lawrence Aziz

Reporting directly to the Business Owner and acting as the sole on-ground commercial and operational leader for the brand in Kuwait, responsible for managing all day-to-day business activities including sales, operations, inventory planning, procurement, recruitment, marketing, customer experience, and business growth initiatives.

Key Achievements:

• Successfully doubled sales revenue through strategic business development, customer acquisition initiatives, retail activations, and brand awareness campaigns.

• Expanded brand visibility and market presence through collaborations with leading influencers and public figures across Kuwait and the GCC region.

• Successfully launched and managed temporary retail kiosks and sales activations in premium locations including Al Salhiya Complex and Al Asimah Mall.

• Strengthened Sweetzerland’s positioning within the premium chocolate and luxury gifting market through strategic partnerships and enhanced customer engagement initiatives.

Commercial & Business Development:

• Developed and executed commercial strategies to drive revenue growth, profitability, and market expansion.

• Identified and secured new business opportunities, corporate partnerships, and key accounts.

• Managed relationships with premium and luxury clientele, corporate customers, and strategic stakeholders.

• Prepared business reports, sales analysis, and strategic recommendations for ownership.

Retail Operations Management

• Managed all daily retail operations, ensuring operational excellence and superior customer experience.

• Supervised and developed a team of five employees while maintaining high service standards and operational efficiency.

• Conducted recruitment interviews, employee selection, onboarding, and performance evaluations.

• Managed retail activations, seasonal campaigns, events, and promotional initiatives.

Supply Chain, Procurement & Inventory Management:

• Led demand forecasting and inventory planning activities to maintain optimal stock availability and support business growth.

• Prepared purchasing forecasts based on sales trends, seasonal demand, and business requirements.

• Managed international chocolate shipments from Switzerland to Kuwait, including order planning, shipment coordination, and delivery follow-up.

• Evaluated supplier quotations and freight proposals, preparing commercial comparisons and procurement recommendations for management approval.

• Monitored inventory turnover, stock levels, stock aging, and replenishment cycles to optimize inventory investment and reduce shortages.

Marketing & Brand Development:

• Planned and executed marketing campaigns, promotional activities, and brand awareness initiatives.

• Managed influencer collaborations and strategic partnerships to increase customer engagement and strengthen brand recognition.

• Ensured consistent brand presentation, customer experience standards, and premium retail execution across all touchpoints.

Financial & Performance Management:

• Monitored business profitability, sales performance, margins, and operational KPIs.

• Prepared sales forecasts, inventory projections, and commercial performance reports.

• Supported financial planning and decision-making through business analysis and performance monitoring.

Responsible for managing key commercial relationships with Kuwait Cooperative Societies while overseeing financial controls, operational performance, and trade execution across FMCG business channels.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage strategic relationships with Kuwait Cooperative Societies and key stakeholders across purchasing and category management departments.

• Lead negotiations related to product listings, shelf space allocation, promotional activities, rental agreements, and commercial contracts.

• Monitor sales performance, inventory levels, product availability, and market trends across multiple categories.

• Analyze commercial and financial performance to support strategic decision-making and business growth initiatives.

• Oversee accounts receivable operations, collection activities, and customer account management.

• Manage trade finance activities including Letters of Credit (L/C), international transactions, and foreign exchange exposure.

• Coordinate with sales, finance, logistics, and operations teams to ensure effective market execution.

• Prepare management reports, sales analysis, financial insights, and performance recommendations.

Key Achievements:

• Strengthened relationships with major Kuwait Cooperative Societies, contributing to improved commercial opportunities and business growth.

• Enhanced collection efficiency and reduced aging balances through improved financial controls and follow-up processes.

• Improved reporting accuracy and operational visibility across finance and commercial functions.

• Successfully bridged commercial, operational, and financial activities to support organizational objectives.

Managed all accounting operations, financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls across multiple business units within the food service sector.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervised daily accounting operations including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and financial reporting activities.

• Led month-end and year-end closing processes while ensuring compliance with accounting standards and company policies.

• Managed budgeting, cost control, cash flow monitoring, and financial analysis activities.

• Coordinated internal and external audits and maintained strong financial governance practices.

• Developed and implemented accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls to improve operational efficiency.

• Supervised accounting staff and supported professional development initiatives.

Key Achievements:

• Improved financial reporting accuracy and strengthened internal control procedures.

• Streamlined accounting processes, resulting in greater efficiency and improved reporting timelines.

• Supported senior management through financial analysis, budgeting insights, and performance reporting.

• Enhanced coordination between finance and operational departments to improve business decision-making.

Delivered exceptional customer service and luxury retail experiences while supporting sales growth and customer relationship development.

Key Responsibilities

• Provided personalized customer service and luxury gifting solutions to high-value customers.

• Built and maintained strong relationships with VIP clients and repeat customers.

• Achieved sales targets through consultative selling techniques and premium customer engagement.

• Assisted in merchandising, product presentation, and in-store customer experience initiatives.

Key Achievements

• Consistently delivered high levels of customer satisfaction and service excellence.

• Developed strong expertise in luxury retail sales, customer relationship management, and premium gifting solutions.

• Contributed to sales growth through personalized selling and customer retention initiatives.