

Store Manager

Glassons Ltd
08.2009 - 02.2014
  • Managed various stores around Auckland- Sylvia Park, and St Lukes
  • Responsibilities included people management and training and succession, visual merchandising, customer facing sales, recruitment, loss prevention, and stock management.
  • Provided leadership and motivation to team members to increase productivity and efficiency within the store.
  • Trained staff on proper cash handling procedures including daily deposits, credit card payments, and end-of-day reconciliation of register funds.
  • Interviewed and hired prospective employees according to team needs.
  • Solved problems and resolved conflicts for team members and customers.
  • Oversaw day-to-day store operations to foster efficient and profitable operations.
  • Mentored new employees on store policies and procedures while providing guidance and support in their roles.
  • Managed inventory levels by ordering stock as needed, tracking sales trends, and adjusting orders accordingly.
  • Created weekly work schedules to meet staffing needs while controlling labor costs.
  • Addressed employee issues, performed corrective actions, and terminated employment when necessary.
  • Tracked store inventory and ordered new products to prevent shortages.
  • Monitored customer service levels and implemented necessary changes to improve customer satisfaction.
  • Evaluated customer feedback and complaints to locate weaknesses and improve service.
  • Monitored store operations to ensure compliance with safety regulations, company policies, and legal requirements.
  • Set sales targets and budgets for team leads and employees to follow.
  • Implemented loss prevention strategies, alleviating shrink.
  • Analyzed sales data to identify areas of improvement and develop strategies for increasing revenue.
  • Developed and implemented a customer service program to ensure consistent, high quality service throughout the store.
  • Established efficient inventory management system to maximize sales and reduce costs.
  • Analyzed sales numbers and performance metrics to locate deficits and implement process improvements.
  • Developed and executed marketing plans to promote store products and services.
  • Created and distributed training materials to staff members.
  • Scheduled maintenance and repairs on company equipment to streamline workflow and prevent malfunctions.
  • Demonstrated and supported continuous improvement and growth mindset.
  • Analyzed data from financial reports to identify areas of improvement in business operations.
  • Created an environment of open communication between departments that improved collaboration among teams.
  • Designed innovative approaches to optimize workflow, streamline procedures, and enhance customer service satisfaction levels.
  • Established and monitored KPIs to optimize company performance.

Receptionist / Office Admin assistant

Aon Insurance LTD
06.2008 - 08.2009
  • Greeted visitors warmly and ensured they had a positive experience.
  • Answered phones professionally in accordance with organizational protocols.
  • Used proper telephone etiquette, answered calls and caller questions, and transferred to proper extensions.
  • Assisted with administrative tasks such as filing documents, copying materials.
  • Maintained accurate records of all incoming calls, messages, and visitors.
  • Kept reception and common areas clean and tidy, removing trash and straightening magazines and couches.
  • Ensured reception area was clean at all times and stocked with necessary supplies.
  • Answered questions about organization and provided callers with address, directions, and other information.
  • Developed effective working relationships with clients to ensure satisfaction with services provided.
  • Managed daily calendar appointments for staff members.
  • Operated multi-line phone system efficiently while managing high call volume.
  • Signed for incoming deliveries and notified employees of packages.
  • Processed incoming mail and packages accurately and promptly.
  • Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information obtained through job duties.
  • Provided typing, word processing, and clerical support and assisted with special projects.
  • Handled frequent work process interruptions with flexibility and poise.
  • Updated contact lists regularly to maintain accuracy of information.
  • Interacted with management and colleagues to resolve important administrative matters.
  • Maintained office equipment and reported malfunctions for servicing.
  • Processed and prepared memos, correspondence and travel vouchers.
  • Prepped meeting and training rooms for conferences and special events.

Education

Certificate of performance -

Excel school of performing Arts
12.2008

Bachelor of Dance - Dance

Auckland University of Technology

Bachelor of health science - Sport and Recreation

Auckland University of Technology
01.2006

NCEA LEVEL 3 UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE - undefined

Paraparaumu college
01.2001

Skills

  • Team leadership, development and Management
  • Succession planning and coaching
  • Visual Merchandising
  • Operations Management
  • Business Development
  • Loss Prevention
  • Sales Analysis
  • Leadership Development
  • Sales Forecasting
  • Performance Management
  • Merchandise Planning
  • Change Management
  • Team Collaboration
  • Policy Development and Enforcement
  • Employee Relations
  • Store operations
  • Performance analysis
  • Customer experience

Timeline

Head of Retail - Platypus Shoes NZ

Accent Group Ltd
06.2024 - Current

National Retail Manager

Glassons Ltd
02.2018 - 12.2022

Northern Regional Manager

Glassons LTD
10.2017 - 02.2019

Head of Retail

Meccano Mens Clothing
02.2017 - 10.2017

Northern Regional Manager

Glassons Ltd
03.2015 - 02.2017

Central Regional Manager

Glassons Ltd
02.2014 - 03.2015

Store Manager

Glassons Ltd
08.2009 - 02.2014

Receptionist / Office Admin assistant

Aon Insurance LTD
06.2008 - 08.2009

Bachelor of Dance - Dance

Auckland University of Technology

Bachelor of health science - Sport and Recreation

Auckland University of Technology

NCEA LEVEL 3 UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE - undefined

Paraparaumu college

Certificate of performance -

Excel school of performing Arts
ADELE ARMSTRONG