Yegashree Naidoo
Nationality-South African
Dubai,UAE
Summary
Results-oriented business leader with more than 20 years of experience in day-to-day business operations management. Effective relationship building skills with key clients, accounts and external business stakeholders by offering my ability to leverage trends across industries and markets. I derive solutions and approaches focused on creating value for customers and profitability for the company. Demonstrated ability to streamline processes for efficiency and productivity. I am well-versed in applying multi-faceted approaches to managing safety, operations and productivity across multiple business lines. Merger and acquisitions specialist adept in creating seamless integration of new operations and businesses. I am accomplished in building high-performing teams and inspiring staff to achieve goals. I am versatile and an innovative management professional skilled at seeing "big picture" while still also focusing on details.
Overview
2
2
years of post-secondary education
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Manager
Health & Beauty Division
Kuwait-Bahrain-Qatar-KSA-Oman
06.2019 - Current
- Overall responsibility & accountability for the strategic direction, leadership & transitioning of the business line, ongoing growth, profitability & operations of the respective brands.
- Control & monitor the financial objectives & drive cost optimization across the respective markets.
- Implementation & optimization of the omnichannel services across all brands within the division.
- Coach, lead & mentor direct reportees to deliver high-quality standards of operations & performance through a suitable performance management metrics.
- Manage & lead 14 direct reports (x5 Area Operations Managers, x3 Area Training Managers, x4 Marketing & Ecommerce Reports & x1 Operations Executive).
- Chair weekly meetings with executive leadership to identify opportunities for improvement, establish milestones and tailor products to individual markets.
- Close collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to enhance client retention, growth plans & adherence to global brand deliverance of brand initiatives. (Host Brands, HR, LP, Finance, L&D, Government Relations, Ecomm Partners & Central Marketing)
- Capitalized on industry and marketplace trends to enhance ecommerce and retail sales solutions and approaches.
- Identify market product demands and customer trends to bring in new customers and retain existing ones for sustainable profits.
- Led company to successful product launches and growth by developing initial product roadmap and go-to-market strategy.
- Spearhead business operations by consistently seeking methods to improve profitability through cost containment, efficiency improvements and revenue generation.
- Collaborate with internal teams and suppliers to evaluate costs against expected market price points and set structures to achieve profit targets.
- Revitalized operations and realigned plans to better capture new opportunities and take advantage of changes in customer habits.
- Inspired and motivated operations team to increase revenue by 10% in 6 months.
- Implemented new customer service model across 60 locations, resulting in 55% boost in customer service ratings.
- Forecasted sales and set successful policies to achieve sales objectives and related metrics within timeframe.
- Manage store network (opening, revamping & closing) & digital investments(ecommerce platforms, apps, etc) within the respective brand.
- Led targeted training programs to educate staff on product benefits and service capabilities.
- Met deadlines by proactively managing individual and team tasks and streamlining processes.
- Optimized in-store merchandising, brand presentation, inventory availability through continuous training & development of retail teams.
- Boosted bottom-line profits by devising and optimizing effective marketing initiatives across the respective markets.
Area Operations Manager
Apparel & Footwear Division- American Eagle
Kuwait-Bahrain-Qatar
04.2015 - 05.2019
- Met & exceeded agreed net brand sales & profitability KPI's, while leading by example on the development of a trading & service culture within the retail back office.
- Managed, lead & monitored the operations of 20 store locations across Kuwait,Bahrain & Qatar.
- Maintained quality brand image exposure in alignment with corporate standards & host partner.
- Brand Training Ambassador for MENA- Content creation, implementation, ROI analysis.
- Close collaboration with Recruitment, HR, LP, VM,L&D, Product & Marketing teams to ensure optimal service to store teams.
- Made recommendations on brand & commercial opportunities by analyzing retail KPI's, local trends, customer behavior in relation to marketing, visual merchandising, training,competitors & product assortment across the relevant markets.
- Project lead across the Apparel & Footwear Division for various business initiatives which also included new store openings, renovations and store closures.
- Retention of high-performers through structured development programs, coaching & mentorship.
Operations Manager
Primedia- Ster Kinekor
South Africa-KZN-Cape Town-Gauteng
07.2013 - 12.2014
- Leveraged profit opportunities by recruiting top talent and managing brand image to exceed plan performance.
- Overall responsibility & accountability for 110 complex operations across South Africa which included 30 direct reportees of Regional Managers.
- Monitored customer buying trends, market conditions and competitor actions to adjust strategies and achieve sales goals.
- Collaborated with internal teams and suppliers to evaluate costs against expected market price points and set structures to achieve profit targets.
- Spearheaded market expansion plan for senior leadership, including sales planning, marketing and product investments.
- Worked diligently to resolve unique and recurring complaints, promoting loyalty and enhancing operations.
- Attracted new clientele and developed customer relationships by hosting product-focused events.
- Improved customer experience by creating custom showrooms across retail locations.
- Developed promotional plans to complement national sales initiatives.
- Improved branding initiatives by implementing effective marketing campaigns to maximize engagement and brand awareness.
