Deborah CUNNINGHAM

Achieved annual turnover of £90 million by leading 368 colleagues over 136,000 sqft.

Transformed culture by prioritising people development, stock loss reduction, and sales stability.

• Delivered performance goals through effective development programmes, promoting three store managers within 12 months.
• Oversaw Academy training for over 20 internal and external managers in North East London region.
• Managed graduate learning programme for all graduates entering NEL region.
• Facilitated induction training for new directors to enhance operational understanding.
• Collaborated with stakeholders to reduce stock loss, moving Stratford from No.1 to outside top 50.
• Influenced CEO Food director and Retail renewal team to co-manage the renewal in Stratford M&S.

• Rebuilt relationships with centre management team to enhance collaboration.
• Executed time-sensitive projects within operations, improving efficiency and teamwork. Coordinated store logistics operation enabling efficient delivery to store and customers.
• Transformed sales floor to elevate customer shopping experience.
• Identified individual development opportunities for operations management roles.
• Implemented budget controls to increase store contributions effectively and cost control objectives.
• Identify and resolve & resource management issues

• Redesigned second floor to expand space, implementing all changes in-house without extra costs.
• Achieved 22% sales increase within three months of project completion.
• Created well-lit, proportioned shopping experience that received positive customer feedback.

• Planned store regeneration and renewal project for 2022, resulting in 26% sales growth.
• Established strategies to enhance customer confidence, boost sales, and minimise stock loss prior to renewal.
• Managed budget and staffing requirements, ensuring optimal resource allocation.
• Collaborated with contractors and renewal team for adjacent unit refurbishment, driving project success.
• Reduced stock loss by 88% in highest risk departments through targeted initiatives.
• Cultivated team confidence and morale while streamlining operational efficiencies.

Managed new store opening, collaborating with developers and third-party contractors.

Coordinated with buyers, category managers, project managers, and legal teams.

Delivered recruitment and induction for 68 team members and six managers for 6,000 sqft Simply Food store.

Engaged with local community to integrate M&S, supporting food bank initiatives and events.

• Developed budgets and cost plans for opening first 3,000 sqft convenience store for M&S.
• Collaborated with local council to secure operational licensing hours.
• Fulfilled legal requirements for successful store registration.
• Coordinated with planners to mitigate 17 date delays affecting costs and staff resettlement across three regions.

• Managed budget oversight for staffing and service costs, ensuring financial efficiency.
  Collaborated with department heads to deliver controllable costs.
• Conducted thorough analysis of financial data to inform decision making processes.
• Managed annual budgeting process with efficiency and accuracy.
• Developed strategic financial plans for long-term company growth.
• Handled unexpected changes in funding or costs, maintaining stability in operations.
• Oversaw operations and compliance for 16 regional stores, ensuring adherence to legal standards.
• Delivered health and safety training to all colleagues and managers, ensuring up-to-date life safety protocols.
• Organised maintenance programmes for store facilities in collaboration with head office and contractors.
• Managed contractor relations for PPE maintenance to uphold stringent store standards.
• Collaborated with centre manager to establish robust, enduring relationships safeguarding neighbouring retailers and centre as M&S maintained direct access to both centre and high street.
• Collaborated with team to create a welcoming customer environment.
• Developed and mentored two team members into management and FHSO roles.

• Conducted legal and compliance training for 750 team members prior to new store opening.
• Coordinated operational and logistical requirements for new store launch.
• Collaborated with various departments to ensure adherence to licensing laws and regulations.

Coordinated site access for contractors to facilitate building inspections and deliveries.
Managed logistics for store deliveries and third-party projects on site.
Planned and scheduled all delivery activities to optimise operations.

• Oversaw store operations across six floors in dual-sited location.
• Managed logistics, maintenance, and operations teams to enhance efficiency.
• Collaborated with Debenhams and other stores in centre during shopping centre meetings.
• Addressed crime prevention strategies through effective teamwork and communication.
• Cultivating a collaborative team environment within store and centre.
• Established robust partnerships with local police to enhance store and centre visibility.
• Facilitated staff training sessions for exceptional customer service delivery.
• Ensured safety regulations, resulted in a secure shopping environment.
• Maintained clean and organised retail space for a pleasant shopping ambience.
• All supported by customer-first approach
• Optimised sales floor layouts to create an appealing shopping experience.

• Oversaw customer service operations, including refunds and bra fittings in lingerie and beauty advice in our beauty section.
• Implemented events and promotions to enhance customer engagement.
• Delivered complex strategic initiatives for Christmas shop across multiple departments.
• Managed logistical operations to ensure seamless implementation of strategies.
• Managed team dynamics by implementing conflict resolution strategies.
• Identified growth opportunities through comprehensive market research.
• Supervised project timelines for timely completion.
• Optimised resource allocation for increased profits.
• Boosted department efficiency by streamlining operational processes.
• Raised company reputation with high-quality customer care.
• Devised strategies to improve customer engagement.
• Collaborated cross-functionally for seamless service delivery.
• Conducted regular meetings for transparent communication.
• Managed challenging situations to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Facilitated staff training programmes, enhancing overall customer service quality.

• Managed high-pressure situations with ease, ensuring customer satisfaction during peak hours.
• Monitored inventory levels routinely to avoid stock-outs or overstocking issues.
• Communicated daily offers to customers, promoting in-store deals and discounts.
• Upheld company policies whilst interacting with customers to maintain brand reputation.
• Ensured health and safety regulations complied within work premises at all times.
• Participated actively in staff meetings contributing valuable insights towards improving store performance.

• Supported vulnerable young women who experienced childhood abuse.
• Organised and planned events and trips to enhance engagement.
• Provided onsite overnight support during weekends to ensure safety and well-being.