Ela Hedges

Experience

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  Habitat

  Oct 2005 - Oct 2007

  Lead and motivated staff in order to achieve highest possible levels of sales performance.Trained and develop allocated team to plan future succession and increase levels of competence and excellent performance.Optimised level of service provided by team and self through leading by example and providing consequences for achievement, resulting in increased customer conversion and average spend.Analysing and interpreting commercial data in order to provide effective business solutions for relevant departments.Monitoring and reviewing results and evolving processes accordingly. Feedback examples of best practice to Store Manager.Ensured sales floor stock densities and replenishment systems are at optimum levels through effective stock managements and operational efficiency.Ensured department layouts and visual presentations comply with business principles and customer shopping environment objectives.Promoting effective communication at all levels in order to ensure department and store objectives are implemented.Managed agreed costs within budget accountabilities to help maximise profit contribution of the store.Covered operational aspects of store management as and when required. Show less Accessed all necessary information to build and develop own and team product knowledge in areas of specialisation.Ensured information was communicated and passed to all staff enabling them to maximise sales opportunities and provide an optimum level of customer service. E.g. Product knowledge, out of stock reports, sales promotions, best sellers, departmental sales performance, sales figures and KPI’s which indicate great service E.g. Conversion, ATV and UPT.Delivered and influenced the content and frequency of store training on home accessories and furniture to ensure team are fully equipped to meet the needs of the customer, e.g. product and procedural knowledge, and are delivering the optimum level of service.Providing high level of service directly to customers ensuring customer awareness of knowledge maximising all sales opportunities.Assisted in the coaching, training and development of sales teams in order to maximise levels of customer interaction, product knowledge and selling skills. Monitoring and reviewing interaction rates and feedback to team.Ensured the effective commercial visual presentation of all departmental stock is as per visual merchandising briefs and guidelines and that the replenishment of the sales floor is completed efficiently in order to maximise stock densities on the sales floor.Responsible for staff deployment Show less

  • Sales Manager

    Mar 2007 - Oct 2007

  • Product Specialist

    Oct 2005 - Mar 2007
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  Habitat

  Dec 2007 - Nov 2011

  Fully responsible for store turnover of £3.6 million and controlling 32 members of staff including 4 managersBoosted sales and profit by analysing performance through good utilisation of commercial tools, exceeding target and achieving 4th top turnover store in UK.Ensuring appropriate feedback to Range Team to influence future trading opportunities.Cost control and Loss Prevention is pinnacle within the store.Payroll management.Proactively manage Store P&L ensuring Budgeted numbers delivered/exceeded.Identifying new opportunities and share best practice to drive improved results across the region.Supporting our multi-channel business and ensure that store plays its part e.g. growing database for direct marketing.Engage team through strong leadership, setting clear objectives and ensuring the staff is clear about the results they need to deliver.Recruit, retain and develop Managers of a high standard ensuring they have the capability to deliver the Habitat proposition.Performance Management where individuals are coached to perform at their best.Develop robust Succession Plan to satisfy both the needs of the Store and Region.Develop and expand own skills and knowledge to improve performance. Show less Delivered strong sales leadership that generated excitement and shared commitment to provide great service. Our service levels are a key part of our everyday working life and imperative to promote return business and customersIncreased sales densities by optimising range/stock and space in accordance with current guidelines.Strategically managed the content and frequency of store training to ensure team are fully equipped to meet the needs of the customer, e.g. product and procedural knowledge, and are delivering the optimum level of service.Ensured all floor walks and decisions are focused on customer needs.Supports the development of appropriate selling skills and product knowledge required by Habitat.Leading by example demonstrating ‘customer comes first’ all the time. Coach teams on what is expected e.g. all customers acknowledged and engaged.Focused on KPI’s which indicate great service e.g. Conversion, ATV, UPT and Mystery Shop result. Show less

  • General Store Manager

    Oct 2009 - Nov 2011

  • Senior Sales Manager

    Dec 2007 - Oct 2009
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  IKEA Group

  Nov 2011 - May 2012

  Textiles Department Manager
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  Hobbycraft

  May 2012 - May 2022

  Territory Manager

  As well as running the Flagship store in Reading with one of the highest sales in the company, I am trusted with running key projects for the Hobbycraft.Reading is classed as a model centre for inspiration, visited by suppliers and Head Office alike. An award winning manager of store of the year 2018, thriving in a retail environment creating world class customer service, inspirational merchandising and strict cost control.Working with suppliers, I have a real enthusiasm for product knowledge and passing this on to customers and colleagues Skilled in driving profitable sales and KPI Performance through the effective coaching of my Management teamI have a well trained eye for identifying commercial opportunities within the area and remaining alert to local and competitor activities working closely with external companies to deliver the desired craft needs around the community. Working with my team we successfully and actively manage the trading account, minimising erosions and controlling costs.Delivering the customer offer through feedback generated by NPS. Allowing me, once again, to react to any customer requirements and be proactive to any future needs.I have a real passion for Learning and Development. The success of my store, results and NPS is down to the continued training programmes I have in place to ensure the succession plans within the store hold solid.As well as developing the existing colleagues I have taken an active role in recruitment and assessment of new colleagues. Show less

• 

  Miele GB

  May 2022 - now

  Multi-site Retail Manager

  I am responsible for leading the London Own Retail teams to deliver a ‘best in class’ consumer sales and Miele brand experience through Harrods and the LEC that will ensure that Miele is the brand of choice for all consumers visiting. Also responsible for all operational tasks in the running the London Own Retail Stores ensuring that they are performed effectively and in a timely and efficient manner and delivered to a high standard ensuring a premium experience at all times for both internal and external customers.Accountable for leading the direct partnership programme helping business development margin and category mix are in place and executed by the team Show less