Gracious Noni

Results-driven and strategic Cosmetic Manager with over 7 years of progressive experience in the retail cosmetics industry, including 2 years in a leadership capacity. Proven expertise in managing multi-brand portfolios (including La Roche-Posay, Maybelline, L'Oréal, The Ordinary, CeraVe, Vichy, and Payot), driving sales growth, and building exceptional customer loyalty. A champion of brand strategy, skilled in translating consumer insights into actionable in-store execution.

Adept at leading high-performing teams, optimizing inventory to reduce loss by 20%, and enhancing brand visibility to increase sales by 15%. Eager to apply deep beauty market knowledge, advanced data analysis skills (Excel PivotTables), and strong stakeholder communication to elevate brand equity and market share.

Cosmetic Consultant & Second-in-Command (2IC) - DIS-CHEM PHARMACIES - Johannesburg

(2021-01)

• Led and mentored a team of 6 consultants, optimizing floor coverage to enhance brand representation, resulting in the department consistently exceeding monthly sales targets by an average of 15% over 2 years.
• Acted as the primary brand champion for a portfolio of premium and mass-market lines, including La Roche-Posay, L'Oréal Skin Care, Vichy, CeraVe, and Payot, leveraging deep product knowledge to drive sales and brand visibility.
• Developed and executed targeted promotional strategies for brands like Maybelline and The Ordinary, successfully upselling and cross-selling to increase overall basket size by 10%.
• Reduced expired stock losses by 20% through implementing a rigorous stock rotation system (FIFO) and analyzing slow-moving item reports to provide critical feedback to warehouse and regional buyers.
• Served as the primary liaison for regional management, drafting and responding to correspondence regarding sales performance, stock queries, and promotional strategies to ensure alignment with regional objectives.
• Built a loyal client base of 50+ repeat customers by providing personalized skincare consultations and follow-ups, directly increasing customer lifetime value and brand loyalty for premium brands like Bionike, Avene, Skin Functional, and Payot.
• Mentored and trained 3 new consultants through their probation, ensuring they achieved their first sales targets within 6 weeks and consistently adhered to brand standards.

Cosmetic Cashier - DIS-CHEM PHARMACIES - Dainfern Square, Johannesburg

(2018-02 - 2020-12)

• Managed POS transactions for 50+ customers daily with 100% cash-handling accuracy over 2 years, ensuring a seamless and efficient check-out experience that supported brand reputation.
• Successfully cross-sold promotional items from brands like L'Oréal Paris and Maybelline, increasing the department's overall basket size and supporting broader marketing campaigns.
• Assisted in stock takes that consistently achieved a 99% inventory accuracy rate, helping to identify discrepancies and maintain data integrity for a fast-paced cosmetics department.

Cashier - KFC - Brynston, Johannesburg

(2015-04 - 2016-11)

• Managed high-volume transactions during peak hours with speed and precision, maintaining a perfect cash-up record for 18 months.

National Senior Certificate - Matric Grade 12 - Hendrick Ntambeleni Secondary School (2014)