Darren Smith
Halstead,Essex
Summary
Dedicated professional with extensive expertise in retail operations, demonstrating reliable follow-through and exceptional product display creativity. Proven track record in recruitment and hiring practices, promotions execution, and compliance awareness. Adept at building strong customer relationships and delivering outstanding service orientation. Skilled in team leadership, effective delegation, and supervisory roles, ensuring optimal task prioritisation and safety consciousness. Committed to leveraging technical proficiency and product knowledge to drive business success while fostering a collaborative work environment.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Assistant manager/spares Manager
Highbourne Group
BASILDON, Essex
02.2011 - Current
- Led development of inventory management strategies to optimise stock levels.
- Coordinated training sessions for staff to enhance product knowledge and service delivery.
- Implemented streamlined processes for order fulfilment to improve operational efficiency.
- Monitored vendor performance to ensure compliance with quality standards and delivery timelines.
- Provided excellent customer service leading to repeat business and customer loyalty.
- Handled customer complaints effectively, restoring trust in our brand.
- Handled stock control duties diligently preventing overstocking or shortages.
- Managed daily operations to ensure smooth running of the shop floor.
- Managed cash registers accurately reducing discrepancies at end of day reconciliation.
- Delegated tasks to team members efficiently improving overall productivity.
Assistant branch manager
B&Q
Ilford, Essex
06.2001 - 01.2011
- Managed daily operations to ensure efficient workflow and optimal staff performance.
- Oversaw inventory management processes to maintain stock levels and reduce wastage.
- Facilitated communication between departments to align goals and improve overall efficiency.
- Led initiatives to improve store layout and merchandising for enhanced customer experience.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly to maintain satisfaction and loyalty.
- Oversaw employee scheduling, improving overall productivity levels.
- Conducted weekly meetings to discuss branch performance and targets.
- Maintained daily operations, ensuring smooth workflow.
Assistant store manager
Wickes
Barking, Barking and Dagenham
08.1991 - 01.2001
- Managed inventory processes to ensure optimal stock levels and product availability.
- Coordinated promotional events and in-store displays to attract customers and boost sales.
- Oversaw daily operations and ensured compliance with company policies and procedures.
- Evaluated staff performance and provided constructive feedback to improve productivity.
- Resolved customer complaints effectively to maintain high levels of satisfaction.
- Collaborated with management to develop strategies for achieving sales targets.
- Implemented promotional activities, increased product visibility and awareness amongst customers.
- Provided assistance during peak trading hours, kept checkouts moving quickly whilst maintaining excellent customer service levels.
- Maintained health and safety standards within the store to ensure compliance with company policies and legal requirements.
Business owner
Self employed
National, Essex/London
02.1988 - 01.1991
- Managed financial planning and budgeting to ensure sustainable business growth.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients to foster loyalty and repeat business.
- Oversaw daily operations to maintain high standards of service and product quality.
- Analysed market trends to identify new opportunities for expansion and improvement.
- Built strong client relationships, led to repeat business and referrals.
- Innovated product offerings based on customer feedback and market analysis,.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers, resulted in cost savings.
- Identified new business opportunities to increase revenue.
Education
A-Levels - Civil Engineering & Building Studies
Southend Technical College
Southend-on-Sea 09.1986 - 06.1988
Skills
- Reliable follow-through
- Product display creativity
- Recruitment and hiring practices
- Promotions execution
- Retail operations understanding
- Supervisory expertise
- Leadership proficiency
- Effective delegator
- Technical proficiency
- Compliance awareness
- Customer relationship building
- Service orientation
- Task prioritisation
- Safety consciousness
- Customer Service
- Team Leadership
- Product knowledge
Timeline
Assistant manager/spares Manager
Highbourne Group
02.2011 - Current
Assistant branch manager
B&Q
06.2001 - 01.2011
Assistant store manager
Wickes
08.1991 - 01.2001
Business owner
Self employed
02.1988 - 01.1991
A-Levels - Civil Engineering & Building Studies
Southend Technical College
09.1986 - 06.1988