Cindy Willemse
Denver,CO
Summary
Dynamic Operations and General Manager with over 25 years of experience in pet care operations, retail management, warehouse logistics, and multi-site leadership. Proven track record of enhancing operational efficiency, driving revenue growth, and cultivating high-performing teams. Expertise in inventory control, customer service excellence, HR management, budgeting, and process optimization. Actively seeking an operations or management role within the U.S. pet care, retail, or service industry to leverage extensive background and contribute to organizational success.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Sloppy Kisses Doggy Daycare, Grooming and Deli
Johannesburg, South Africa
01.2020 - 01.2026
- Managed daily operations for a high-volume dog daycare, grooming salon and retail store.
- Overseeing staff scheduling, training, performance and Human Resources processes.
- Directed procurement, vendor relationships and inventory planning.
- Managed budgeting, cash flow and financial reporting.
- Achievements :
- Drove 50% revenue growth through operational improvements.
- Improved staff retention through structured HR processes.
Owner/Operations Manager
Le Papillon Wellness and Beauty Studio
Cape Town, South Africa
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Established and directed operations of a full-service wellness and beauty studio.
- Drove business growth by 200% while expanding team to five employees.
Regional Operations Manager
Marltons Pets and Products
Johannesburg, South Africa
2002 - 2015
- Overseeing of operations across three branches, including a warehouse and distribution and retail outlets.
- Managed 50+ staff and a fleet of 14 vehicles.
- Directed national/international container receiving, distribution and exports.
- Managed inventory of 3 000 pet-care and retail product lines.
- Key Achievements : Restructured Johannesburg operations, improved efficiency, planned and executed a full branch relocation.
- Developed operational standards later adopted nationally.
Branch Manager
Marltons Pets and Products
Cape Town, South Africa
01.2003 - 01.2010
- Oversaw retail operations, including inventory management, customer service, human resources, and budgeting.
- Implemented targeted strategies that expanded monthly turnover from ZAR 160,000 to ZAR 2 million, significantly boosting overall profitability.
- Supervised branch operations on a daily basis, focusing on delivering outstanding customer service and improving overall efficiency.
- Conducted targeted training sessions to enhance team skills and deepen product knowledge among staff members.
National Distribution & Warehouse Manager
Mono Containers
South Africa
01.1986 - 01.2022
- Oversaw retail operations with a focus on inventory management and elevating customer service standards. Led human resources initiatives to enhance employee satisfaction and retention rates. Administered financial budgeting to optimize resource allocation and control costs.
Education
Diploma - Warehouse Management
Damelin College
High School completion - Grade 10 Equivalent
Queens High School
Johannesburg, South AfricaSkills
- Operations management
- Xero Accounting Software expertise
- Strong interpersonal communication
- Retail Leadership
- Inventory Control
- Staff Training and HR
- Financial oversight
- Supplier relationship management
- Continuous process evaluation
Timeline
General Manager
Sloppy Kisses Doggy Daycare, Grooming and Deli
01.2020 - 01.2026
Owner/Operations Manager
Le Papillon Wellness and Beauty Studio
01.2015 - 01.2019
Branch Manager
Marltons Pets and Products
01.2003 - 01.2010
National Distribution & Warehouse Manager
Mono Containers
01.1986 - 01.2022
Regional Operations Manager
Marltons Pets and Products
2002 - 2015
Diploma - Warehouse Management
Damelin College
High School completion - Grade 10 Equivalent
Queens High School
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Relocated to the USA during May 2026
- Have a strong background in pet care, as well as retail and operations management.