Steven Merkel

Commercial & Operations Leader | Head of Sales | Business Management | Growth Strategy | Leadership

Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

About

Commercial and operations leader with 20+ years’ experience managing strategic client portfolios, improving service performance and delivering commercial outcomes across complex, multi‑site environments. I specialise in strengthening customer relationships and coordinating cross‑functional delivery to ensure expectations, service standards and operational execution stay aligned. I’ve led national and ANZ portfolios, partnering with operations, customer service, supply chain and finance to deliver reliable outcomes and long‑term customer value. I’m motivated by roles that balance people, performance and commercial responsibility, and where partnerships are built on trust, transparency and consistent delivery. Based in Adelaide, I’m focused on contributing to a growing organisation while collaborating effectively across states. I bring a proactive, solutions‑focused approach and a strong track record of improving customer experience, operational reliability and commercial performance.

Experience

  • Mizuno Oceania Corporation (Full-time · 11 yrs 9 mos)
    • Head of Sport
      Aug 2022 - Sep 2025 · 3 yrs 2 mos

    • Head of Sales - Sport
      Jun 2021 - Aug 2022 · 1 yr 3 mos

    • National Sales Manager
      Aug 2019 - Jun 2021 · 1 yr 11 mos

  • Sales agent at Horizon Sports
    Mar 2005 - Dec 2013 · 8 yrs 10 mos

    NSW sales agent for leading sporting brands Mizuno, Thorlo, Camelbak and K-Swiss

  • Next Byte (4 yrs 1 mo)
    • Store Manager
      2002 - 2004 · 2 yrs

    • Senior Account Manager
      2000 - 2002 · 2 yrs