Simon Drake
Eastbourne,East Sussex
Summary
Results-driven Retail Store Manager with extensive experience leading teams, improving operational efficiency, and delivering strong commercial performance in fast-paced retail environments. Skilled in sales management, workforce planning, stock control, customer experience, and team development. Proven ability to drive KPI achievement, improve profitability, and maintain exceptional store standards while fostering a high-performance culture. A proactive leader with a strong focus on customer satisfaction, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Store manager
Sports Direct
Hastings, East Sussex
2024.11 - Current
- Successfully led a £3 million annual turnover store, taking full accountability for commercial performance, operational standards, profitability, and customer experience.
- Managed, coached, and developed a team of 28 colleagues, delivering effective labour planning and consistently controlling payroll costs by aligning staffing levels with sales performance while maintaining excellent customer service.
- Protected store profitability by driving excellent stock control. Consistently achieved stock loss results better than company targets, with the last three footwear stocktakes performing below the -0.5% target and clothing and accessories below the -1.25% target. Most recent results were -0.2% for footwear and -1.1% for clothing and accessories.
- Delivered strong commercial results by analysing key performance indicators and adapting priorities to maximise sales opportunities. Consistently exceeded company targets, achieving 20% footwear add-on sales and 18% till add-on sales.
- Created a high-performing team through clear communication, coaching, and performance management, ensuring colleagues were engaged, motivated, and focused on delivering company objectives.
- Maintained high standards of compliance, health and safety, stock accuracy, and visual merchandising to provide an excellent shopping experience and support sustained business growth.
Manager
Sports Direct
Eastbourne Habour, East Sussex
2022.06 - 2024.11
- Supported the Store Manager in the day-to-day leadership of a 14,000 sq ft retail store with an annual turnover of £4–5 million.
- Managed labour costs by maintaining wage budgets while ensuring appropriate staffing levels to meet operational demands.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally, improving customer satisfaction and reinforcing brand reputation.
- Planned staff rotas and coordinated daily operations to ensure efficient store coverage and smooth workflow.
Manager
Sports Direct
Eastbourne town centre, East sussex
2018.05 - 2022.10
- Coordinated store support across Europe for new store installations and closures in France, Portugal, and the Czech Republic, ensuring projects were completed efficiently and to schedule.
- Managed a high-turnover retail store with annual sales of approximately £2.5 million, leading a team of 15 employees.
- Controlled labour costs through effective wage budgeting and workforce planning while maintaining excellent customer service.
- Monitored and reduced stock loss through robust inventory controls and loss prevention initiatives.
- Tracked and delivered against key performance indicators (KPIs), including sales, profitability, customer satisfaction, and operational compliance.
Education
Higher National Diploma - Art and design
National diploma in art in design
Eastbourne 2013.09 - 2015.07
Skills
- Store Management Team Leadership & Development Sales & KPI Performance
- Workforce Planning & Scheduling
- Awareness Stock Control & Inventory
- Management Visual Merchandising Performance
- Management Profit & Loss Accountability
- Health & Safety Compliance Operational Improvement
- Staff rota arrangement
- Conflict Managemen, De-escalation & Personal Safety Awareness - Oakwood Training
Affiliations
- Cinema - I enjoy going to the cinema to watch the latest film releases, particularly action films
- Fitness Classes – Regularly attend a local fitness class, demonstrating commitment to personal wellbeing, consistency, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Enjoy being part of a positive group environment and using the sessions to recharge.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
Co-Producer (Volunteer)
Local Cabaret Show | 2016 – Present
Co-produced a successful local cabaret show for over 10 years, coordinating amateur and professional performers while supporting all aspects of production, marketing, and event operations.
Key Responsibilities & Achievements
- Coordinated bookings and schedules for local amateur and professional performers.
- Designed promotional posters and managed social media marketing campaigns for each show.
- Maintained the show website, processed ticket sales, and managed sales and admissions logistics.
- Oversaw back-of-house operations on performance nights, including managing the box office.
- Organised on-site raffle activities and coordinated stage set-up before each performance.
- Directed technical team workflows, including lighting, sound, and photography.
- Responded quickly and effectively to live production and broadcast issues, ensuring performances continued smoothly.
- Created engaging audience content and announcements to enhance the overall event experience.
- Resolved production and operational issues under pressure, minimising disruption during live performances.
Skills Demonstrated
Event Management • Production Coordination • Team Leadership • Marketing & Social Media • Website Management • Customer Service • Box Office Operations • Problem Solving • Live Event Management • Technical Coordination • Communication • Organisation
Timeline
Store manager
Sports Direct
2024.11 - Current
Manager
Sports Direct
2022.06 - 2024.11
Manager
Sports Direct
2018.05 - 2022.10
Higher National Diploma - Art and design
National diploma in art in design
2013.09 - 2015.07