Sonja Turner

Highly accomplished professional with a 32-year career in the retail & wholesale industries. Expertise encompasses brand management, sales, key accounts, operations, and wholesale supply for National and International brands and entities. Throughout my career, I have demonstrated an exceptional ability to drive business growth, streamline processes, and achieve remarkable results.

With a passion for problem-solving and a focus on customer service, I have consistently delivered outstanding solutions and built strong relationships with clients and suppliers. My remote working experience highlights my adaptability and efficiency in handling pressure and meeting deadlines effectively.

In various roles, I was responsible for managing national sales, procurement, supply chain, and operations and successfully oversaw key accounts, implemented effective marketing strategies, and continuously improved processes to enhance efficiency and reduce wastage.

Additionally, exceptional skills in staff development and training have been instrumental in empowering teams and driving success. My contributions to improving sales processes, forecasting accurately, and exceeding targets have been evident throughout my career.

Noteworthy achievements include securing and growing the Takealot account, receiving recognition for contribution to turnover growth and category contribution in the Woolworths Homeware department, and achieving record turnovers for new store openings within the Foschini Group.

Specialist in Procurement, Retail and Operations - Independent Contractor · Freelance

Apr 2021 - Present · 2 yrs 5 mnths Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa · Hybrid

Provide procurement strategies & retail solutions that work with and for your business.
Assess requirements and develop personalised plans to meet goals

Key Account Manager / Category Manager - Elisabeth Hodgson Kitchen (Hodgsons Group)

Apr 2016 - April 2021 · 5 yrs 1 mnth Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa 

National Sales & Account Management / Brand Management / Procurement Management / Supply Chain & Operations / Reporting & Internal Communication
Customer base 200+ SKU's 600+
Key Accounts - Takealot Home Etc Home Choice Core Catering CAB Foods Key Independent Retailers
 

Key Account Manager / Category Manager - Hodgsons Importers and Distributors (Hodgsons Group)

July 2010 - April 2016 · 5 yrs 10 mnths Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa 

Key Account - Woolworths SA
Homeware / Bathroom Accessories / Gifting / Horticulture / Baking Accessories
« Product Sourcing from China, India, Europe, according to Woolworths Seasonal Brief

Key Account Manager / Operations Manager - FUEL MBD

March 2007 - May 2010 · 3  yrs 3 mnths Midrand, Gauteng, South Africa 

Marketing / Branding / Design
Key Accounts - Hilti SA / AA South Africa / Diva Luce
«Explore new sales channels and develop new business opportunities

National Retail Operations Manager – Soviet Jeans

July 2004 – March 2007 · 2 yrs 10 mnths Sandton, Gauteng, South Africa 

Key Accounts - Soviet Stores / Soviet Franchise Stores / Stuttafords / Key Independent Accounts

« Planning for seasonal, monthly and RPL orders for 3 flag ship stores, 10 Franchise stores

Area Key Account Manager – Levi Strauss SA

June 2001 – March 2004 · 2 yrs 10 mnths 

Key Accounts - 52 Independent Accounts - KZN & Free State
Retail Co-ordination Foschini Group / Edcon / Stuttafords
Remote Work: Sole representative of the company and responsible for all corporate operations in KZN and Free State regions.

The Foschini Group

Oct 1991 – June 2001 · 9 yrs 9 mnths

Senior Store Manager

« Flagship store manager - managed multiple stores

Regional Visual Merchandiser

«17 Stores - Gauteng / Mpumalanga / Limpopo / North West Province

Courses and Training - Business and Social Skills

« Budget Control
« Planning/Goal Setting
« Policies/Procedures
« Conflict Resolution
« Delegation Skills
« Team Building
« Financial Acumen
« Forecasting
« Interpersonal Skills
« Leadership Skills
« Labour Law Principles
« Logistics
« Networking
« Problem Solving
« Public Speaking
« Presentation Skills
« Organisation Skills
« Self Awareness
« Self Development
« Stock Management
« Stress Mitigation
« SWOT Analysis
« Vision Statements
« Value Propositions