Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Websites
Custom
Personal Information
Affiliations
Accomplishments
References
Timeline
Generic

Dave Astin

Newry,Northern Ireland

Summary

Results-driven Manager with talent for building high-performance teams and driving revenue growth. Expert in creating and executing strategic sales plans, leading to increased market share and improved customer satisfaction. Known for fostering long-term client relationships and delivering on business objectives.

Overview

31
31
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Sales Manager

Currys
Lisburn
09.2024 - 09.2025
  • Led a high-performing team to achieve sales targets through effective coaching and mentorship.
  • Developed and executed business growth plans to enhance operational success.
  • Guided team members on best practices in upselling and cross-selling techniques, leading to enhanced customer value proposition.
  • Analysed sales reports to identify trends and update strategies.
  • Evaluated sales and service processes to generate targeted improvement strategies and increase revenue opportunities.

Store Manager

Mourne Food & Drink
Rostrevor, County Down
03.2024 - 08.2024
  • Directed overall performance and profitability of busy Nisa supermarket in Rostrevor.
  • Developed and implemented range plan using analytical data to optimise product mix, reducing slow-moving items and waste.
  • Reviewed and redesigned store layout to enhance customer flow and experience.
  • Redefined Team Managers' roles, establishing clear objectives and structured responsibilities.
  • Led daily operations to ensure exceptional customer service and product availability.
  • Oversaw financial management tasks including budgeting, forecasting, and cash handling procedures.
  • Coordinated promotional activities to drive sales and increase customer engagement within store.
  • Monitored compliance with health and safety regulations to ensure a safe shopping environment.
  • Implemented promotional displays to increase product visibility and sales.
  • Maintained an organised stock room for easy accessibility of goods.
  • Boosted store's reputation for excellence through meticulous upkeep, product presentation and customer service.
  • Conducted performance appraisals for staff members, providing constructive feedback and identifying areas for improvement.
  • Managed staff rosters, ensuring adequate coverage during peak times.

Senior Store Manager

Chain Reaction Cycles
Belfast, County Antrim
09.2017 - 02.2024
  • Led team in delivering exceptional customer service through training and mentorship.
  • Revamped product displays and layouts to enhance visual appeal and engagement.
  • Developed and implemented operational strategies to enhance store performance and efficiency.
  • Oversaw inventory management processes ensuring accuracy and timely replenishment of stock.
  • Coordinated staff scheduling to ensure optimal coverage during peak trading hours.
  • Analysed sales data to identify trends and opportunities for improving product offerings.
  • Facilitated regular team meetings to communicate goals, share updates, and address challenges.
  • Enhanced visual merchandising standards to create an engaging shopping experience for customers.
  • Built strong relationships with local community through active participation in events.
  • Managed high-value inventory to reduce loss and increase profit margin.
  • Oversaw budget planning for controlled expenditure and maximized profitability.
  • Fostered positive work environment, reducing staff turnover significantly.
  • Executed promotional strategies to drive increased sales revenue.
  • Monitored sales efforts and generated reports using Power BI to identify areas for improvement.
  • Monitored competitor activities, responding creatively to maintain relevancy and competitive edge.
  • Directed retail and wholesale operations, scrutinising and improving existing processes to boost efficiency.
  • Analysed consumer data to predict future purchasing trends for informed decision-making.
  • Collaborated with cross-company departments, developing new strategies to capitalise on emerging customer trends.
  • Established clear budgets with sound controls to keep business operating with optimum finances.
  • Formulated marketing and advertising strategies for continuous business growth.

Store Manager

Outdoor & Cycle Concepts
Belfast, County Antrim
01.2008 - 09.2017
  • Oversaw overall performance and profitability of busy retail store in Belfast.
  • Led team in daily operations to enhance customer service and satisfaction.
  • Trained and mentored staff members to improve performance and teamwork.
  • Oversaw scheduling and staffing to ensure optimal coverage during peak hours.
  • Oversaw visual merchandising efforts that enhanced overall store appearance.
  • Led training sessions for new employees, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge.
  • Boosted store's reputation for excellence through meticulous upkeep, product presentation and customer service.
  • Managed stock within set minimum and maximum levels to serve customers without overextending finances.
  • Established clear budgets with sound controls to keep the business operating with optimum finances.
  • Cultivated a customer-centric environment through effective staff selection and training.
  • Established and monitored short- and long-term goals for store operations.
  • Focused on business expansion and maximised in-store profitability.

