Markus Blanshard

Dynamic and results-driven Retail Leader with extensive experience managing high-volume, customer-focused environments for major brands including Superdrug and Boots. Proven track record of driving sales growth, developing high-performing teams, and maintaining rigorous operational and compliance standards. Adept at multi-site regional support, loss prevention, health and safety, and strategic stock control.

Employs a calm, confident, and hands-on leadership style focused on team motivation, staff well-being, sharp commercial awareness, and operational excellence.

Assistant Manager Designate - Superdrug - Bluewater & Region 5 (Kent)

(2023-01)

• Provide critical management cover across multiple regional stores, stabilizing performance and supporting local teams.
• Set monthly commercial goals and communicate strategic priorities to drive team performance and KPI achievement.
• Oversaw strict stock control and inventory management, ensuring accurate stock levels and minimizing waste.
• Championed regional compliance, monitoring and standardising high-level Health & Safety protocols, statutory auditing, and age-restricted product controls across multiple locations.
• Resolve escalated customer and policy issues, improving compliance and significantly reducing shrinkage.
• Standardize long-term training and development strategies for new and existing staff, driving employee recognition programs to strengthen engagement.

Assistant Manager - Boots - Dartford, Kent

(2021-10 - 2023-01)

• Delivered high-standard customer service, utilizing product knowledge and calm problem-solving to address inquiries.
• Led structured team leader meetings, driving follow-up actions, accountability, and store performance improvements.
• Acted as the primary escalation point for customer, security, and employee concerns, ensuring swift and safe resolution.
• Partnered closely with in-store and regional security teams to implement robust loss-prevention tactics and maintain a secure environment.
• Promoted a positive workplace culture by actively supporting staff well-being, managing workloads, and offering pastoral guidance to the team.
• Oversaw day-to-day, store-wide execution of Health & Safety regulations, including conducting regular risk assessments and maintaining strict food safety and hygiene compliance for retail food areas.
• Implemented structured training programs and closely monitored ongoing staff development.

Customer Assistant - Boots - Stratford Westfield, London

(2018-01 - 2021-10)

• Delivered exceptional customer service within a flagship, high-traffic retail environment.
• Managed comprehensive stock rotation, rigorous date checks, and proactive merchandising to minimize waste and ensure full compliance with food hygiene standards.
• Maintained clean, hygienic, and safe shopping and storage environments in line with company healthcare and food policies.
• Maintained vigilance on the shop floor to support team security, deterring external theft and reporting risks promptly.
• Supported front-end till operations, stock adjustments, promotional setups, and high-volume seasonal events.

Owner - Pedal It Ltd - London

(2009-01 - 2017-12)

• Increased business profitability by 45% and overall takings by 30% through strategic rebranding and optimized product sourcing.
• Managed end-to-end business operations, including buying, workshop management, budgeting, and supplier relationships.
• Led and motivated a team of six staff members to improve sales efficiency and service standards.

Store Manager - Cycle Surgery - London

(2005-01 - 2008-12)

• Oversaw full store operations, customer service standards, visual merchandising, and staff career progression.
• Organised regional events, product displays, and targeted promotional activities to drive footfall.
• Maintained absolute compliance with company policies and Health & Safety regulations.

Buyer - Cycle Surgery - London

(2003-06 - 2005-01)

• Formulated and managed inventory levels across multiple retail locations, supporting an £8m turnover business unit.
• Negotiated high-value supplier contracts, pricing structures, Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and delivery terms.
• Strategized seasonal product ranges and successfully introduced new commercial lines to the market.

Store Manager - On Your Bike - London

(2001-01 - 2003-01)

• Retained full accountability for a £1m-turnover retail store, overseeing ordering, banking, rotas, and daily operations.
• Led by example on the sales floor to maintain exceptionally high customer service standards.

Store Manager - YHA Adventure Shops - London

(1998-01 - 2001-01)

• Managed the flagship Covent Garden location, overseeing inventory procurement, window displays, stock-takes, and staff training.

Supervisor - Makro - London

(1993-01 - 1996-01)

• Managed a high-volume commercial department with 25 direct reports and a £5m annual turnover.
• Directed department training, large-scale stock-taking, automated ordering systems, and corporate customer relations.

General Assistant / Office Clerk - Grandways Stores

(1990-01 - 1991-01)

General Assistant - Whites Cycles

(1989-01 - 1990-01)

Access - Business Studies - Acton College, London (1997-01)

AS Levels - Psychology, Sociology, Geography - Ealing College, London (1994-01)

AS Levels - Environmental Science, Geology, History - Stanmore College, London (1995)

IT Home Skills Certification - Kilburn College, London (1993)

GCSEs (Grades A-D) - St Mary’s College, Hull (1991)