Josh Gillies
Carrickfergus,Antrim
Summary
Over 9 years' in a retail management environment with a strong focus on policy and compliance.
First Class Honours graduate in Business Management with strong analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills.
Experienced in handling complex operational issues, maintaining accurate records, and working within strict procedural and regulatory frameworks.
Seeking to transition into a Legal Executive role, leveraging strong transferable skills in administration, documentation, and compliance.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Store Manager
Henderson Retail Limited
Belfast, Antrim
2023.03 - Current
- Managing a team of 40+ staff
- Led performance management processes, including appraisals, coaching and managing under performance
- Conducting investigation interviews, disciplinary hearings, employment reviews, grievances and delivering disciplinary outcome notices
- Acted as first point of contact for colleagues and external stakeholders, providing guidance on policies and procedures
- Managed structured documentation and reporting processes, ensuring accuracy and compliance with internal audit requirements
- Investigated and resolves escalated issues by gathering information, analysing evidence, and applying policy-based decisions
- Maintained accurate records across multiple operational areas, ensuring data integrity and audit readiness
- Delivered sales targets and KPIs, consistently driving store performance
- Managed budgets, payroll, and cost control to maximise profitability
Assistant Store Manager
Henderson Retail Limited
Belfast, Antrim
2022.06 - 2023.03
- Supported Store Manager in the day-to-day running of a high-volume retail store, ensuring smooth operational performance
- Led and motivated teams of colleagues, driving engagement, performance, and consistent customer service standards
- Managed daily operations including staffing, rota planning, stock control and cash handling procedures
- Handled customer complaints in a professional and timely manner
- Ensured compliance with company policies and procedures, including health & safety, security and audit requirements
- Worked closely with stakeholders to implement operational improvements and maintain efficient store performance
1st Assistant Manager
Nando's
Manchester, Manchester
2022.01 - 2022.06
Assistant Store Manager
Henderson Retail Limited
Belfast, Antrim
2020.01 - 2022.01
Team Leader
Henderson Retail Limited
Belfast, Antrim
2018.10 - 2020.01
Customer Advisor
Henderson Retail Limited
Carrickfergus, Antrim
2014.08 - 2018.10
Finance Placement Student
Power NI/Energia Group
Belfast, Antrim
2016.06 - 2017.06
- Reviewed and approved purchase orders ensuring compliance with budgets
- Supported financial processes requiring accuracy, verification, and adherence to internal governance standards
- Developed understanding of formal approval workflows and audit requirements
- Produced and reviewed variance budget reports across multiple departments, analysing financial performance against forecasts, identifying discrepancies and supporting reporting processes.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
Ulster University
Coleraine 2014.09 - 2018.07
Skills
- Written and verbal communication
- Team work
- Leadership
- Time management
- Problem-solving and analytical thinking
- Organisation and time management
- Ability to work independently and manage priorities
- Stakeholder management
Timeline
Store Manager
Henderson Retail Limited
2023.03 - Current
Assistant Store Manager
Henderson Retail Limited
2022.06 - 2023.03
1st Assistant Manager
Nando's
2022.01 - 2022.06
Assistant Store Manager
Henderson Retail Limited
2020.01 - 2022.01
Team Leader
Henderson Retail Limited
2018.10 - 2020.01
Finance Placement Student
Power NI/Energia Group
2016.06 - 2017.06
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
Ulster University
2014.09 - 2018.07
Customer Advisor
Henderson Retail Limited
2014.08 - 2018.10