Skills:
Professional Experience Marketing Strategy and Planning Developed weekly merchandising and marketing strategies based on current market trends, availability of product, the sale price vs. retail cost benefit to the consumer, and interpreting niche market demand. Planned and oversaw the implementation of Holiday marketing strategies and ensured that all policies and procedures were followed so as not to in violation of Federal, State, or Local ordinances(i.e., fire codes, ADA, etc.). Developed Department specific Business Plans to address under performing areas, as well as ensure proper implementation of guidelines as stated in the Business Plan. Project Management and Fruition Developed aggressive goals to ensure a cost conscious and punctual completion of assigned projects. Delegated task to associates based upon their areas of strength and experience. Held associates accountable for their assigned tasks ensuring proper completion. Budget Management and Forecasting Completed a weekly budget analysis to estimate sales(daily and weekly), customer count(daily and weekly), Cost of Sales(COS), and Gross Profit(GP). Calculated the difference between forecasted dollars spent vs. actual dollars spent on a daily basis, and making adjustments as necessary. Provided detailed notes to explain any abnormal fluctuations, either positive or negative, by investigating and analyzing known data and its effect on the market conditions. Interpreting and Tracking P&L Data Recorded Key Performance Indicators(KPI) on the Weekly Operation Report(WOR) to identify trends that may have an impact on sales and overall customer satisfaction. Verified that all charges and rebates were accounted for on the P&L statement. Took immediate corrective actions when discrepancies were discovered to prevent charges from "bouncing" week to week. Verified that the GP and COS percentages are adjusted accurately after performing Quarterly Inventory Counts. Sales and Operational Planning Used market trends, WOR data, competitive changes, and environmental data to set goals for the upcoming fiscal year. Held regular department meetings to ensure consistent implementation and follow through of policies and procedures. Conducted individual Performance Evaluations with associates to address areas for improvement, areas where improvements have been made, and areas where they exhibit "Role Model" qualities. Maintained time management procedures through proper scheduling and delegation of tasks. Analytical and Conceptual Problem Solving Created solutions to new or unexpected problems by brainstorming with other departmental associates to maximize success of a solution. Used analysis of known data to find solutions to unanswered questions by verifying each part of the equation and removing verified components, eventually leaving only the variable that is incorrect. Training, Developing, and Coaching Associates Communicated with associates to determine how best they learned. Instead of training when it was convenient, training was written into the schedule to maximize time and productivity. Opened a clear and comfortable channel for communication in which I listened to associates concerns and addressed them honestly. Coached associates immediately when incorrect action or behavior was observed. Customer Service Expertise Listened to customer concerns and handled each one on an individual basis. Took necessary action to ensure the customers needs were met to THEIR expectations. Handled customer special request and ensured accurate follow through to ensure complete customer satisfaction. Built and maintained long term customer relationships while always looking for new niche markets that may not have been properly evaluated.