James Roper

Director of Business

Experience

James’s experience spans 25 years of supporting leading national and international retail brands and property groups. Having worked extensively in Executive Management roles within a number of local and multinational organisations, James is a well regarded as an industry leader. Currently consulting broadly across the retail sector, James specialises in Retail Strategy, Leadership, Operations, Merchandise Strategy and Financial Management. He is highly skilled in guiding retailers in the areas that impact team performance and cultural development as well as the commercial performance areas of margin, profit and market share growth. With a deep understanding of retail performance and human behaviour, James brings direction, inspiration, engagement and tangible outcomes to our extensive base of retail training and consulting clients.

As a Specialist Retail Consultant, James works with a diverse client base in areas of Strategy, Business Development, Organisational Development and Operational Performance Improvement. As the leader of large national retailers in the Pharmacy and Franchise sectors, coupled with his general merchandise roles, James brings a broad range of transferable skills to Senior Management teams. James is well known in the industry for his capacity to relate and guide retailers at all levels. His drive and enthusiasm for reinvigorating and growing retail businesses through the engagement of teams has ensured sustainable competitive advantage for many clients that James has supported.

As a Specialist Retail Facilitator, James has developed and delivered industry leading programs, providing highly relevant specialised retail skills and knowledge. With a supportive, approachable and engaging style, James is recognised as a highly influential and memorable facilitator, well received by both senior management and operational levels. His programs have inspired many of today’s retail achievers to apply new knowledge and strive for higher performance.

Retail Specialist Expertise

• Retail Business and Merchandise Strategy
• Retail Leadership
• Business Development
• Organisational Development
• Operational Effectiveness

Major Assignments

• ARA Director of Business – James brings his experience and industry knowledge to the role he undertakes with the ARA to develop and support our business relationships with industry and ensure the ongoing performance of our training and consulting services nationally. His focus is to ensure currency in our understanding of the industry needs and support the development of tools and resources to drive skill and capability in the industry.
  
• ARA Retail Consultant – As a Senior Consultant, James has supports both Large and SME retailers through the provision of strategic advice to develop business improvement and growth plans. His approach is clear and concise, assisting in enlightening and clarifying the retailer’s perspective of their business, their market and their strategic options to create a sustainable market position.