Open To Work
Grant Hetherington
Fire and Emergency NZ
Rangiora,New Zealand
Work Preference
Job Search Status:
Open to work
Desired Job Title
Branch ManagerArea ManagerAirline Customer Service AgentHospitality ManagerWarehouse Manager
Work Type
Full TimePart Time
Location Preference
RemoteHybridOn-Site
Location:
Rangiora, New ZealandChristchurch, CAN
Open to relocation:
Yes
Important To Me
Work-life balanceWork from home optionFlexible work hoursCompany CulturePersonal development programsCareer advancement
27
years of professional experience
Dynamic management professional with extensive experience in the retail, trade, and accommodation sectors, adept at leading high-performing teams to exceed sales targets and enhance brand presence. Proven success as both an Area and Store Manager, consistently driving customer satisfaction and revenue growth through strategic leadership and operational excellence. Skilled in fostering strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and colleagues to maximize market opportunities and drive business success. Additional expertise in business planning, product management, marketing, operational processes, and financial reporting complements a comprehensive approach to achieving organizational goals.
Work History
Southern Area Manager
1 Year 2 Months- Managed comprehensive responsibilities across the South Island to enhance regional performance.
- Conducted regular maintenance and servicing of AEDs to ensure operational readiness and compliance with safety standards.
- Assisted teams in identifying opportunities for business growth and increasing sales revenue. Supported sales efforts by engaging potential clients and providing product information. Collaborated with colleagues to enhance customer relationships and improve satisfaction.
- Conducted first aid training sessions and practical scenarios. Supported participants in understanding emergency response techniques. Facilitated hands-on exercises to enhance first aid skills.
- Managed regional operations, guaranteeing compliance with safety regulations and quality benchmarks.
- Formulated and executed strategic initiatives to elevate customer satisfaction and loyalty across multiple locations.
- Led regional operations, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
- Developed strategic initiatives to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty across multiple locations.
- Set daily call targets to increase sales by 10%
Station Officer - Green Watch
12 Years 5 Months- Contributed actively as a fully operational member of Rangiora Volunteer Fire Brigade.
- Executed proper PPE procedures and processes for tactical response operations.
- Achieved co-response level certification in first aid training.
- Managed handling and utilization of firefighting and rescue tools to ensure operational readiness.
- Led management training recruitment and health and safety committees to enhance organizational effectiveness.
- Focused on acquiring expertise and competencies necessary for progression within station office roles.
- Facilitated the development and implementation of training programs for new recruits, ensuring enhanced team preparedness and streamlined operations.
- Oversaw emergency response initiatives to enhance operational efficiency during critical situations.
- Facilitated collaboration with local agencies to conduct community safety workshops.
- Guided junior officers in professional development while enforcing safety protocols and best practices.
- Developed and implemented training programs for new recruits, enhancing team readiness and operational efficiency.
- Led emergency response operations, ensuring effective coordination during high-pressure situations.
Branch Manager
4 Years 4 Months- Led a diverse team of 15 full-time, part-time, and casual staff to achieve operational goals.
- Oversaw comprehensive audit processes to ensure compliance with GPC Asia Pacific standards.
- Guided, mentored, and supervised retail and trade staff.
- Utilized MS Office Suite to create, edit, and manage documents, presentations, and spreadsheets for effective communication.
- Use of both Smart CAT and ACE motor parts software
- Led branch operations, ensuring adherence to company policies and procedures.
- Mentored and developed staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Inwards Goods Receiver
1 Year- Running a team of 6 to achieve maximum through put of stock
- Ordering on both scheduled and on demand system to make sure adequate stock levels are maintained.
- Undertaking store reports on both GAPS and SLOB stock
- Use of PASOFT software
Recruitment Consultant
10 Months- Facilitated end-to-end recruitment for blue-collar positions, ensuring thorough candidate evaluation through CV screening and interviews, followed by post-placement assessments.
- Cultivated robust partnerships with commercial clients, including Promax Plastics and Canter Valley.
- Compiled comprehensive reports outlining anticipated temperature hours, cold-calling schedules, and candidate placements.
- Cultivated a reputation for delivering exceptional customer service, consistently receiving positive feedback from clients and candidates.
- Conducted in-depth interviews and assessments to evaluate candidate qualifications and fit.
- Utilise daily call lists to increase customer base.
