I am a strategic operations leader with over 20 years of experience spanning military logistics, entrepreneurial business development, and digital growth. I thrive at turning complex challenges into practical, scalable solutions—whether optimizing supply chains, accelerating SME revenue with high-converting web strategies, or driving advanced SEO. I bring a disciplined, process-oriented mindset and a strong growth focus to every mission. As a mentor and consultant, I empower early-stage startups and established businesses to achieve sustainable growth through hands-on guidance, data-driven decision making, and a collaborative leadership style. I stay calm under pressure, mentor teams, and deliver measurable results across digital marketing, eCommerce, and operations.

Russell Oliver

I am a strategic operations leader with over 20 years of experience spanning military logistics, entrepreneurial business development, and digital growth. I thrive at turning complex challenges into practical, scalable solutions—whether optimizing supply chains, accelerating SME revenue with high-converting web strategies, or driving advanced SEO. I bring a disciplined, process-oriented mindset and a strong growth focus to every mission. As a mentor and consultant, I empower early-stage startups and established businesses to achieve sustainable growth through hands-on guidance, data-driven decision making, and a collaborative leadership style. I stay calm under pressure, mentor teams, and deliver measurable results across digital marketing, eCommerce, and operations.

Available to hire

I am a strategic operations leader with over 20 years of experience spanning military logistics, entrepreneurial business development, and digital growth. I thrive at turning complex challenges into practical, scalable solutions—whether optimizing supply chains, accelerating SME revenue with high-converting web strategies, or driving advanced SEO. I bring a disciplined, process-oriented mindset and a strong growth focus to every mission.

As a mentor and consultant, I empower early-stage startups and established businesses to achieve sustainable growth through hands-on guidance, data-driven decision making, and a collaborative leadership style. I stay calm under pressure, mentor teams, and deliver measurable results across digital marketing, eCommerce, and operations.

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Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Director & Small Business Consultant at Creative Startup NZ
October 1, 2019 - Present
Led growth mentoring for 77 SME owners; provided tailored digital and operational strategies enabling 70+ clients to achieve average monthly growth of 9.14%. Drove digital reach with a 500% increase in website traffic and built a 2,400-member Facebook community; networked with 170+ entrepreneur groups. Hosted 'The Start-up Chronicles' podcast across 22 platforms, with 450,000 YouTube views and recognition as the only sponsored podcast in its NZ category.
Managing Director & Business Manager at Romantic Gestures Ltd
January 1, 2014 - Present
Secured the #1 organic Google ranking for 'marriage proposal planners in New Zealand' through advanced SEO strategies; Brand transformed into an award-winning tourism company (Best Marriage Proposal Planners 2020; Couples Choice Award 2025). Launched an online store with 45+ gift items, built a network of 60+ romantic getaway partners, and secured an Australian trademark in 2024 for cross‑Tasman expansion.
Strategic Leader, SAP Analyst & Store Sergeant at New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF)
February 1, 1999 - Present
Senior Leadership & Policy: Completed the Promotion All Corps Regular Force Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Course (2022) with a 99% capstone policy essay on human capital retention. SAP: Managed high-consequence inventory (IM/INV/MRP), ensuring 100% accountability of controlled items. Operational Optimization: Redesigned inventory processes for the 3rd Workshop Company, delivering a 33% boost in operational output and 98% inventory accountability within 6 months. Crisis Management: Applied Battle Handling methodologies (OODA Loop, GSMEAC) to solve bottlenecks and maintain supply chain continuity under pressure.

Education

Graduate Diploma in Business at Open Polytechnic of New Zealand
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2026
Bachelor of Business (Marketing) at Open Polytechnic of New Zealand
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2022
New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 6) at Open Polytechnic of New Zealand
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2019
Diploma in Marketing (Level 5) at Open Polytechnic of New Zealand
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2019
Certificate in Web Design at Open Polytechnic of New Zealand
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2020
New Zealand Certificate in Business (First Line Management) (Level 4) at NZDF / Skills Ignite
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2023
National Certificate in Adult Education and Training (Level 4) at Learning State Limited
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2012
Graduate Diploma in Business at Open Polytechnic of New Zealand
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2026
Bachelor of Business (Marketing) at Open Polytechnic of New Zealand
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2022
New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 6) at Open Polytechnic of New Zealand
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2019
Diploma in Marketing (Level 5) at Open Polytechnic of New Zealand
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2019
Certificate in Web Design at Open Polytechnic of New Zealand
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2020
New Zealand Certificate in Business (First Line Management) at NZDF / Skills Ignite
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2023
National Certificate in Adult Education and Training (Level 4) at Learning State Limited
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2012

Qualifications

Transport Dangerous Goods
January 1, 2019 - February 22, 2026
International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG)
January 1, 2012 - February 22, 2026
Aviation Dangerous Goods IATA
January 1, 2012 - February 22, 2026
Health & Safety at Work compliance (Unit 27960)
January 1, 2025 - February 22, 2026
Forklift OSH Course (F Endorsement)
January 1, 2018 - February 22, 2026
Transport Dangerous Goods
January 1, 2019 - February 22, 2026
International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG)
January 1, 2012 - February 22, 2026
Aviation Dangerous Goods IATA
January 1, 2012 - February 22, 2026
Health & Safety at Work compliance (Unit 27960)
January 1, 2025 - February 22, 2026
Forklift OSH Course (F Endorsement)
January 1, 2018 - February 22, 2026

Industry Experience

Government, Transportation & Logistics, Travel & Hospitality, Professional Services, Media & Entertainment, Software & Internet, Retail

Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
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