Navare Wilson

Experience

• 

  Virgin Active South Africa

  Feb 2016 - Aug 2019

  • Develop and execute strategic plans to drive the overall success of the health club, aligning with company objectives and market demands.• Lead and mentor a diverse team of 26 employees, fostering a high-performance culture through effective leadership, coaching, and development programs.• Oversee financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control, to ensure the club operates as a profitable business unit.• Manage and optimize revenue streams, including primary sales, rental spaces, and ancillary services, to maximize profitability.• Implement rigorous risk management strategies across all areas, ensuring compliance with company policies and industry regulations.• Spearhead recruitment, training, and talent development initiatives, ensuring the club is staffed with skilled and motivated professionals.• Ensure the highest standards of health, safety, and operational efficiency are maintained through regular audits, in line with company and legal standards.• Cultivate strong communication channels within the club, ensuring clarity and alignment between staff, members, and management.• Drive member retention and satisfaction by implementing innovative programs and services that enhance the member experience.• Oversee fixed asset management, ensuring that all equipment and facilities are maintained to the highest standards.• Lead continuous improvement initiatives, identifying areas for operational enhancement and implementing solutions to increase efficiency.• Engage with members to gather feedback and insights, using this information to refine services and enhance overall satisfaction.• Foster strong relationships with key stakeholders, including suppliers, vendors, and corporate partners, to support the club’s growth and operational needs.• Monitor industry trends and best practices, adapting the club’s strategies to stay competitive in a dynamic market Show less • Establish and maintain effective communication channels across all departments, ensuring seamless coordination.• Oversee the implementation, monitoring, and enhancement of brand standards to ensure consistency and quality.• Manage supplier and contractor relationships, negotiating terms and ensuring service excellence.• Develop and control budgets, ensuring transparent and accountable spending aligned with business goals.• Lead initiatives to drive member and staff satisfaction, fostering a positive and productive environment.• Oversee tenant management within the facility, ensuring compliance with company standards and maximizing space utilization.• Implement and manage preventative and corrective maintenance procedures, ensuring the facility operates efficiently and safely.• Lead all aspects of the health and safety portfolio, ensuring compliance with regulations and best practices.• Ensure total quality control through regular audits, proactive measures, and effective action plans.• Support the General Manager by managing deadlines, overseeing daily tasks, and stepping in as needed to ensure operational continuity.• Continuously analyze operational processes, identifying areas for improvement and implementing strategic enhancements. Show less • Ensure a positive and welcoming experience for all members, managing inquiries, complaints, and feedback.• Supervise front desk operations, including check-ins, membership sales, and guest services.• Manage and schedule front desk staff, ensuring training, performance monitoring, and adherence to customer service standards.• Drive membership sales by providing information on membership options, promotions, and other services.• Handle cash management, process payments, and ensure accuracy in all financial transactions at the front desk.• Oversee the operation of front desk software systems, including check-in processes, membership databases, and communication tools.• Act as the central point of communication between members, staff, and management, ensuring information flows smoothly.• Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations at the front desk, including emergency procedures.• Generate and analyze daily, weekly, and monthly reports on front desk operations, including member feedback, sales performance, and staff productivity.• Monitor and manage stock levels for retail items, promotional materials, and front desk supplies.• Address and resolve member complaints or conflicts with a focus on maintaining a positive relationship and member satisfaction.• Continuously train front desk staff on customer service excellence, gym policies, and operational procedures.• Collaborate with the marketing team to implement in-gym promotions and member communication campaigns.• Assist with the onboarding process for new members, ensuring they are informed and comfortable with the gym’s facilities and offerings.• Ensure the security of members and staff by managing access control and monitoring visitor activity.• Act as the front-line responder in emergencies, coordinating with other staff and emergency services as needed.• Identify opportunities to upsell additional services or products to members, such as personal training, classes, or merchandise. Show less

  • General Manager

    Nov 2017 - Aug 2019

  • Operations Manager

    Oct 2016 - Nov 2017

  • Front Of House Manager

    Feb 2016 - Oct 2016
• 

  Ignite Fitness

  Aug 2019 - Jul 2020

  • Lead and manage a team of 46 employees, ensuring effective communication of salary adjustments, role changes, business strategies and adherence to HR policies.• Develop a streamlined staffing structure for each facility, adapting to COVID-19 requirements.• Design and implement financial incentives for general managers, aligning with business goals.• Collaborate on the creation and execution of Health & Safety (H&S) protocols across all departments.• Implement sales and marketing strategies, identifying and capitalizing on new revenue opportunities in a post-lockdown environment.• Establish and optimize business structures, systems, and processes to meet operational and staffing needs.• Oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of the business’s reopening and ongoing operations post-lockdown.• Develop and facilitate leadership, coaching, and mentoring programs across the region.• Monitor regional performance metrics, ensuring alignment with company objectives and driving continuous improvement.• Foster a positive and motivating work culture, promoting teamwork, accountability, and professional development. Show less • Develop and implement organizational structures, systems, and processes to align with strategic business and staff objectives.• Spearhead leadership, coaching, and mentoring programs to cultivate high-performing teams within the organization.• Manage financial performance, including revenue generation and cost control, to meet or exceed budget targets.• Drive and support direct and indirect marketing efforts to enhance brand visibility and market share.• Strategically influence primary revenue streams, including sales, rental space, and ancillary services, to maximize profitability.• Ensure comprehensive risk management across all departments, adhering to corporate policies and regulatory standards.• Oversee compliance with sales, contracts, and administrative procedures, ensuring seamless operations.• Develop, implement, and sustain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across the organization to enhance operational efficiency.• Lead a team of 26 employees, ensuring effective performance management, development, and succession planning.• Drive talent acquisition, development, and retention strategies to build a highly skilled and motivated workforce.• Facilitate clear and consistent communication across the organization, ensuring alignment with company values and objectives.• Implement member retention strategies focused on delivering exceptional customer service and engagement.• Conduct competitive analysis and implement strategies to mitigate risks posed by market competitors.• Ensure brand integrity, maintenance standards, and health and safety protocols are upheld throughout the facility.• Develop and implement strategies for lead generation and sales outreach, driving growth in membership and services.• Produce detailed reports on key performance indicators, including sales, usage, revenue, P&L, unpaid balances, and cancellations, to inform decision-making and strategic planning. Show less