Retail Systems Manager

Outdoor & Cycle Concepts
Hybrid
01.2008 - 09.2017
  • Executed testing, documentation, and implementation of all retail systems across the company.
  • Researched and documented existing processes for Outdoor & Cycle Concepts Ltd.
  • Collaborated with Group Business Analysts to develop new processes before implementation.
  • Maintained up-to-date documentation of all systems procedures assisting in smooth operational transitions.
  • Conducted testing and provided feedback on all new systems and processes.
  • Led Retail Key User team for Outdoor & Cycle Concepts, comprising five Key Users and 22 Super Users.
  • Led initiatives to improve customer experience by integrating advanced retail technologies and solutions.
  • Represented retail at OPEX meetings, focusing on operational excellence.
  • Developed training programmes for staff to ensure seamless adoption of new technology and processes.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify system requirements and streamline workflows.
  • Conducted staff training sessions on new software applications, increased adoption rates across departments.

Regional Manager

Cotswold Outdoor
01.2006 - 01.2009
  • Oversaw performance of Belfast and Glasgow stores, later adding Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Silverburn locations.
  • Developed strategic forecasts and budgets for sales, gross margin, and operating costs with managers.
  • Established comprehensive training and succession plans for store teams.
  • Delivered compliant store layouts and maintained high standards according to company guidelines.
  • Conducted competitor analysis through regular visits with store managers.
  • Audited all stores to ensure compliance with Health & Safety regulations, including risk assessments.
  • Monitored sales metrics such as Department/Category sales, ATV, IPB, Conversion, and overall profitability.
  • Ensured strict adherence to company processes and procedures across all locations.
  • Mentored junior managers to foster professional development and enhance leadership capabilities.
  • Fostered a positive work environment, boosting employee morale.
  • Drafted periodic reports to inform upper management on KPIs and operational issues.

Store Manager

Cotswold Outdoor
Glasgow
01.2000 - 01.2006
  • Led daily operations to ensure optimal store performance and customer satisfaction.
  • Managed inventory effectively to maintain stock levels and reduce waste.
  • Supervised team members to enhance productivity and foster a collaborative environment.
  • Developed and implemented training programmes for new staff to improve service quality.

Wing Staff Officer

Royal Air Force VR(T)
Glasgow, Scotland
01.2000 - 01.2006
  • Oversaw 13 ATC Squadrons within Glasgow and West of Scotland Wing.
  • Ensured compliance with all training requirements across Squadrons.
  • Monitored adherence to rules and regulations in operations.
  • Conducted annual inspections to verify standards.
  • Managed communications and briefings, facilitating information flow between various units and HQ.
  • Oversaw adherence to safety protocols, promoting a culture of risk management within the organisation.

Store Manager

Cotswold Outdoor
Southampton
01.1995 - 01.2000

Education

Richard Tauntons College
01.1985 - 01.1987

8 O-Levels - undefined

Millbrook Secondary School
01.1981 - 01.1985

Skills

  • Performance management and succession planning
  • Multi-channel marketing strategies
  • Retail systems development
  • Coaching and mentoring
  • Merchandise planning and documentation
  • Analytical P&L management
  • Career commitment and commercial awareness
  • Strategic planning and execution
  • Team leadership and change management
  • Target achievement focus

Custom

  • Officer Commanding ATC Squadron, Royal Air Force VR(T)
  • Wing Adventure Training Officer, Glasgow & West of Scotland Wing
  • Region Adventure Training Officer, Scotland & Northern Ireland Region
  • Instructor, National Air Cadet Adventure Training Centre

Personal Information

Title: Store & Retail Systems Manager

Affiliations

  • Photography
  • Hillwalking
  • Cycling

Accomplishments

  • Mountain Leader Training Board - Summer Mountain Leader Award
  • Basic Expedition Leaders Award - Course Director
  • Manual Handling Train the Trainer course
  • Scottish Mountani Bike leader Awards - Trail Cycle Leader

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Sales Manager

Currys
09.2024 - 09.2025

Store Manager

Mourne Food & Drink
03.2024 - 08.2024

Senior Store Manager

Chain Reaction Cycles
09.2017 - 02.2024

Store Manager

Outdoor & Cycle Concepts
01.2008 - 09.2017

Retail Systems Manager

Outdoor & Cycle Concepts
01.2008 - 09.2017

Regional Manager

Cotswold Outdoor
01.2006 - 01.2009

Store Manager

Cotswold Outdoor
01.2000 - 01.2006

Wing Staff Officer

Royal Air Force VR(T)
01.2000 - 01.2006

Store Manager

Cotswold Outdoor
01.1995 - 01.2000

Richard Tauntons College
01.1985 - 01.1987

8 O-Levels - undefined

Millbrook Secondary School
01.1981 - 01.1985
Dave Astin