Jai Patel
20+ years spearheading successful retail strategies and cultivating exceptional store experiences for top tier fashion brands. I am a dynamic leader recognised for my ability to connect, inspire and bridge gaps to elevate performance. My innate talent for coaching and mentoring has consistently empowered large and diverse teams to reach their maximum potential, fostering an environment of continuous growth and success. Hard Skills: Retail / Omnichannel Development Operational Efficiency & Excellence Process Implementation Brand & Business Growth Strategies Market Trend Analysis Consumer Behaviour & Insights Analysis Strategic Visual Merchandising Loss Prevention Strategies Effective Inventory Management P&L Management & Budgeting Data Mining & Analytical Proficiency Soft Skills: Visionary Leadership Effective Interpersonal Communication Collaborative Team Player Expert Coaching Abilities Talent Development & Training Engaged Stakeholder Management Proactive Relationship Builder Organisational Planning & Execution Champion of Diversity & Inclusion Strategic Decision Making Professional Courses: Cross Cultural Leadership Efficient Personal Performance Strategic Development Driver Team Effectiveness Franklin Covey Leadership Principles Active Listening & Constructive Feedback Proficient Project Management S I Y : Mastering Personal Development Dynamic Presenting & Influencing Courageous Feedback Advocate Championing Growth Mindset Leadership Awards / Recognition Young Enterprise Scheme, QCF Level 0-3 Experiential Learning Commended, Global Zara CEO Commended, Global Nike Leadership Unleashing Innovation, Operational Excellence Certified, First Aid at Work Complies Champion Achieved Fastest 10k Runner, Nike Stores Winner of Bupa Great Run, Male Category Charity Strong Viking Obstacle Race 19k Company Male Winner, Dam to Dam Race Completed Amsterdam Half Marathon Completed New York Marathon Hobbies/Interests: Passionate about Sports & Fitness Dedicated to Personal Well-being & Mindfulness Practices Fascinated by Consumer Journeys & Experiential Exploration Keen interest in Personalisation & Customisation Enthusiastic about Traveling & embracing different Cultures
Reported to Business Development leader. Accountable for developing online value propositions, across 9 distinctive EU shopping villages. Collaborated with key stakeholders in retail, hospitality, customer loyalty, concierge, partnerships, IT and marketing. Key achievements: - Implemented consumer journey mapping initiatives, resulting in double digit growth in seamless offline-to-online and online-to-offline experiences. - Facilitated luxury brand tailored workshops, elevating guest satisfaction scores. - Co-created and executed omnichannel marketing strategies, driving significant increase in online traffic across 6 villages. Luxury Brands Portfolio - Alexander McQueen, Bottega, Burberry, Balenciaga, Breitling, Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, Cartier, Dior, D&G, Fendi, Gucci, Loewe, Moncler, Penhaligons, Prada, Saint Laurent and many more.
Led Store Operations, Process Optimisation, Omnichannel Development, Consumer Experiences + Store Associate Digital Training and Development. Reported to VP Omnichannel, Finance and Controlling. Held centralised accountability for Store Operations, Omnichannel Development, Business Process Optimisation and Store Associate Training + Development across 21 markets and +600 stores. Collaborated with local hubs to strengthen market presence, drive revenue optimisation and enhance operational efficiencies. Key achievements: - Directed a team of 15 comprising managers, subject matter experts and analysts. - Led design, testing, development and optimization of critical store components inc. Store Intranet, KPI Dashboards, Work Force Management, Learning Management, Store Communication, CRM Loyalty, Tax Free and Customization tools. - Developed comprehensive process playbooks, enhancing IT and business support models across POS, Inventory, RFID, Work Force Management, Omnichannel, and Media systems, ensuring efficient operational models. - Acted as primary liaison between stores and head office stakeholders, streamlining communication to remove operational barriers and challenges. - Collaborated with HR/L&D to revamp store customer service programs, resulting in a notable shift from negative to positive metrics in NPS and customer satisfaction.
Key achievements: - Successfully piloted and executed innovative omnichannel initiatives inc. Connected Retail and Digital Shoppable Screens. - Contributed to the delivery of comprehensive omnichannel training to sizable teams, up to 100 individuals across key markets including France, Germany, Italy, UK, and Ireland.
Key achievements: - Led discovery, development and change management phases for a new POS system slated for implementation across 21 markets. - Revamped and implemented SAP processes to refine inventory management, preparing for seamless integration with omnichannel initiatives, inc. end-user training.
Key achievements: - Established and implemented standardised lean store policies & procedures across 21 markets. - Collaborated with internal stakeholders and external vendors to co-create and implement consumer insight programs. - Drove operational excellence within the EU franchise business through the implementation of robust policies and procedures.
Key achievements: - Contributed to creation of a brand development strategy, facilitating the shift from a wholesale to a retail business model. - Led successful launches of retail concept stores and spearheaded operations for the flagship, with a turnover of 2M. - Developed and nurtured PR/media relationships, collaborating with global artists to elevate brand presence.
Key achievements: - Managed team of 40 associates, overseeing operations, marketing and visual merchandising leaders, resulting in double digit growth in revenues. - Led community engagement initiatives connecting local influencers to global product launches. - Traveled to inaugurate and launch innovative experiential retail stores across the UK, inc. London and Scotland.
82M STORE : 16M FLOOR : (TEAM OF 35)
Jun ’00-Apr ’02 Senior Sales Consultant, Preston May ’02-Jan ’04 Menswear & Childrenswear Dept. Mgr. Southport Feb ’04-Apr ’04 Childrenswear Dept. Mgr. Wigan May ’04-Mar ’05 Womenswear Sales Mgr. Manchester Trafford Centre Apr ’05-Sept ’05 Womenswear Dept. Mgr. Ashton Snipe Retail Sept ’05-Nov ’05 Menswear Sales Mgr. Manchester Trafford Centre