Russell Noakes

Experienced retail leader with over 28 years' management experience, including Store Manager roles with The Range since 2016. Proven track record in leading high-performing teams of up to 114 colleagues, opening new stores, delivering major refits, and driving operational excellence, sales growth, and cost control. Experienced in recruitment, coaching, performance management, stock control, and implementing company-wide initiatives.

A confident communicator with strong commercial awareness and a passion for developing people, improving standards, and delivering outstanding customer service. Ready to move onto higher senior roles.

Store Manager, Reigate - The Range - Reigate

(2025-06)

• Led successful conversion of ex-Homebase store through a major refit, delivering project to company standards and timescales.
• Managed integration of TUPE colleagues, embedding new systems, processes, and operational standards to ensure a smooth transition.
• Successfully implemented new company processes and best practices, achieving recognition as a benchmark store within the region.
• Effectively led the store through organisational restructuring, maintaining operational performance, colleague engagement, and customer service standards.

Store Manager, Newhaven - The Range - Newhaven

(2024-03 - 2025-05)

• Improving standards across all departments
• Regarded as best store in region for best standards in Arts and Crafts

Store Manager, Crawley - The Range - Crawley

(2020-03 - 2024-02)

• Opened brand new store during COVID, still achieving and exceeding targets during this time and after pandemic
• This has been by far the toughest experience to manage during this trading year but the most rewarding and delivering strong Audit performance and achieving strong performance across the business estate in the first year.

Store Manager, Aldershot - The Range - Aldershot

(2016-05 - 2020-03)

I joined The Range as Store Manager, working with 66 staff taking on average £140,000 per week. My tasks included the day to day running for the business. Prior to my joining, the store was under performing and below standard and missing on P&L. My tasks involved bringing the store up to the required standards for the company and improving target figures.

Owner, Fresh Fruit and Veg Business - Self-employed

(2014-01 - 2016-05)

Started trading as Fresh fruit and veg with a difference. My aim was to set up my own business and took the steps to do so by marketing, advertising and planning for this. I created the business plan and budgets, meeting all potential suppliers and dealing with all project management. I built the business around the shop whilst taking my product out to local villages and setting up new business clients for wholesale, meeting with these weekly to discuss account and maintain level of service.

Retail Store Manager, Crowthorne - Co-op Stores - Crowthorne

(2000-01 - 2013-12)

• Responsible for managing the store brand from Somerfield to Co-op.
• Achieving P&L bonus element.
• Implemented clear structure and focus on standards by creating a long-term plan to achieve consistent performance.
• Embedded cultural change to store teams and local environment and became an ambassador for the society.
• Supported local charities and working with local schools.
• Store Manager of the year.
• A mentor for new store managers, internal and external.
• Actively took on regional champion roles improving other stores performance such as stock loss and labour.
• Supported new store format launches.
• Supported Operational Manager with closing of stores.
• Senior Store Manager for the region and cover of Regional Manager holidays.
• Turned a store from non-profit making to profit making.
• Demonstrated a high level of skill and performance with regular promotions.

BTEC National Diploma - Business and Finance - Chichester College of Technology (1992 - 1994)

GCSEs - Maths and English - Midhurst Grammar School (1989 - 1992)