Simon Witchalls
Mellons Bay,AUK
Summary
Accomplished Senior Merchandise Manager with a history of overseeing multi-million-dollar procurement operations. Strategic planner offering demonstrated track record and core strengths in key relationship management and inventory management as well as persuasive contract negotiation skills. I have developed core strengths within the office products industry for close to 20 years, and I have continued to develop my experience in global procurement within the fast-paced white goods manufacturing environment. With my experience in growing and developing new categories such as Cafe and Hygiene within OfficeMax and NXP to record growth, and overseeing the shift from small adjacent categories to the largest categories within the business, I have a strong understanding of the industry. I've developed strong leadership skills with successful teams within NXP and OfficeMax, recognized as the benchmark and leading performers.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner/Director
2&Four Limited
Auckland Central, Auckland
07.2024 - Current
- Owner of Best Ugly Bagels Franchise in Commercial Bay
- Oversea and implement marketing plans, pricing and product development
- Manage budgets and accounting
- Work with store manager to oversea business direction
Global Category Manager
Fisher & Paykel Appliances
East Tamaki, Auckland
02.2023 - Current
- Developed and implemented global category strategies to drive cost savings, improve quality, and increase efficiencies.
- Quickly became the global commodity council lead for slides and hinges within the wider Haier Group. This role entails developing strategy and implementing global synergy opportunities for procurement within all Haier businesses globally.
- Lead procurement in OEM manufacturing, slides and hinges, fans and motors, and new development categories such as Home Solutions (solar, water heating, ventilation). The total value of responsibility is over $150 million in purchases.
- Identified and implemented over $2 million in cost savings within the first two years.
- Global sourcing and procurement from suppliers around the world, including Germany, Turkey, Slovakia, the US, China, Taiwan, Thailand, and Italy.
Head of Facilities
NXP NZ Ltd
Highbrook, Auckland
01.2020 - 02.2023
- Formulated strategic direction for categories, leading Sales Specialist Teams and Category Assistants.
- Developed category range strategy, process improvements, and online listing strategies.
- Implemented marketing and sales campaigns to enhance category performance.
- Coached Sales Specialists on pipeline management and KPI setting to ensure profit growth.
- Directed proposal formats and activity management within Sales Support teams.
- Created promotional plans targeting specific categories for market penetration.
- Managed stock turns and minimized slow-moving inventory through supplier collaboration.
- Negotiated exclusive supplier agreements to secure competitive pricing and promotional support.
Lead Buyer
OfficeMax
Highbrook, Auckland
01.2018 - 12.2019
- Formulated strategic direction within categories to drive growth of OfficeMax business in Facilities.
- Coached buying team to foster development, enhancing culture and work ethic.
- Developed promotional plans and negotiated internal promotional space for flyers and campaigns.
- Collaborated with sales management to identify growth opportunities in targeted vertical markets.
- Monitored stock turns and minimized slow-moving inventory to enhance logistics efficiency.
- Sourced product opportunities aligned with strategic plans for market penetration and profitability.
- Achieved over $1 million in cost reductions through negotiations, significantly increasing category margin.
Buyer Café, Cleaning & Hygiene
OfficeMax
01.2013 - 01.2018
- Formulated strategic category plans, analyzing market positioning against competitors.
- Identified growth opportunities for categories and products, ensuring implementation of strategic direction.
- Developed promotional plans for targeted categories, securing promotional placements in various campaigns.
- Collaborated with suppliers to negotiate impactful offers for maximum promotional results.
- Worked with category sales managers to support initiatives and launch new product ranges.
- Led acquisition integration team for Merchandise during Cleaning Business Supplies Acquisition.
Trainee Buyer Café
OfficeMax
01.2011 - 01.2013
Education
Project Management - Business Management
University of Auckland
Auckland, NZ09-2017
Writing A Compelling Business Case - Business
University of Auckland
Auckland, NZ09-2016
Bachelor of Sport and Recreation -
Auckland University of Technology
Auckland, NZ01.2005
Skills
- Strategic planning and execution
- Profit maximization
- Leadership and team management
- Collaboration and partnership
- Negotiation and conflict resolution
- Process improvement methodologies
- Business acumen and insight
- Sales leadership strategies
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Data analysis for decision-making
- Change management and agility
- Integration and alignment
- Supplier negotiation tactics
- Global sourcing strategies
- Marketing strategy development
- Category management
- Global sourcing
- Cost reduction
References
- Donna Sharp, head of merchandise, NZ Blackwoods Previous Role: Business Manager Merchandise OfficeMax
- David Adkins, Theatre Producer, Director, Production Manager, Performer, Coach, Teacher. Previous Role: GM Merchandise NXP
- Richard Clothier, Sydney Water Procurement Portfolio Manager. Previous role: Global Procurement Manager, Fisher & Paykel
Affiliations
- Martial Arts enthusiast with close to 30 years experience in Wing Chun Kung Fu (7th Degree Black Belt), Kendo (Second dan) aswell as experience in Judo, boxing and kickboxing. My passion continues with ongoing coaching and training
- Swimming and Running
- Supporting and coaching kids sports
Timeline
Owner/Director
2&Four Limited
07.2024 - Current
Global Category Manager
Fisher & Paykel Appliances
02.2023 - Current
Head of Facilities
NXP NZ Ltd
01.2020 - 02.2023
Lead Buyer
OfficeMax
01.2018 - 12.2019
Buyer Café, Cleaning & Hygiene
OfficeMax
01.2013 - 01.2018
Trainee Buyer Café
OfficeMax
01.2011 - 01.2013
Project Management - Business Management
University of Auckland
Writing A Compelling Business Case - Business
University of Auckland
Bachelor of Sport and Recreation -
Auckland University of Technology
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