Lovekaran Cheema
Clovis
Summary
Results-driven Operations Leader with 11+ years of progressive experience in grocery and retail management, successfully overseeing multi-department and multi-store operations. Demonstrated ability to increase revenue, streamline operations, and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency and profitability. Relocated from New Zealand with extensive expertise in operational strategy and innovative retail practices, seeking a Regional/Operations Manager role to drive multi-unit growth, operational excellence, and measurable performance improvements in the U.S. market.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Store Manager
Grocery Outlet Bargain Market
Fresno, CA
12.2025 - Current
- Oversaw daily store operations, ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures.
- Managed team performance by conducting regular training sessions and providing constructive feedback.
- Developed and implemented merchandising strategies to enhance product visibility and customer engagement.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends, optimize inventory levels, and improve profitability while working on P&L.
- Optimizing inventory by timely tracking it and ordering produce, meat and grocery.
Grocery Operations Manager
New World Supermarket Durham Street
Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
03.2021 - 04.2025
- Led daily grocery operations, ensuring operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and exceptional customer service.
- Oversaw inventory management, restocking, and shrinkage reduction, optimizing product availability and minimizing waste.
- Developed and implemented staff training programs, monitored team performance, and coached employees to enhance productivity and engagement.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to execute strategies, enforce SOPs, and achieve business goals, safety, and quality standards.
- Analyzed operational metrics to identify process improvements and drive cost-saving initiatives.
Floor Duty Manager
New World Supermarket Durham Street
Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
10.2018 - 03.2021
- Managed staff schedules, supervised daily operations, and monitored team performance to maximize efficiency and service quality.
- Conducted facility inspections, enforced health, safety, and compliance standards across all departments.
- Directed inventory processes including ordering, rotation, and shrinkage control, ensuring consistent product availability.
- Implemented operational improvements and utilized KPI analysis to support multi-department initiatives and enhance performance.
Grocery Supervisor
New World Supermarket South City
Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
09.2016 - 10.2018
- Directed grocery operations, maintaining stocked shelves, service standards, and smooth workflow.
- Optimized team performance through strategic scheduling, training, and hands-on coaching.
- Monitored inventory levels, minimized shortages, and reduced product shrinkage.
- Supported merchandising initiatives, including promotional and seasonal displays, driving sales and customer satisfaction.
Chill, Frozen, Grocery, & Liquor Assistant
New World Supermarket South City
Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
08.2014 - 08.2016
- Maintained stock across multiple departments, ensured product rotation (FIFO), and minimized waste.
- Assisted customers with inquiries, product locations, and recommendations, providing excellent service.
- Set up promotional displays and ensured merchandising compliance to support sales initiatives.
- Safely operated equipment and collaborated with the team to complete tasks efficiently and meet operational targets.
Education
Level 5 & 6 Business Management Diploma NZQA - Business Management
Linguis International Institute NZQA
Christchurch, New Zealand06-2016
High School Diploma -
Public Senior Secondary School
Jalandhar, Punjab, India03-2013
Skills
- Inventory Management
- Operational Strategy
- Regulatory Compliance
- Training Program Development
- Performance Optimization
- Customer Relationship Management
Certification
- 2018-2024
Completed Leadership Levels 1, 2, and 3 through NZ South Island Foodstuffs, a regional division of New Zealand’s major grocery cooperative supporting independent supermarkets such as New World, Pak’nSave, and Four Square. The training provided comprehensive development in foundational, intermediate, and advanced leadership skills, including team supervision, operational planning, strategic decision-making, and performance coaching. This program equipped me to effectively lead teams, optimize processes, and contribute to overall organizational success in a dynamic retail environment.
- Annually
Earned the New Zealand Certificate in Retail (Customer Service and Sales Support) through New World Durham St, gaining practical skills in customer service, sales support, product knowledge, and time management. This training enhanced my ability to deliver exceptional customer experiences, communicate effectively with diverse customers, resolve issues efficiently, and contribute to smooth and productive store operations.
- Annually
Completes First Aid training every year to ensure I am prepared to respond quickly and effectively to medical emergencies, maintain a safe environment for colleagues and customers, and provide competent care when needed.
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Punjabi
Native or Bilingual
Hindi
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Store Manager
Grocery Outlet Bargain Market
12.2025 - Current
Grocery Operations Manager
New World Supermarket Durham Street
03.2021 - 04.2025
Floor Duty Manager
New World Supermarket Durham Street
10.2018 - 03.2021
Grocery Supervisor
New World Supermarket South City
09.2016 - 10.2018
Chill, Frozen, Grocery, & Liquor Assistant
New World Supermarket South City
08.2014 - 08.2016
High School Diploma -
Public Senior Secondary School
Level 5 & 6 Business Management Diploma NZQA - Business Management
Linguis International Institute NZQA
Legal Status
Greencard Holder of United States of America