Marsha Nelson

Commercially focused Operations Manager with over 30 years' leadership experience delivering operational excellence, business growth and high-performing teams across multi-site retail and regulated service environments. Currently reporting directly to the Managing Director at GreenAcres Living Memorial Park, with responsibility for operational performance, business development, budgets, procurement, compliance, contractor management and people leadership. A practical, hands-on manager recognised for improving systems, developing teams and delivering measurable commercial results.

Business Manager at GreenAcres Living Memorial Park (2023-01 – Present)

Reporting directly to the Managing Director with responsibility for the commercial and operational leadership of the park.

• Lead day-to-day operations, ensuring high standards of customer service and operational performance.
• Manage budgets, procurement, supplier relationships and financial controls.
• Oversee Health & Safety, environmental compliance, contractor management and facilities.
• Recruit, develop and performance manage colleagues through coaching, 1:1s and annual reviews.
• Work closely with Marketing and key stakeholders to support business growth.
• Manage SAP purchase orders, goods receipting and invoice processing.
• Increased turnover from £680k to £1.4m.
• Led development of a new 15-acre Living Memorial Park.
• Designed and launched the company's first CRM framework.
• Introduced new memorial products and pricing strategies.
• Improved supplier performance and commercial margins.
• Built strategic relationships with funeral directors, charities and local businesses.

GM / Senior Leadership at Tesco | Sainsbury's | Iceland Foods | B&M Retail

Built over 30 years of progressive leadership experience across some of the UK's largest retailers, managing high-volume operations, developing future leaders and consistently delivering commercial and operational performance.

• Managed stores with weekly turnovers exceeding £1 million.
• Led teams of up to 300 colleagues across large operational environments.
• Regional leadership responsibility supporting 13 stores across Southeast and Central London.
• Developed and coached future managers through structured leadership programmes and succession planning.
• Led recruitment, performance management, operational change, restructures and major store refits.
• Managed budgets, stock control, customer service, compliance, Health & Safety and operational audits.
• Recognised for improving underperforming sites through strong leadership, accountability and operational focus.

A-level