Laurel Gray
Summary
Accomplished Payroll Individual Funding at Manawanui and Store Operations Manager at Kmart, I excel in organization and critical thinking. My expertise includes streamlining payroll processes, enhancing team productivity by over 20%, and fostering strong employee relationships. My approach combines problem-solving skills with effective communication, driving significant improvements in operational efficiency and team collaboration.
Currently studying Diploma in Payroll Management to upskill, and be on top of my career.
Last 5 years, I have been a stay at home mum to my daughter who as medical issues. Shes is coming out of this, and now its time for me to get back into the workforce.
I have looking for employer who is family orientated, looking for flexibility to work from home, with couple of days at office
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Payroll Individual Funding
Manawanui
08.2020 - Current
- This role is non-paid, individual funding provided by Manawanui. My daughter has a medical condition which she requires overnight carers, first year was day time carers as well.
- Individual funding we hire and discontinue employment with the support of Manawanui
- Creating monthly rosters
- Creating employee contracts
- Creating payroll timesheets and approving sick and annual leave, and fortnightly payroll
- Training staff on medical, health and safety, safety checks and hourly checks
- Cultivated critical thinking skills among learners using thought-provoking questions as well as encouraging exploration of alternative perspectives.
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
-
-
Store Operations Manager
Kmart
06.2018 - 06.2019
- Implemented loss prevention measures, reducing shrinkage and improving overall store profitability.
- Increased sales by % with special displays and promotions.
- Optimized scheduling practices to ensure adequate staffing during peak hours while controlling labor costs.
- Managed inventory levels for optimal product availability, minimizing stockouts and overstock situations.
- Evaluated sales data and trends to identify opportunities for growth, implementing targeted marketing campaigns accordingly.
- Worked closely with the human resources department on hiring decisions to attract top talent for key roles within the store team.
- Increased sales with effective staff training and development programs, ensuring excellent customer service.
- Conducted regular staff performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback for continuous improvement.
- Oversaw store layout and visual merchandising to create an inviting shopping environment that drove customer engagement.
- Facilitated regular staff meetings to discuss store goals, share updates on progress towards those objectives, and address any challenges or concerns collectively as a team.
- Assisted in budget development and financial tracking, ensuring adherence to established fiscal guidelines and targets.
- Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures.
- Assisted with hiring, training and mentoring new staff members.
- Completed point of sale opening and closing procedures.
- Reconciled daily sales transactions to balance and log day-to-day revenue.
- Maximized sales and minimized shrinkage through excellent customer service and adherence to standard practices.
- Approved regular payroll submissions for employees.
- Upheld and communicated store programs and standards to employees for optimal quality, freshness, safety and cleanliness.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
- Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
- Creating fortnight rosters
- Planning and controlling yearly stocktakes, and training new employees on stocktake
Team Leader Homewares Department
Kmart
06.2016 - 06.2016
- Set performance expectations for the team, monitoring progress towards goals and providing constructive feedback as needed.
- Empowered team members by delegating responsibilities according to individual strengths and areas of expertise.
- Managed conflict resolution among team members, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
- Maintained an inclusive and diverse team culture, promoting respect and understanding among all members.
- Developed team members'' skills through targeted coaching sessions, resulting in improved individual performance.
- Collaborated with other department leaders to establish shared goals and ensure alignment across teams.
- Established open and professional relationships with team members to achieve quick resolutions for various issues.
- Evaluated team member performance against established objectives during regular reviews, offering praise for achievements or identifying areas requiring further development.
- Streamlined workflows for increased efficiency, reducing turnaround times for critical tasks.
- Assisted in recruitment to build team of top performers.
Team Leader Kids Department
Kmart
06.2014 - 06.2016
- Set performance expectations for the team, monitoring progress towards goals and providing constructive feedback as needed.
- Empowered team members by delegating responsibilities according to individual strengths and areas of expertise.
- Managed conflict resolution among team members, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
- Maintained an inclusive and diverse team culture, promoting respect and understanding among all members.
- Developed team members'' skills through targeted coaching sessions, resulting in improved individual performance.
- Collaborated with other department leaders to establish shared goals and ensure alignment across teams.
- Established open and professional relationships with team members to achieve quick resolutions for various issues.
- Enhanced team productivity by implementing efficient work processes and regularly reviewing performance metrics.
- Increased customer satisfaction ratings by closely monitoring service quality standards and addressing any issues promptly.
- Assisted in recruitment to build team of top performers.
Store Manager
Bendon Lingerie
01.2011 - 06.2016
- Managed daily operations to ensure smooth functioning of the store, maintaining a clean, safe environment for customers and employees.
- Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures.
- Addressed customer complaints promptly and professionally, resolving issues to maintain positive relationships with clientele.
- Managed store employees successfully in fast-paced environment through proactive communication and positive feedback.
- Assisted with hiring, training and mentoring new staff members.
- Improved customer satisfaction through staff training in customer service and product knowledge.
- Maintained proper product levels and inventory controls for merchandise and organized backroom to facilitate effective ordering and stock rotation.
