lawrence Aziz

Commercial & Brand Manager:

As a Commercial & Brand Manager, I spearhead the strategic direction and market expansion of the brand, blending commercial acumen with deep brand stewardship to achieve sustainable growth and market distinction.

Key Highlights & Responsibilities:

Brand Leadership: Defined and implemented a clear brand vision and architecture, ensuring consistent identity and storytelling across all channels, touchpoints, and markets.

Market Strategy: Designed data-driven commercial strategies that boosted revenue performance and improved market share in competitive landscapes.

360° Campaigns: Orchestrated integrated marketing campaigns (digital, retail, PR, and experiential) that elevated brand visibility and deepened emotional engagement with target audiences.

Product & Portfolio Management: Led the lifecycle management of product lines, from market analysis and concept development to launch execution and performance tracking.

Retail & Customer Experience: Developed premium retail experiences through meticulous visual merchandising, customer journey design, and staff training aligned with the brand ethos.

Stakeholder Engagement: Built strong alliances with key partners, media, agencies, and internal cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and brand excellence across operations.

Commercial Operations: Oversaw pricing strategies, sales forecasting, and promotional planning while optimizing margin performance and financial KPIs.

Innovation & Insight: Translated consumer insights and competitive intelligence into strategic opportunities, fueling innovation pipelines and agile brand evolution.

Leadership: Mentored and led multidisciplinary teams to deliver with excellence, passion, and brand-first thinking.

Professional Experience:

As a Management Accountant & Board Secretary, I played a dual financial and administrative role, combining accounting oversight with executive-level coordination and governance support.

Financial & Operational Management:
* Led accounts receivable (AR) operations, ensuring timely collections, accurate reconciliations, and effective co-op accounting and sales control.
* Managed accounts payable (AP), vendor payments, and financial adjustments across warehouses and pharmacy operations.
* Oversaw financial reporting, reconciliations, and operational cost control to ensure accuracy and efficiency across multiple business units.
* Managed FX exposure and interest rate risk, ensuring compliance with trade finance regulations and internal financial policies.
* Facilitated international transactions, including issuance and reconciliation of Letters of Credit (L/C).

Sales Management & Coops Operations:

* Managed sales operations across Kuwait Cooperative Societies (Coops), coordinating with collectors and field teams.
* Maintained strong relationships with Coop management across purchasing and category functions.
* Led commercial activities including product listings, shelf space allocation, promotions, rental agreements, and compensation deals.
* Monitored and analyzed sales performance, brand performance, and inventory levels across multiple categories.
* Provided sales insights and performance analysis to support decision-making and improve execution across all Coop outlet.

Board Secretary Responsibilities:

Acted as a key liaison between the Board of Directors and executive management, ensuring clear communication and coordination.

* Prepared agendas, minutes of meetings, and confidential board documentation in compliance with governance standards.
* Maintained accurate records of board decisions and ensured follow-up on action points across departments.
* Supported strategic decision-making through financial analysis, reporting, and business insights.
* Ensured compliance with regulatory and governance requirements while supporting audit and committee processes.

Key Achievements:

* Improved AR efficiency by reducing aging balances and enhancing collection processes.
* Implemented process improvements across operational workflows and internal controls.
* Strengthened coordination between finance, operations, and commercial teams across multiple business units.

Accounting Manager:

* Verify, allocate, post, and reconcile accounts payable and receivable transactions to maintain accurate financial records.
* Produce error-free accounting reports and present their results to management for decision-making purposes.
* Analyze financial information to summarize the financial status and identify trends, discrepancies, or areas for improvement.
* Identify errors and inefficiencies in accounting processes and suggest ways to enhance efficiency and reduce spending.
* Manage and supervise accounting assistants and bookkeepers, providing guidance and support as needed.
* Provide input into departmental goal setting and process improvement initiatives to align with organizational objectives.
* Direct internal and external audits to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal controls.
* Support the month-end and year-end close processes by preparing necessary reconciliations, accruals, and adjustments.
* Develop and document business processes and accounting policies to maintain and strengthen internal controls and ensure consistency in financial reporting.
* End-of-Month (EOM) Responsibilities:
1- Reconcile bank accounts to ensure accuracy of cash balances.
2- Reconcile K-net accounts to verify electronic payment transactions.
3- Post purchasing transactions and reconcile supplier statements to ensure timely payments and accurate recording of expenses.
4- Prepare transfers between different sites or departments to facilitate intercompany transactions.
5- Production-related tasks:
- Prepare manufacturing items from the commissary and coordinate transfers between locations.
- Post all transfers after the production process and reconcile manufacturing items to maintain inventory accuracy.
- Monitor and account for staff meals, inventory, costing, depreciation of assets, prepaid rent, salary, overtime, leave, indemnity, and sales for the month.
- Utilize OCIMS (Restaurant Sales Software) for home delivery sales and reconcile sales data with accounting records.

Excellent Communication Skills:

-Demonstrated proficiency in both written and verbal communication, enabling clear and effective dissemination of information within the organization.

-Outstanding People Skills:
Proven ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders, fostering a collaborative work environment.

-Professionalism, Diplomacy, Tactfulness:
Exemplary professionalism, diplomacy, and tactfulness in interactions with individuals at all levels, contributing to the cultivation of a positive company image.

-Presentation Skills:
Skilled in delivering engaging and informative presentations to diverse audiences, effectively conveying complex ideas and information.

Negotiation Skills:
Proficient in negotiation techniques, adept at achieving mutually beneficial agreements and resolving conflicts amicably.