Cornell Mans

Operations Associate

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa19 yrs 4 mos experience

Most Likely To SwitchHighly Stable

Key Highlights

Expert in driving sales growth and operational excellence.
Proven track record in building high-performing teams.
Strong focus on customer experience and staff wellbeing.

Stackforce AI infers this person is a Retail Operations Leader with expertise in team management and operational efficiency.

Contact

Skills

Core Skills

Operations ManagementSales ManagementOperational ManagementCustomer ServiceBusiness OperationsSales & Customer ExperienceProduct Design & InnovationClient Management

Other Skills

ManagementLogisticsTeam BuildingTraining & DevelopmentBranch DevelopmentInventory ManagementFinancial ControlMarketing & PromotionProduct Selection & ProcurementMarketing & Brand DevelopmentFinancial ManagementTeam LeadershipClient & Stakeholder ManagementProduction OversightSales & Business Development

About

I’m a retail and operations leader with a passion for turning challenges into opportunities and building high-performing teams. With years of experience managing multi-branch operations, driving sales growth, and elevating customer experiences, I’ve learned that success in business comes down to two things: people and processes. I believe in leading from the front — whether it’s resolving a client complaint, refining operational procedures, or mentoring managers to reach their full potential. My approach blends strategic oversight with hands-on involvement, ensuring that every store, warehouse, and team member operates with clarity, efficiency, and purpose. Currently, I oversee approximately 50,000 sqm of combined warehouse, showroom, and logistics operations, ensuring seamless supply chain management and optimal operational performance across the business.

Experience

19 yrs 4 mos

Total Experience

6 yrs 5 mos

Average Tenure

14 yrs 2 mos

Current Experience

Decofurn furniture

2 roles

Regional Manager

Promoted

Jun 2012 – Present · 13 yrs 11 mos

Overall responsibility for the management and performance of all Gauteng stores, overseeing operations, sales, customer experience, and large-scale logistics across multiple locations.
Key responsibilities include:
Branch Development & Expansion – Leading the opening of new branches, from site preparation to full operational readiness.
Merchandising & Visual Displays – Designing and implementing merchandising strategies that drive sales and enhance the customer experience.
Operational Excellence – Managing orders, stock control, warehousing, logistics, and inventory accuracy across approximately 50,000 sqm of combined warehouse and showroom space.
People Leadership – Overseeing ±300 staff members, including recruitment, training, performance management, and HR compliance.
Customer Service & Stakeholder Liaison – Ensuring exceptional service standards and maintaining strong relationships with customers and business partners.
Sales, Targets & Budgets – Driving revenue growth, meeting KPIs, and controlling expenses to achieve profitability goals.
Advertising & Marketing – Coordinating campaigns to increase foot traffic, brand awareness, and customer engagement.
Training & Development – Designing and delivering staff training programs to enhance skills and improve operational performance.

ManagementOperations ManagementSales ManagementCustomer ServiceLogisticsTeam Building+1

Branch Manager

Mar 2012 – Jun 2012 · 3 mos

Full responsibility for the overall management and performance of the branch, ensuring smooth daily operations and exceptional customer service.
Key responsibilities included:
Operational Management – Overseeing all in-store functions including merchandising, visual displays, ordering, and inventory control.
People Leadership – Managing a team of 40 staff members, including recruitment, training, scheduling, and performance management.
Customer Service & Liaison – Maintaining strong customer relationships and resolving issues to uphold service excellence.
Financial Control – Handling daily cash-ups, monitoring expenses, and ensuring compliance with budgets and targets.
Warehouse & Stock Management – Supervising receiving, storage, and stock accuracy.
Marketing & Promotion – Implementing local advertising and in-store marketing initiatives to boost sales.
Training & Development – Coaching staff to improve skills, productivity, and customer engagement.

Operational ManagementCustomer ServiceFinancial ControlMarketing & PromotionTraining & Development

Various retail stores

Co Owner

Oct 2008 – Oct 2011 · 3 yrs

Co-Owner | Retail Stores – Semi-Precious Stones & Jewellery
As co-owner of two retail stores specialising in semi-precious stones and jewellery, I was responsible for both strategic leadership and day-to-day operations to ensure profitability, brand growth, and exceptional customer experiences.
Key responsibilities included:
Business Operations – Overseeing all aspects of store operations, including merchandising, stock control, supplier negotiations, and quality assurance.
Product Selection & Procurement – Sourcing high-quality semi-precious stones and jewellery, maintaining relationships with local and international suppliers.
Sales & Customer Experience – Driving sales through exceptional service, product knowledge, and relationship building with a diverse clientele.
Marketing & Brand Development – Creating and executing marketing campaigns, promotions, and visual merchandising to attract and retain customers.
Financial Management – Managing budgets, pricing strategies, cash flow, and profitability targets.
Team Leadership – Recruiting, training, and supervising staff to uphold service standards and product expertise.
Compliance & Administration – Ensuring adherence to industry regulations, handling licensing, and managing business administration.

Business OperationsProduct Selection & ProcurementSales & Customer ExperienceMarketing & Brand DevelopmentFinancial ManagementTeam Leadership

Cdi fibreglassing

Co Owner

Jul 2001 – Mar 2008 · 6 yrs 8 mos · South Africa · On-site

Co-Owner | Fibreglass Manufacturing & Conversions Company
As co-owner of a specialist fibreglass manufacturing and design company, I oversaw operations, client relationships, and product innovation in a highly technical and quality-driven industry. The company focused on delivering customised conversions, designs, and improvements across a wide range of applications.
Key responsibilities included:
Product Design & Innovation – Creating and improving fibreglass-based solutions for ambulances, mobile clinics, insulated van vehicles, armoured vehicle accessories, and various industrial products.
Custom Conversions – Leading projects from concept to completion, ensuring functionality, durability, and compliance with industry standards.
Client & Stakeholder Management – Building and maintaining relationships with government, corporate, and private clients to deliver tailored solutions.
Production Oversight – Managing manufacturing processes, quality control, and project timelines to ensure high standards and on-time delivery.
Sales & Business Development – Securing contracts and exploring new market opportunities within both specialised and mainstream sectors.
Financial & Operational Management – Overseeing budgets, procurement, and operational efficiency to maximise profitability.
Team Leadership – Supervising technical staff, ensuring skills development and adherence to safety protocols.

Product Design & InnovationClient & Stakeholder ManagementProduction OversightSales & Business DevelopmentFinancial & Operational ManagementClient Management