Gareth Jones
Wrexham
Summary
Accomplished professional with extensive cross-discipline knowledge of the retail sector, specialising in multi-store direction and store operations. Proven expertise in business transformation, strategy implementation, and process enhancement, driving compliance and auditing excellence. Demonstrates strategic problem-solving skills through effective reporting and analysis, project lifecycle management, and sales development to achieve profit growth. Committed to upholding brand standards and audits while providing motivational leadership that fosters customer engagement. Adept at coaching, mentoring, and performance management to nurture talent and enhance skill development. Strong stakeholder engagement abilities facilitate team collaboration and influential negotiations across departments. Possesses a strategic visioning capability for successful change implementation.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Area Manager
Morrisons plc
2022.01 - 2026.04
- Area management: Integrating strategic direction and extensive retail insights into operational functions for 30 complex convenience stores, up to £700,000 of weekly sales and approximately 300 colleagues.
- Target focused: Achieved the most successful operational set of KPI’s in the North West and Central Regions with exceptional sales growth versus budget, exceeding results gained by all other North West based Operations Managers. The only Area Manager in Morrisons Daily history to achieve and maintain 20%+ swipe rates on Morrisons loyalty card.
- Business transformation: Supported company progression by trialling new initiatives for waste and stock inventory.
- Colleague progression: Empowering colleagues to achieve business success within an evolving retail channel; conducting performance management, identifying growth potential and training opportunities.
- Task force integration: Playing an integral role in supporting the business and representing retail operations within business improvement initiatives i.e. trialling a new Area Manager store visit system.
- Commercial awareness: Embracing an insightful perspective of the market and competitive landscape; supporting the team to devise strategic initiatives to ensure Morrisons remains competitive. This includes developing new ranges and local suppliers for Morrisons convenience
- Liaised regularly with senior management to discuss operational updates and improvements.
- Led multiple teams across different areas, fostering collaboration and communication.
Group Operations Manager
McColls Retail Group
2020.01 - 2022.01
- Fostered a positive work environment for employee satisfaction.
- Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas of improvement and growth potential in employees.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations and standards during operations management.
- Partnered with key stakeholders for business development opportunities.
- Initiated change processes to adapt to evolving market conditions.
- Implemented cost-saving strategies, contributing to financial health of the organisation.
- Led process improvements, ensuring top-quality output.
Area Manager
McColls Retail Group
2015.01 - 2022.01
- Monitored competition closely, staying ahead in market trends and consumer behaviour.
- Streamlined operations by introducing innovative managerial procedures.
- Coordinated several successful marketing campaigns contributing to market expansion.
- Trained members of the team for improved overall productivity.
- Implemented cost-effective measures, resulting in significant savings for the company.
- Developed robust sales strategies to maximise revenue generation.
Store Manager
McColls Retail Group
2012.01 - 2015.05
- Store Manager of a c.£3 million a year McColls store In Wrexham with 15 store colleagues. The store operated a very busy Post Office and In store bakery, as well as a full convenience store offering.
- Had to resolve a pre-existing food rating issue within 6 months to achieve 5 star food rating.
- Attained entry to the Area Manager Academy which was completed as well as being a store manager.
Store Manager
Past Times Ltd
2009.04 - 2012.03
- In my 3 years with Past Times I achieved the highest rated performance review in their history.
- I led a store of excellence and worked with a company initiative on marketing and merchandising.
- Revitalised Chester stores performance returning the store from loss making to highly profitable.
Deputy Manager
Homebase Ltd
2003.01 - 2009.01
- Deputy Store Manager of Wrexham and Mold Homebase Stores. Wrexham store had annual sales in excess of £15 million with over 140 colleagues.
- I moved to the new build store in Mold with sales in excess of £9 million and over 70 store colleagues. The stores operated Garden Centres, DIY & Home departments and major Kitchen & Bathroom showrooms.
Garden Centre Manager
Homebase Ltd
1999.01 - 2003.01
- Garden centre manager at Homebase megastore Wrexham. The Garden centre had sales in excess of £3m per year, up to 15 colleagues (seasonal variations), including 3 fully qualified horticulturalists, a qualified green keeper and a landscaper.
- The ranges we offered included builders yard, horticulture, garden buildings, garden power and tools, irrigation and clothing. Our real pride was our flower and pot arranging service. This was a unique garden centre in Homebase.
DIY Manager
Homebase Ltd
Cardiff/ Wrexham
1996.04 - 1999.01
- Coordinated cross-departmental collaboration for improved workflow.
- Streamlined communication channels, enhanced internal information flow.
- Boosted department efficiency by streamlining operational processes.
- Liaised with suppliers to ensure timely deliveries.
Education
BA (Hons) - Environmental Management
University of Wales
Wrexham 1992.09 - 1995.06
A Levels - Economics, History, Politics, Sociology
Yale Sixth Form College
Wrexham 1986.09 - 1989.06
Skills
- Detailed cross discipline knowledge of the retail sector
- Multi-store operations
- Sales development
- Profit growth
- Customer engagement
- Coaching and Performance management
- Stakeholder engagement
- Team collaboration
- Interdepartmental liaison
Accomplishments
- Consistently very high performing Area Manager.
- Improving EHO food rating from 1 to 5 within 6 months
- Growing bottom line profit by over 15%
- Growing sales from £2.5 million/yr to £3 million/yr
- Transformed mystery shopper performance from below 70% to consistently above 95%.
- Achieved highest performance review in Past Times’ history
Personal Information
Title: Dynamic, Strategic & Motivational Retail Manager
Interests
As a national standard swimmer during my younger years, I achieved notable successes and have continued to maintain an active lifestyle, walking my dog, skiing and playing golf.
Affiliations
- I am an active member of Wrexham Golf Club and play regularly. I am an excellent dog handler having owned and trained dogs most of my life, notably owning Rottweilers and Doberman's. I have been skiing for over 20 years and I socialise with friends regularly.
Certification
I am a qualified mental health first aider.
Timeline
Area Manager
Morrisons plc
2022.01 - 2026.04
Group Operations Manager
McColls Retail Group
2020.01 - 2022.01
Area Manager
McColls Retail Group
2015.01 - 2022.01
Store Manager
McColls Retail Group
2012.01 - 2015.05
Store Manager
Past Times Ltd
2009.04 - 2012.03
Deputy Manager
Homebase Ltd
2003.01 - 2009.01
Garden Centre Manager
Homebase Ltd
1999.01 - 2003.01
DIY Manager
Homebase Ltd
1996.04 - 1999.01
BA (Hons) - Environmental Management
University of Wales
1992.09 - 1995.06
A Levels - Economics, History, Politics, Sociology
Yale Sixth Form College
1986.09 - 1989.06