Space Planning Lead at Moto Hospitality Ltd (2005-05 – 2026-03)
Responsible for delivering retail and forecourt refits across Moto's national estate, managing projects from concept and CAD layout through to implementation. Led cross-functional stakeholders and budgets to deliver commercially optimised layouts on time and within budget, reporting into the Head of Retail. The UK's largest motorway service area operator, with c.5,000–6,000 employees across a national estate of 70 sites.
A financially robust, market‑leading business generating annual revenue of over £1 billion.
- Lead the design and optimisation of retail and forecourt store layouts, ensuring maximum commercial impact and efficient use of space through advanced macro and micro space analysis.
- Oversee all aspects of store refits and refurbishments, from initial concept and layout planning through to implementation and post-project review, consistently delivering projects on time and within budget.
- Collaborate closely with Retail Category Managers, Technology, Property, and Commercial teams to align project objectives, communicate timelines, and ensure seamless execution.
- Manage budgets for retail and forecourt refits, ensuring cost-effective solutions and value for money; monitor expenditure, negotiate with suppliers, and report on financial performance to senior management. Projects ranged from a few thousand pounds to £400,000.
- Spearhead the development, testing, and rollout of new equipment and retail concepts, such as the nationwide introduction of Costa Express machines, designing new counters for self-service tills and developing new security fixtures for high value products.
- Set up, maintain, and update AutoCAD drawings for all WHSmith and Forecourt stores, ensuring accurate records and supporting efficient project delivery.
- Continuously review and refine space planning processes, introducing best practices and new methodologies to improve efficiency and outcomes.
- Conduct regular store visits to audit layout and planogram standards, providing feedback and support to store teams to maintain consistency and optimise performance.
- Analyse sales data and store performance metrics to inform layout decisions, identify opportunities for improvement, and support strategic business objectives.
Assistant Buyer at Whistlestop Food & Wine (2003-01 – 2005-05)
Managed food and wine ranges across a convenience retail estate, leading range reviews, space planning and performance analysis to support commercial objectives, reporting into the Buying Manager. A UK‑based convenience retail business, operating food and wine stores within travel and commuter‑focused locations, with a strong emphasis on high‑footfall environments and fast‑paced retail operations.
- Established and implemented macro and micro space analysis frameworks to support informed layout and range decisions.
- Delivered department range reviews by analysing sales trends, new product launches and emerging market developments to optimise assortments.
- Planned and managed the range review timetable, ensuring structured, timely delivery and alignment with wider business priorities.
- Designed new store layouts and ranges, balancing commercial performance, space efficiency and customer requirements.
- Analysed planogram performance data to assess effectiveness and drive continuous improvement in layout execution.
Project Manager at Taylor Nelson Sofres Radar (2000-04 – 2002-07)
Delivered FMCG in‑store testing projects from initial brief through execution, analysis and client presentation, controlling budgets, coordinating field teams and translating EPOS data into actionable insights, reporting to Associate Director. In‑store testing for major FMCG companies. Responsible for managing end‑to‑end delivery of in‑store trials, controlling budgets and coordinating field teams.
Analysed EPOS data to evaluate test performance, producing clear reports and presenting insights and recommendations to clients.
- Interpreted client briefs and developed project proposals, clearly defining objectives, methodology and delivery approach.
- Planned and managed in‑store test projects end to end, coordinating activity to ensure trials were delivered accurately and on schedule.
- Monitored and controlled project costs, ensuring studies were delivered within agreed budgets.
- Maintained regular client engagement, providing progress updates and managing expectations throughout project delivery.
- Managed and coordinated in‑store auditors during live testing to ensure consistent execution and data quality.
- Analysed EPOS data to assess test performance and identify meaningful commercial insights.
- Produced and presented final test reports, clearly communicating results, conclusions and recommendations to clients.
Assistant Merchandiser at The Disney Store (1997-07 – 2000-04)
Senior Allocator at River Island Clothing Company (1996-01 – 1997-07)
