Simon Rochester
Darlington, Durham,Co Durham
Summary
I am a sales focused Store manager who is hungry for the next challenge.
i have worked in retail management for 28 years, with expertise in driving sales and enhancing customer satisfaction. Implements strategic initiatives to boost operational performance and team productivity. Delivers measurable results through effective coaching and development of a diverse team.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Store Manager
House of Fraser
Darlington, Durham
04.2023 - 03.2026
- Oversee full store operations to ensure the efficiency of a 144,000 sqft, five-floor department store.
- Led a team of 120 staff to achieve Store of the Season 2025.
- Gained council funding for the Santa grotto, driving footfall and sales through this event.
- Project managed new department installs ie Game and Evans cycles
- Reduced stock loss to achieve 33 stock takes passed in a row.
- Managed day-to-day store operations, including stock levels, staff rotas, and customer service standards.
- Handled customer complaints, offering resolutions that maintained satisfaction and loyalty.
- Managed store budget, controlling expenses to ensure financial targets were met.
- Merchandised visual displays to showcase new, and popular items.
- Prepared detailed reports on store performance, presenting findings to senior management for strategic planning.
- Coached employees on upselling techniques, significantly increasing average transaction value.
- Conducted regular performance reviews, setting objectives and targets for individual team members.
- Hired and trained staff for optimum performance against sales and task objectives.
- Hit sales targets by seeking opportunities for operational expansion and new customer acquisition.
- Implemented visual merchandising strategies to enhance product visibility and drive sales throughout the full store
- Implemented health and safety protocols to ensure a safe shopping environment for customers and staff.
- Streamlined operational procedures, reducing time spent on administrative tasks and enhancing efficiency.
- Implemented theft prevention measures to reduce store losses.
- Developed and maintained relationships with local businesses to boost community engagement and store profile.
Assistant Manager
House of Fraser
Darlington, Durham
12.2020 - 04.2023
- Trained new employees on company policies, customer service excellence, and sales techniques.
- Coordinated with senior management to implement strategic plans for revenue growth.
- Oversaw daily operations, including opening and closing procedures, to maintain store standards.
- Facilitated communication between staff and senior management, acting as a point of contact.
- Advised senior management on facilities needs and delivered ongoing operational support.
- Implemented promotional campaigns, ensuring staff were briefed and displays correctly arranged.
- Streamlined operational processes, resulting in a 35% increase in sales.
Assistant Manager
Sports Direct
Darlington, Durham
03.2013 - 12.2020
- Trained new employees on company policies, customer service excellence, and sales techniques.
- Managed team rosters to guarantee optimal staffing levels during peak and off-peak hours.
- Monitored compliance with health and safety regulations, reducing incidents in the workplace.
- Recruited and hired staff for organisational vacancies and enforced consistent policies across workforce.
Assistant Manager
JJB sports
Darlington, Durham
02.1998 - 01.2012
- Oversaw daily operations, including opening and closing procedures, to maintain store standards.
- Conducted performance reviews, providing constructive feedback and setting individual goals.
- Managed team rosters to guarantee optimal staffing levels during peak and off-peak hours.
Education
GCSEs -
Branksome comp
Darlington 01-1996
Skills
- Operational efficiency
- Staff recruitment
- Theft prevention
- Health and safety
- Staff training and development
- Self motivated
- Cash handling
- Sales KPI management
Certification
- First aid
- Alcohol licence
Timeline
Store Manager
House of Fraser
04.2023 - 03.2026
Assistant Manager
House of Fraser
12.2020 - 04.2023
Assistant Manager
Sports Direct
03.2013 - 12.2020
Assistant Manager
JJB sports
02.1998 - 01.2012
GCSEs -
Branksome comp