Retail Operations Manager
Lifestyle & Surf- Ripcurl-Oakley-Tommy Bahama-Sea Folly
UAE-Bahrain-Kuwait-Qatar
02.2012 - 05.2013
- Achieved or exceeded financial goals on regular basis by controlling expenses, optimizing schedules and regulating inventory usage.
- Expanded cross-functional organizational capacity by collaborating across departments on priorities, functions and common goals.
- Coached, lead & developed a team of 3 Area Managers & 6 Area Visual Managers across an AOR of 44 retail stores & 75 distribution clients in MENA.
- Raised performance in areas of sales, management and operations by identifying and targeting areas in need of improvement.
- Onboarded new employees, including training, mentoring and new hire documentation.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Identified new business opportunities within the respective markets while building relationships with internal & external stakeholders.
Area Manager
Sports Division-Totalsports-Sportscene-Due South
South Africa-KZN-Eastern Cape
04.2009 - 01.2012
- Accountable & responsible for P&L deliverance of 28 retail stores across KZN & Eastern Cape together with cost optimization.
- Fostered strong rapport with clients, vendors and stakeholders through consistent follow-up and communication. (Adidas, Nike, Puma,Reebok,New Balance,Asics, Salomon)
- Sports Division project lead for key sports events which included Comrades Marathon, Fun Walks, Athletics, Swimming, Cricket, Rugby, etc.
- Accountable for talent management, succession & development planning across my AOR.
- Developed & improved recruiting methods to reduce turnover and build highly effective teams.
- Collaboration with brand training representatives on content creation, implementation and performance measurement analysis.
- Worked with stakeholders to drive product , service definition and design based on customer needs.
- Revised plans as needed to meet changing goals and requirements.
- Close working relationship with support functions which included VM,HR,LP,Audit,brand merchandising and customer teams in ensuring a "service of excellence" across the retail stores.
Store Manager
Ackermans
South Africa-KZN
02.2006 - 12.2009
- Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings.
- Reviewed and monitored scheduling, purchases and other expenses to maintain quarterly & annual budgets.
- Developed new store location from ground up by hiring and training efficient team.
- Oversaw and improved deliveries through proactive coordination of daily operations.
- Maximized sales and minimized shrinkage through excellent customer service and adherence to standard practices.
- Analyzed and interpreted store trends to facilitate planning.
- Set effective store schedules based on forecasted customer levels, individual employee knowledge and service requirements.
- Managed store employees successfully in fast-paced environment through proactive communication and positive feedback.
- Promoted team collaboration, performance and efficiency by fostering healthy environments focused on mutual success.
- Maintained proper product levels and inventory controls for merchandise and organized backroom to facilitate effective ordering and stock rotation.
- Scheduled and led weekly store meetings for all employees to discuss sales promotions and new inventory while providing platform for all to voice concerns.
- Coached sales associates on product knowledge by using wide variety of training tools.
Assistant Manager-Regional Co-Ordinator
The Hub Trading Company
South Africa
01.2000 - 11.2006
- Maintained customer satisfaction with forward-thinking strategies focused on addressing customer needs and resolving concerns.
- Fielded customer questions regarding available merchandise, sales, current prices and upcoming company changes.
- Regularly exceeded daily sales and product add-on quotas.
- Leveraged sales expertise to promote products and capitalized on upsell opportunities.
- Helped with planning schedules and delegating assignments to meet coverage and service demands.
- Planned team-building exercises to increase employee performance and job satisfaction.
- Offered hands-on assistance to customers, assessing needs and maintaining current knowledge of consumer preferences.
- Coordinated travel arrangements by booking airfare, hotel and ground transportation for regional manager.
-
- Maintained staff directory and company policy handbook for human resources department.
Education
Retail Management Certification - Retail Management
Unisa
South Africa 02.2007 - 12.2008
Skills
Strategic leadership
Accomplishments
- Awarded Area Manager of the region & division - 2010 (Amongst 480 Area Managers)
- Awarded 1st Place twice- Company Credit Drives- 2011 (Amongst 2250 stores)
- Awarded x6 Audit Excellence Awards-2011 (Amongst 2250 stores)
- Awarded Customer Excellence Award- 2014- Successfully opened 1st IMAX & Prestige Cinema together with 1st International Launch Event "Long Walk To Freedom" in South Africa
- Awarded Best Cinema Readers Choice Awards - 2013 & 2014
- Awarded Customer Service & Choice Awards MENA- American Eagle - 2015 & 2017
- Awarded Most Profitable Brand H&B - 2019
Timeline
Operations Manager
Health & Beauty Division
06.2019 - Current
Area Operations Manager
Apparel & Footwear Division- American Eagle
04.2015 - 05.2019
Operations Manager
Primedia- Ster Kinekor
07.2013 - 12.2014
Retail Operations Manager
Lifestyle & Surf- Ripcurl-Oakley-Tommy Bahama-Sea Folly
02.2012 - 05.2013
Area Manager
Sports Division-Totalsports-Sportscene-Due South
04.2009 - 01.2012
Retail Management Certification - Retail Management
Unisa
02.2007 - 12.2008
Store Manager
Ackermans
02.2006 - 12.2009
Assistant Manager-Regional Co-Ordinator
The Hub Trading Company
01.2000 - 11.2006
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