  • Area Manager

    Apr 2020 - Jul 2020

  • General Manager

    Aug 2019 - Apr 2020
• 

  Skilled Scrapper

  Aug 2020 - now

  Director and Founder

  • Define the brand’s mission, vision, and core values.• Develop a distinctive and consistent brand identity, positioning, and messaging.• Develop and implement comprehensive long-term strategic goals that drive brand growth and customer acquisition.• Oversee the design, development, and optimization of the brand’s website to enhance user experience and functionality.• Direct the creative process for all apparel and accessories, ensuring innovation and alignment with brand identity.• Conceptualize and execute impactful marketing campaigns that elevate brand visibility and consumer engagement.• Manage social media presence, content creation, and storytelling to build a strong, consistent brand narrative.• Oversee all sales channels, financial planning, forecasting, and cash flow management to ensure profitability.• Develop strategic pricing models and promotional offers that maximize revenue and market penetration.• Ensure efficient inventory management and logistics operations to support smooth business functions.• Create and manage budgets, including profit and loss statements, to ensure financial health and sustainability.• Develop and implement strategies focused on customer retention, loyalty programs, and long-term engagement.• Safeguard intellectual property by managing trademarks and legal protections for brand assets.• Cultivate and manage relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, and strategic partners.• Analyse the competitive landscape to finalize product pricing and ensure optimal market positioning.• Create and maintain business tracking tools for inventory, manufacturing, expenditure, and budgets.• Identify and pursue new avenues for product distribution and sales growth.• Lead the end-to-end design and production process, ensuring high-quality output and timely delivery.• Manage day-to-day operations, implementing processes to improve efficiency, productivity, and business performance. Show less

• 

  Siyavula Education

  Oct 2021 - Oct 2022

  General Manager

  • Work with the school's Unit Manager, set strategic goals and objectives for revenue growth, and lead the unit to achieve these.• Oversee new business and retention of existing schools' business while guiding the team on the execution of plans to achieve set objectives.• Oversee the marketing function, working with the Marketing Manager, setting strategies to increase site traffic and lead conversion.• Ensure optimal service delivery and quality of the product offerings to customers.• Anticipate client needs and work with the relevant teams to develop solutions to meet those needs.• Ensure corporate governance is in order and that the governance annual cycle is actioned accordingly.• Oversee the annual audit.• Build out the annual strategy and launch to exco and department heads.• Work with unit managers to understand and translate strategy into goals, plans, targets, and processes for business units.• Ensure compliance with business processes and optimize these through a people-first lens.• Review the quarterly objectives through planning sessions with unit heads.• Oversee and guide the activities of the HR department• Establish policies that promote company culture and vision.• Create and drive initiatives that focus on team cohesion, information sharing across departments, and open channels of communication.• Evaluate employee performance by analyzing data and metrics to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of initiatives. Show less

• 

  Damelin and CTC Cape Town

  Oct 2022 - Aug 2023

  Cluster General Manager

  • Drive the sales team’s performance, monitor daily metrics, and ensure that annual revenue targets are met or exceeded.• Optimize service levels and ensure that query resolution turnaround times meet or exceed agreed parameters, enhancing student satisfaction.• Collaborate with the centralized marketing department to plan, coordinate, and execute campus marketing activities, ensuring alignment with broader brand strategies.• Provide leadership in coaching staff, recognizing outstanding performance, and addressing any performance issues, fostering a high-performance culture.• Ensure compliance with all accreditation standards and regulatory requirements, maintaining the highest standards of quality and accountability.• Manage campus financials, driving both primary and ancillary revenue streams while controlling operating expenses to achieve EBITDA targets.• Ensure legal compliance in all campus operations, working closely with the legal department on relevant issues.• Oversee the quality of teaching and learning on campus, conducting continuous assessments of lecturers, and collaborating with academic boards and committees to enhance educational outcomes.• Lead the planning and execution of campus events, such as open days, ensuring they are impactful and aligned with the institution’s goals.• Maintain a presentable and fully functional campus, ensuring all support functions (e.g., IT) are operational and that brand standards are consistently exceeded.• Foster student retention and enrollment growth by meeting or exceeding rollover and retention targets, and implementing corrective measures when necessary.• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, including students, parents, faculty, and the community, ensuring a positive campus reputation.• Identify opportunities for campus improvements and innovations, driving initiatives that enhance the overall student experience and operational efficiency. Show less