Mohammad Mirza

I owned and managed a hardware store for over 23 years, handling all aspects of daily operations and business leadership. My responsibilities included inventory management across multiple departments—ordering stock, negotiating with vendors, monitoring deliveries, and maintaining accuracy through regular cycle counts. I supervised a team of six employees, handling recruitment, training, scheduling, and daily task assignments while controlling labour costs against the store budget. Financial management was central to my role, including reviewing sales reports, managing margins, handling cash reconciliations, and overseeing all expenses from payroll to facilities maintenance. I was also directly involved in customer service, addressing complaints, processing special orders, and ensuring that every person who walked through the door received the help they needed.

Beyond the daily routine, I managed the broader operational needs of the business—maintaining equipment, coordinating building repairs, and ensuring the store remained clean, organized, and safe. I built and sustained relationships with dozens of vendors, negotiated pricing, and stayed current on industry trends to keep our product offerings relevant. Whether I was unloading freight, covering the register, mixing paint, or balancing the books at the end of the day, I understood that everything in the store was ultimately my responsibility. That hands-on approach, combined with consistent attention to the financial and operational details, allowed the business to thrive in a competitive retail environment for over two decades.

In the past few years, I have taken agencies contracts and delivered various business and data project for a number of employers. I utilised my skills and experience gained in the store management successfully.

University Science Foundation 1991-1992 - Royal Holloway & Bedford New College, University of London.