R C

Robert Close

Seaching for my next Operations Management Role

40years • Bedford

Summary

I am an enthusiastic, self-motivated and energising individual with an inner desire to excel in or improve any situation. With a proven track record of people development, organisational and planning ability I have a unique versatility combined with advanced skills in; management, development, problem solving, continuous improvement and analysis along with strong sales & marketing techniques. I set high standards, make clear and thought out decisions based on detailed analysis and involve/clearly communicate with others to achieve high levels of customer service and satisfaction.

Skills

People Management

Organisation

sales

Operations

Process Improvemnt

Forcasting

Business Development

Networking

P&L

Logistics

Cost Control

budgeting

analysis

leadership

People Development

Experiences

Branch Manager

06-2016 - 09-2016

Works / Construction sites

Management of a Branch that incorporated three separate businesses as well as being the transport and stock hub for the region, specialising in supplying roofing materials to trade & public. In my brief time here I achieved the following: • Re-organisation of the yard to increase efficiency, space and improved work flow. • P&L improvements; increase in year on year sales and cash margin from 17.6% to 19.4%. • Increased utilisation and efficiency of vehicles from 47% to 89%. • Complete overhaul of the trade counter and shop lay out which increase sales. • Improved 5 S Audit score from 43% to 91% Responsibilities: • P&L ownership, management of sales strategy’s/procedures and stock management. • Ensuring availability of the core range of products by the monitoring/analysis of 1800+ SKUs by putting into place PAR levels. • Line management, training and development of all branch staff. • Preparation and change management for integration of the business on to the new Kerridge (K8) WMS and CRM System. • Business development of current, new and cash customers, improving conversion rates through training to overcome objections and introducing sales processes, scripts & prompts.

Operations Manager

09-2009 - 06-2016

Logistics

Management of the logistical side of the business; Overseeing the Despatch, Installation, Transport, Stores, Customer Services, Purchasing and Overseas Production departments; as well as the Head Office Site, weekly and yearly targets for the six other UK Branches and carrying out monthly audits. I was also involved with all aspects of Human Resources, Sales and Marketing and chaired the weekly commercial planning and management meetings. Responsibilities: • Accountable for despatch and installation figures companywide achieving 99% OTIF from around 85% from the start of my time in the role. • Introduction of new policies, procedures and KPIs across the company to ensure maximum benefit to the company and customer at minimum cost. • Project management of various service improvements; including ‘book your own delivery date’, 2 person deliveries and online delivery dairy management linking all 6 branches. • Training and development of department managers; including 1-2-1’s and yearly reviews. • Ensuring that the company’s multi-site O-Licence is kept to, drivers adhere to VOSA regulations and vehicle/staff requirements are planned and met through auditing. • Ensuring that Health & Safety and company Policies & Procedures are continuously adhered to, reviewed and updated as there version of Quality Management Systems. • Forecasting of both sales and stock requirements by seasonality and geographical area through historical data analysis, trends and statistics to determine business requirements. Achievements: • Implementation, design and development of a commission based sales structure; which led to increased sales by £3.3m in year 1 and a further £2m+ the two years after. • Improvements in vehicle efficiency (Miles per Drop) and capacity utilisation. • Savings of over £100,000 /annum in fuel through improved vehicle MPG’s. • Introduction and setting of Branch targets and Manager’s bonus scheme, which increased efficiency and productivity YOY. • Introduction of costing analysis for products from our European factories leading to tighter controls on pricing, increased margins and greater efficiency.

Deputy General Manager / Operations Manager

08-2006 - 08-2008

Hotels - Restaurants

Independently owned, 1,000 capacity entertainment venue ‘Chapel 29’ in the town of Bedford; Staff of 45, plus up to 10 DJs per night, turning over £2.5m a year on a 3 night operation. Responsibilities: • Start-up of business including initiation of back-office & EPOS systems, payroll and company policies and procedures - keeping to health & safety and licensing regulations. • Cost savings; including negotiations and changing contractors and supplies. • Facilities Management & recruitment; training and management of 45+ staff. • Introduction and running of stock management systems. • Planning and marketing for the Club, Events and Private Hires.

Education & training

Samuel Whitbread

1999 - 2001

Shefford SG17, UK, Shefford

Sales, Studies / Statistics / Data,

Personal services