Business Development Manager (Contract)
4 Months- Supported the company in development of a strategy to grow the electrical division, sourcing new clients with building companies, commercial organisations and private land owners
- Marketed the business within budget, though social media, direct marketing and cold calling
- Successfully sourced new clients with both building companies and one-off consumer jobs
Owner/Operator
4 Years 3 Months- Directed and oversaw Rangiora business operations for retail and trade customers, specializing in drapes, curtains, carpets, and trade paint.
- Assessed customer needs and provided tailored on-the-road measures and competitive quotes to enhance satisfaction.
- Led and developed a team of four by executing comprehensive HR functions, including recruitment, training, performance development, and disciplinary proceedings.
- Facilitated weekly toolbox meetings to proactively address health and safety concerns and enhance workplace safety culture.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients to enhance trade paint sales by 30%, securing top growth recognition in South Island for three consecutive years.
- Streamlined business operations by developing a comprehensive standard operating manual and implementing margin reporting and controls for the point-of-sale system.
- Implemented targeted strategies to achieve consistent year-on-year growth in retail operations.
- Developed and implemented operational strategies to enhance customer satisfaction and service efficiency.
- Managed inventory control systems to optimize stock levels and reduce waste.
- Established strong vendor relationships to ensure quality supply chain management.
South Island Area Manager
1 Year 8 Months- Managed 3 stores across Nelson, Dunedin and Christchurch, with 12 full-time staff, motivating staff with weekly ring-ins and monthly branch visits
- Responsible for a budget of $6.5M in sales, providing reports to the Group Manager detailing sales forecasts, gross margin and P&L
- Led B2B strategy for the stores in the wholesale supply of air conditioning and refrigeration solutions
- Oversaw all stock control, promotional planning and merchandising to maximise sales opportunity
- Introduced a buddy system to train and develop staff, quickly improving performance across the team
- Project managed the relocation of 2 stores in Australia (Newcastle and Brisbane), overseeing all planning, logistics and layout design
- Contributed to product research on a new ‘Gree’ brand of heat pumps, including pricing structures, freight and logistics; this is now the third-largest-selling heat pump in New Zealand
Store Manager
9 Months- Supervised 9 full-time and 9 casual staff, providing training and support to achieve sales targets
- Responsible for all operational requirements including customer service, stock control, promotional planning and stock layout
- Turned around a culture of underperformance with 50% turnover in the team, creating a more stable environment and reducing time spent on recruitment and training
- Prepared the budgets and rosters for the store, optimising resources while minimising cost
- Recruited for 2 Christchurch stores, overseeing end-to-end recruitment processes
Store Manager
3 Months- Store Manager for 4 permanent and 3 casual staff, coaching and mentoring them to achieve sales targets and deliver exemplary customer service
- Led a full store relay and revamp to try and boost sales in the final months for the business
Assistant Manager (Fast-Track Programme)
11 Months- Secured a position in The Warehouse Fast-Track Programme, completing training in the Timaru and Ashburton stores
- Oversaw all day-to-day operations for this large retail store comprising a shop floor, bulk store, night shift and entertainment teams, with 105 staff and 48 direct reports
- Responsible for all stockroom processes and controls, including stocktake planning and completion
- Managed branch-controllable profit, analysing turnover and ensuring that profit targets were achieved
- Led planning functions for regular promotions, enabling a high degree of price integrity
- Fostered a customer-focused environment where staff were productive and engaged in the work they were performing
- Team Safe Member (OSH), instilling a strong focus on H&S in the branch
Owner/Operator
4 Years- Owner of a successful 16-unit motel complex, on the eastern side of Christchurch, destroyed by the earthquakes on 22nd February 2011
- Managed all day-to-day operations including:
- Marketing and promotions
- Annual accounts and budget
- Website management
- R&D
- Strategic business planning
- Rental car and van booking
- Maintenance and repairs
- Led and motivated a team of 10, undertaking all recruitment and training, and ensuring that staff provided an outstanding level of service at all times
