Damien McCaul

Experience

• 

  Debenhams

  Mar 2007 - Dec 2015

  Sales Manager responsible for £6m turnover divisions along with responsibility of running store in Store Manager's absence. Sales Manager in several stores running multiple divisions with turnovers varying from £3m to £7m.

  • Selling Support Manager

    Jul 2014 - Dec 2015

  • Deputy Store Manager

    Apr 2014 - Jul 2014

  • Store Manager

    Aug 2013 - Mar 2014

  • Store Manager

    Mar 2012 - Aug 2013

  • Sales Manager-Nominated Deputy Store Manager

    Feb 2010 - Feb 2012

  • Sales Manager

    Mar 2007 - Feb 2010
• 

  Marks and Spencer

  Jan 2016 - Feb 2018

  • Store Manager

    Oct 2017 - Feb 2018

  • Store Manager

    Jan 2016 - Sept 2017
• 

  Boundary Outlet

  Feb 2018 - May 2023

  Successfully managed a portfolio of complex projects, including store refurbishments, business rebrand, EPOS system introduction and roll out, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards. Led cross-functional teams in the execution of project plans, fostering collaboration and maintaining clear communication channels. Conducted risk assessments and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize project risks. Worked with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to build relationships. Twice during the last three years I have also taken on responsibility for the marketing function – giving myself further learning opportunities and sharpening my relationship building and negotiating skills whilst making sure I remained up to date on market trends and ways of working. Although taking me out of my comfort zone, I enjoyed the challenge and success that we had in a short period of time.Key achievements:• Introduced a new suite of management information reports for the business, enabling levels of measurement, management, and control previously unavailable.• Led Business wide Pink October campaign, raising money and awareness in partnership with Breast Cancer Now and Against Breast Cancer. Raised circa £30k in October across five stores.• Completed final store modernisation to budget with sales performance 20% ahead of expectation for the first three months post reopening.• Introduced Events into stores to drive additional footfall and revenue – successful first peak with 8 events all delivered profitably. Full year calendar planned and rollout across business in progress.• Delivered App refresh, working with external suppliers and across inhouse functions, using customer and business feedback to vastly improve functionality.• Delivered successful opening marketing campaigns for two stores, post refresh, including social, tv, radio and other mediums. Show less Developed and implemented strategic initiatives to drive business growth, enhance market position, and increase profitability. Conducted comprehensive market research and analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and potential risks. Collaborated with executive team members to define corporate goals and create actionable plans to achieve them. Led the development of business cases and financial models to support investment decisions. Continued to lead Retail team as per previous role.Key achievements:• Completed two store modernisations simultaneously, transforming the customer experience, on schedule and under budget• Worked across the business to implement a ‘single barcode’ project rolling out new technology and methodologies that would drive efficiencies across various store and Head Office operations, improve management information, and reduce shrinkage.• began work on the Brand relaunch, sourcing external agencies, partners, and consultants to conceptualise, define and bring to life the future of the business. Show less Led the strategic direction and operations of a multi-location retail chain, across 600k sqft with over 1000 colleagues, driving sales growth and profitability. Developed and implemented retail strategies to enhance customer experience, optimize operational efficiencies, and increase sales. Led a team of store managers, providing guidance, coaching, and support to achieve performance targets. Collaborated with marketing and brand teams to develop effective promotional campaigns and visual merchandising strategies.Key achievements:• Introduced operational efficiencies, streamlining processes, introducing technology, and restructuring teams• Led a culture change to get stores fit for the future, ready for a change in trading stance ahead of the modernisation and rebranding of the business• Introduced key performance indicators to align efforts, measure performance and drive continuous improvement• Planned and executed a warehouse move from off shore to instore – changing operating procedures and processes to realise significant savings and operational efficiencies Show less General Manager of a 200k sqft department store specializing in popular fashion and home brands at discounted prices, responsible for the retail operation, with additional oversight of the catering and operational aspects of the store. Provided leadership to two Senior Trading Managers, eight Floor Managers and wider team of circa 500 colleagues.Key achievements:• Delivered like for like growth in sales across Clothing and Home in first full year.• Managed a significant reduction in payroll and other costs in first year, despite delivering growth.• Continued professional development by building relationships with brands at various levels, including Area Managers and MDs/Owners.• Developed the management team and fostered a one store approach through engagement, coaching and support.• Led the store through a major modernization project, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure its successful implementation, delivering outstanding sales growth in the first two months before impacts of Covid 19. Show less

  • PMO

    May 2022 - May 2023

  • Director of Strategy

    Jan 2022 - May 2022

  • Head Of Retail

    Mar 2020 - Jan 2022

  • General Manager

    Feb 2018 - Mar 2020
• 

  Morrisons

  Sept 2023 - now

  Communications and Capacity Planning Manager