- Completed point of sale opening and closing procedures.
- Mentored new hires during their onboarding process, ensuring they were well-equipped to excel in their roles from day one.
- Rotated merchandise and displays to feature new products and promotions.
- Maximized sales by creating innovative visual merchandising displays and store layouts.
- Conducted regular performance reviews for staff members, providing constructive feedback and opportunities for growth.
- Approved regular payroll submissions for employees.
- Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives, and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings.
- Maximized sales and minimized shrinkage through excellent customer service and adherence to standard practices.
- Reconciled daily sales transactions to balance and log day-to-day revenue.
- Fostered a positive work environment by cultivating strong relationships between team members through team-building activities and consistent recognition of individual achievements.
- Set effective store schedules based on forecasted customer levels, individual employee knowledge, and service requirements.
- Managed financial aspects of store operations, including budget planning, expense tracking, and accurate record-keeping to maintain fiscal responsibility.
- Optimized labor scheduling according to store needs while adhering to budget constraints, maximizing productivity without compromising service quality.
- Oversaw loss prevention efforts, minimizing shrinkage by implementing effective security measures and training staff on proper procedures.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, policies by regularly reviewing store procedures and taking corrective measures when necessary.
- Upheld and communicated store programs and standards to employees for optimal quality, freshness, safety and cleanliness.
- Improved store layout for better customer flow and product visibility, leading to increase in average purchase size.
- Reduced employee turnover by creating supportive work environment and recognizing outstanding performance.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends and adjust inventory accordingly, preventing stockouts of popular items.
- Implemented loss prevention strategies, significantly reducing shrinkage.
- Oversaw daily operations to ensure compliance with health and safety standards, maintaining safe environment for both staff and customers.
- Enhanced team performance with comprehensive training programs, leading to improved customer service and operational efficiency.
Banking Consultant
Kiwibank
02.2007 - 02.2011
- Assisted in fraud prevention efforts by closely monitoring customer accounts and reporting suspicious activity as required.
- Reduced wait times for customers by efficiently handling high volumes of calls and resolving issues quickly.
- Participated in regular training sessions to stay up-to-date on industry trends, regulatory changes, and product offerings.
- Assisted customers in navigating online banking platforms, improving their overall digital banking experience.
- Resolved complex customer situations by utilizing problem-solving skills and escalating issues when necessary.
- Maintained strict adherence to compliance regulations, ensuring all transactions were accurately processed and documented.
- Developed strong relationships with clients through personalized service, building trust and loyalty with the bank.
- Processed daily cash transactions accurately while adhering to security protocols, minimizing risk exposure for the bank and its customers.
- Contributed to a positive work environment by actively participating in team meetings and offering constructive feedback on ways to enhance performance levels within the department.
- Maintained a high level of professional knowledge, staying informed on industry news and best practices in order to provide exceptional service to customers.
- Supported branch sales goals with effective cross-selling of banking products, increasing overall revenue.
- Collaborated with team members to meet monthly performance targets, contributing to the branch''s success.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing prompt and accurate responses to inquiries regarding bank products and services.
- Streamlined account opening processes for new clients, resulting in a more efficient and user-friendly experience.
- Assisted in development of new bank products, focusing on customer needs and market trends.
- Tailored banking solutions to customer needs, strengthening client relationships and loyalty.
- Improved customer experience by providing timely and accurate responses to inquiries about banking products and services.
- Enhanced customer engagement by introducing loyalty program, rewarding long-term clients.
- Coordinated with other departments to address and solve complex customer issues.
Education
Diploma - Payroll Management
Career Academy
Christchurch11-2025
High School Diploma -
Waiopehu College
Levin11-1997
Skills
- Organization
- Teaching strategies
- Self-reflection
- Problem-solving skills
- Time management
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Critical thinking
- Team collaboration
- Active listening
- Verbal and written communication
- Relationship building
- Lesson planning
- Task prioritization
- Goal setting
- Data-driven instruction
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeWork Location
HybridImportant To Me
Career advancementWork-life balanceCompany CultureFlexible work hoursPersonal development programsWork from home optionHealthcare benefitsPaid sick leaveTimeline
Payroll Individual Funding
Manawanui
08.2020 - Current
Store Operations Manager
Kmart
06.2018 - 06.2019
Team Leader Homewares Department
Kmart
06.2016 - 06.2016
Team Leader Kids Department
Kmart
06.2014 - 06.2016
Store Manager
Bendon Lingerie
01.2011 - 06.2016
Banking Consultant
Kiwibank
02.2007 - 02.2011
Diploma - Payroll Management
Career Academy
High School Diploma -
Waiopehu College
Similar Profiles
Santiago RamirezSantiago Ramirez
Fitness Support Worker at ManawanuiFitness Support Worker at Manawanui
Bonita UshawBonita Ushaw
Individual Support Worker at ManawanuiIndividual Support Worker at Manawanui
Helen WaseyHelen Wasey
Carer at ManawanuiCarer at Manawanui