- Identified a new market opportunity, providing accommodation to sports teams, significantly growing bookings while also ensuring corporate and family guests were not affected by the groups
- Promoted the business through Facebook and the website, managing the online bookings function
- Successfully achieved a Qualmark 4 Star/Enviro Silver rating on the property
Southern Regional Manager
7 Years- Secured the role of Christchurch Store Manager, subsequently invited to take over stores in Timaru and Christchurch, then moving into the Southern Regional Manager role overseeing all 14 stores
- Led retail and sales operations for the stores, ensuring an exemplary level of customer service with sales opportunities that were maximised and successfully converted by the team
- Coached and led a team of 16 permanent and 30 casual staff, setting clear expectations to drive performance and productivity
- Managed marketing activities, website maintenance and contributed to brand and logo design to promote a positive brand presence
- Key member of the senior management team, shaping the growth strategy and ensuring robust business planning
- Prepared regional sales budgets, with responsibility for expense control, profit and margin control
- Led R&D projects to ensure continuous innovation of the BBQ range, identifying new lines
- Oversaw all HR requirements including recruitment, training and performance management
- Achievements:
- Product Manager for the introduction of a new product line in spa pools, sourcing new brands through international suppliers, adding +40% in annual turnover, securing 60% of the market share
- Introduced new incentive and training schemes to support sales success and ensure minimal discounting
- Initiated regular store audits and introduced a nationwide, mystery shoppers programme to promote consistent delivery of customer service
- Opened 5 new retail sites in 2 years, including a new Christchurch concept store, overseeing layout, negotiating leasing contracts and promoting launch days
- Reviewed pricing structures to increase margin across all product categories while still offering competitive pricing
- Developed and implemented training programs, enhancing team performance and product knowledge across multiple locations.
- Led operational strategy for Southern region, driving revenue growth and market expansion initiatives.
Education
High School Diploma
Skills
Effective budget forecasting
Team leadership
Operational efficiency management
Client relationship development
Pricing strategy development
Business planning
Sales planning / Brand Promotion
Networking / Cold Calling
Customer relationship development
Recruitment / Training / Mentoring
Performance / Disciplinary management
Microsoft Office / CRM Systems
Target
Seeking a management position with the opportunity to lead and motivate a high-performing team, achieve sales targets and promote a positive brand presence.
Key Management Roles
- Guthrie Bowron, Owner/Operator, Rangiora, Canterbury, New Zealand, 11/01/14, 02/28/19
- Realcold Limited, South Island Area Manager, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand, 03/01/13, 11/30/14
- The Warehouse, Assistant Manager (Fast-Track Programme), Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand, 03/01/11, 02/29/12
- Windsor Court Motel, Owner/Operator, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand, 01/01/07, 12/31/11
- The BBQ Factory, Southern Regional Manager, Timaru and Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand, 01/01/00, 12/31/07
Earlier Career
- Affordable Homes, Sales Representative, Ashburton, Canterbury, New Zealand, 01/01/98, 12/31/00
- The BBQ Factory, Store Manager, Timaru, Canterbury, New Zealand, 01/01/96, 12/31/98
- Noel Leeming, Assistant Manager, Invercargill and Timaru, Canterbury, New Zealand, 01/01/91, 12/31/96
Professional Development
- Time Management
- RTO Retail Training
- Staff Discipline and Rostering Seminar – Bob Mouat
- Service is Our Business Course – New Zealand Retail Association
Timeline
Southern Area Manager
Heart Saver NZ Limited
06.2025 - CurrentRead More
Branch Manager
Repco NZ – Hornby Store
02.2021 - 06.2025Read More
Inwards Goods Receiver
Mitre 10 Rangiora
02.2020 - 02.2021Read More
Recruitment Consultant
Superior Personnel
04.2019 - 02.2020Read More
Business Development Manager (Contract)
Northbrook Group
11.2018 - 03.2019Read More
Owner/Operator
Guthrie Bowron
11.2014 - 02.2019Read More
Station Officer - Green Watch
Fire and Emergency NZ
03.2014 - CurrentRead More
South Island Area Manager
Realcold Limited
03.2013 - 11.2014Read More
Store Manager
Animates Tower Junction
06.2012 - 03.2013Read More
Store Manager
Payless Stock Liquidators
03.2012 - 06.2012Read More
Assistant Manager (Fast-Track Programme)
The Warehouse
03.2011 - 02.2012Read More
Owner/Operator
Windsor Court Motel
01.2007 - 01.2011Read More
Southern Regional Manager
The BBQ Factory
01.2000 - 01.2007Read More
James Hargest High School
High School Diploma
Read More