Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Chris Burne

Acacia Bay,WKO

Summary

Dedicated leader known for effective communication and problem-solving. Proven ability to enhance customer service while maintaining high standards of quality assurance. Ready to leverage extensive experience to support organizational growth and client satisfaction. Knowledgeable professional with several years of experience bringing planning and problem-solving abilities. Focused on maximizing resource utilization to support scalable operations and increase bottom-line profitability. Organized and systematic with natural relationship-building and leadership talents. Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.

Work History

Managing Director

Hot House Turtles Limited
, Napier
1997 - 2026
  • Directed company strategy to enhance growth and market presence.
  • Analyzed market trends to inform decision-making and strategic direction.
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers to maximize cost savings for the organization.

Sale Reprensentative Indoor Plants

Andersons Indoor Plants
, Napier
2000 - 2001
  • Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
  • Achieved cost-savings by developing functional solutions to problems.
  • Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.

Retail Garden Centre Advisor

Palmers Napier
, Napier
2000 - 2001
  • Advised clients on product selection and best practices for usage.
  • Assisted in resolving client issues by providing timely support and solutions.
  • Analyzed feedback to enhance service offerings and client satisfaction initiatives.

Branch Manager for Hire Plants

Rentokil
, Napier
1998 - 2000
  • Oversaw daily branch operations and ensured adherence to company policies.
  • Managed team performance through coaching and regular feedback sessions.
  • Fostered relationships with key clients to maintain customer loyalty.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, competitive landscape and regulatory environment.

Line Haul Driver (Horticultural Plants)

Kennedy Transport
, Napier
1996 - 1997
  • Operated heavy-duty trucks for long-distance transport of freight.
  • Ensured compliance with safety regulations during all driving activities.
  • Communicated with dispatch regarding loading, delivery, and any issues encountered.
  • Managed cargo securement to prevent damage during transit.

Part Time Viticultue Worker

Noakes Vineyard
Puketaupu, Napier
1996 - 1997
  • Assisted in monitoring grape quality during harvest seasons.
  • Participated in seasonal pruning to promote healthy vine growth.
  • Executed daily tasks in accordance with safety standards and procedures.

Owner Operator

Twiggies Garden Centre
Pandora, Napier
1995 - 1997
  • Managed daily operations of a retail garden center.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with suppliers and vendors.
  • Implemented marketing strategies to promote garden products.
  • Organized community events to engage local gardening enthusiasts.
  • Developed business plan and budget to maximize profitability.

Landscape Groundskeeper

Private jobs
, Napier
1995 - 1997
  • Installed planting beds, trees, and shrubs according to design plans.
  • Collaborated with clients to understand landscaping preferences and needs.
  • Conducted seasonal clean-ups to prepare landscapes for changing weather conditions.
  • Performed minor repairs to irrigation systems, sprinklers, and other landscaping tools.
  • Pruned trees and trimmed bushes and hedges to keep grounds neat and inviting.

Dispatch Manager / Sales Representative

Tandarra Nurseries
Gordonton, Hamilton
1992 - 1995
  • Coordinated daily dispatch operations to ensure timely delivery of plant products.
  • Managed scheduling of deliveries to optimize route efficiency and resource allocation.
  • Supervised a team of dispatch staff, providing training and support as needed.
  • Developed key customer relationships to increase sales.
  • Developed customized sales techniques to successfully sell and upsell services to new and existing clients.

Nursery Manager

Nga Putiputi Nurseries
, Palmerston North
1990 - 1992
  • Managed daily nursery operations and staff schedules for efficient workflow.
  • Oversaw plant care routines, ensuring optimal growth and health of nursery stock.
  • Implemented pest management strategies to protect plants from infestations.
  • Adhered to watering schedule to keep greenhouse plants healthy and well-maintained.

Retail Nurseryman

Green Fingers Garden Centre
, Palmerston North
1990 - 1991
  • Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
  • Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.
  • Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.

Production Manager of Bedding Plants

Morrinsville Garden Supplies
, Morrinsville
1988 - 1990
  • Assessed production schedules and orders to plan material requirements and worker activities.
  • Coordinated inventory management and supply chain activities for optimal stock levels.
  • Trained new employees on proper use of equipment, safety procedures, and job functions.

Horticultural Apprentice

McWhannell's Nursery
, Cambridge
1987 - 1988
  • Developed and maintained effective working relationships with other apprentices, colleagues, customers and suppliers.
  • Transported items and tools from truck to work locations.
  • Completed semi-skilled and skilled work under supervision of fully qualified professionals.

Education

Matamata College
Matamata, NZ

Diploma in Horticulture (3 papers) -

Massey University
Palmerston North, NZ

Skills

  • Team leadership
  • Problem solving
  • Effective communication
  • Client relationships
  • Quality assurance
  • Customer service
  • Active listening
  • Inventory tracking and management

Timeline

Managing Director

Hot House Turtles Limited
1997 - 2026

Sale Reprensentative Indoor Plants

Andersons Indoor Plants
2000 - 2001

Retail Garden Centre Advisor

Palmers Napier
2000 - 2001

Branch Manager for Hire Plants

Rentokil
1998 - 2000

Line Haul Driver (Horticultural Plants)

Kennedy Transport
1996 - 1997

Part Time Viticultue Worker

Noakes Vineyard
1996 - 1997

Owner Operator

Twiggies Garden Centre
1995 - 1997

Landscape Groundskeeper

Private jobs
1995 - 1997

Dispatch Manager / Sales Representative

Tandarra Nurseries
1992 - 1995

Nursery Manager

Nga Putiputi Nurseries
1990 - 1992

Retail Nurseryman

Green Fingers Garden Centre
1990 - 1991

Production Manager of Bedding Plants

Morrinsville Garden Supplies
1988 - 1990

Horticultural Apprentice

McWhannell's Nursery
1987 - 1988

Matamata College

Diploma in Horticulture (3 papers) -

Massey University
Chris Burne