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
03.2023 - 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
06.2022 - 03.2023
- 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
01.2022 - 06.2022
Assistant Store Manager
Henderson Retail Limited
Belfast, Antrim
01.2020 - 01.2022
Team Leader
Henderson Retail Limited
Belfast, Antrim
10.2018 - 01.2020
Customer Advisor
Henderson Retail Limited
Carrickfergus, Antrim
08.2014 - 10.2018
Finance Placement Student
Power NI/Energia Group
Belfast, Antrim
06.2016 - 06.2017
- 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 09.2014 - 07.2018
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
03.2023 - Current
Assistant Store Manager
Henderson Retail Limited
06.2022 - 03.2023
1st Assistant Manager
Nando's
01.2022 - 06.2022
Assistant Store Manager
Henderson Retail Limited
01.2020 - 01.2022
Team Leader
Henderson Retail Limited
10.2018 - 01.2020
Finance Placement Student
Power NI/Energia Group
06.2016 - 06.2017
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
Ulster University
09.2014 - 07.2018
Customer Advisor
Henderson Retail Limited
08.2014 - 10.2018