Ntsikayomzi Gidi.

I operate within a highly cross-functional environment inside Group Store Development, contributing across the full end-to-end lifecycle of retail store development projects spanning over 10 TFG brands. My exposure goes well beyond operational support and extends into process design, commercial analysis, and supply chain coordination at a strategic level.

End-to-End Process Review and Formulation

I am actively involved in formulating, reviewing and structuring the Group Store Development supply chain process from the ground up. This spans the translation of store designs into procurement requirements, supplier engagement and sourcing decisions, order placement, DC picking processes, dispatch planning and final site delivery. I identify inefficiencies and process gaps across functions, contribute to process formalisation, and help ensure that cross-functional teams are aligned throughout the project lifecycle. My involvement in process design means I understand how upstream decisions directly drive downstream execution outcomes.

Cost Optimisation Initiative

I played a key role in a 4-month cost-saving initiative that delivered projected multi-million rand savings. My contributions included identifying bulk purchasing opportunities, informing procurement strategy decisions aligned to cost efficiency, and maintaining the ongoing cost savings tracking process. This involves monitoring projected versus actual savings, identifying variances and risks, and maintaining stakeholder accountability to ensure savings initiatives translate into measurable financial outcomes.

Stock Optimisation and Inventory Strategy

I actively manage the tracking and strategic allocation of slow-moving and obsolete inventory. This includes identifying stock at risk of write-off, allocating stock to active projects to support depletion, and enabling the transition to new store concepts. My work here directly supports commercial decision-making around write-off risk and inventory health.

Forecasting and Planning

I contribute to demand and supply forecasting across all TFG brands within the GSD function, building and maintaining Excel-based tracking and reporting tools that give visibility into procurement pipelines and project delivery timelines.

Meetings, Workshops and Stakeholder Engagement

I maintain an active presence in daily operational meetings, cross-functional workshops, and planning sessions. I have chaired meetings and contributed to large-scale workshop facilitation, engaging with senior stakeholders across procurement, finance, design and logistics functions. I am trusted to present, report on progress, and drive agenda items independently.

Commodity and Systems Work

I work across a wide range of commodities including lighting, steel, timber, visual merchandise, mannequins, hangers and BOH (back-of-house) fixtures. Systems I operate within include SAP for procurement, tracking and reporting, Coupa for supplier and procurement processes, and advanced Microsoft Excel for forecasting, modelling, and reporting tools.

Held full financial oversight for the residence, managing budgeting, cash flow planning and fundraising for all student programmes. Led the organisation's most successful fundraising event, achieving full-year financial targets. Built and led a cross-functional student team, developing leadership and stakeholder communication skills in a high-accountability environment.

Gained hands-on exposure to public financial systems and municipal budgeting over a 3-month period. Supported the compilation and monitoring of capital and operating budgets, contributed to annual financial statement drafting, and assisted in preparing reports for National Treasury and internal portfolio committees. Contributed to streamlining several reporting templates and supported timely submissions to oversight bodies.

Supported a community outreach initiative focused on underprivileged learners across schools in Matatiele. Coordinated school visits, compiled beneficiary profiles, and managed budgeting for food, uniforms and school supplies. This experience provided early exposure to resource management, financial planning and operational coordination under real-world constraints.