John Farey

Experienced retail and operations leader with over 18 years' management experience across the UK and Europe, including Store Manager and multi-site leadership roles with Levi's and Superdry. Proven track record of leading and developing teams of 30+ colleagues, managing multi-million-pound operations and delivering significant improvements in profitability, cost control and operational performance. Commercially focused and hands-on, with extensive experience in P&L management, KPI delivery, workforce planning, recruitment, team development, stock control and customer experience.

Following five successful years owning and operating my own business in Copenhagen, I am now permanently based back in Leeds and looking to bring my broader commercial and leadership experience to an ambitious, people focused retail business.

Owner / General Manager at Hybrid Coffee & Bar (2021-03 – 2025-12)

• Full responsibility for business operations, P&L, budgeting, cost control and profitability
• Led recruitment, training, performance management and development of the team
• Managed workforce planning, scheduling and day-to-day operational performance
• Built a strong customer-focused culture and loyal repeat customer base
• Managed supplier relationships, purchasing, stock control and inventory planning
• Analysed business performance and adapted costs, staffing and operations accordingly
• Ensured full compliance with health & safety, food safety, hygiene and licensing requirements

Supervisor at Ma Poule (2018-10 – 2021-04)

• Supported management of a high-volume premium food retail operation
• Delivered exceptional customer service and product knowledge
• Supervised team members during peak trading periods
• Managed stock ordering, waste control and supplier deliveries

Store Manager / Dual Site Manager at Superdry (2017-05 – 2018-09)

• Led two premium fashion retail stores with combined turnover of €2.6 million
• Managed and developed teams of 30+ colleagues
• Full responsibility for sales performance, KPIs, controllable costs and profitability
• Reduced payroll costs by 40% while maintaining commercial performance
• Maintained exceptional visual merchandising and brand standards
• Used performance reporting to drive productivity and sales growth
• Recruited, coached and developed future management talent

Store Manager at Superdry (2015-06 – 2017-05)

• Managed a high-volume fashion retail store with turnover exceeding 6m DKK
• Led recruitment, training and development of store colleagues
• Delivered strong commercial performance through KPI management
• Maintained excellent customer service and visual merchandising standards
• Managed stock flow, inventory control and operational compliance

Store Manager at Levi's (2011-10 – 2014-12)

Levi's Vintage Clothing

• Increased EBIT from 3% to 30% within one year
• Reduced stock loss from 53% to below 1%
• Managed full P&L accountability and operational performance
• Delivered training and product knowledge programmes across the UK
• Maintained luxury brand presentation and customer journey standards

Sales Associate to Store Manager at Levi's (2005-11 – 2011-10)

• Progressed from Sales Associate to Store Manager
• Managed a £1.9 million turnover store
• Led teams of up to 22 colleagues
• Delivered consistent commercial and operational performance
• Developed a strong customer service culture through coaching and leadership