• Synergistic Leader who offers a background in Multimillion-Dollar Operations Management, Sales, Program Development, Strategic Analysis / Planning, Trends Tracking, Merchandising, Media / Public Relations, and Promotions; contributes talent in Multi-Site Team Building, Training / Development, Coaching / Mentoring, Process Optimization, and Inventory Control; and exhibits a proven ability to see the big picture at all times.
• Axxxxxxrd-Winning Top Performer who can make decisions to reflect positively on high-volume operations in alignment with a company s vision, value, and goals to attain a significant competitive advantage in key markets.
• Excellent Communicator who collaborates with dynamic teams to build cohesive partnerships, and who leads staff by example and with integrity to develop programs that drive sales, innovate, and change the face of retailing.

Specialty Coordinator Bellevue Drive (2009 Present)

  Capitalize on the opportunity to direct a top-performing staff of 21 Team Leaders and 350+ Team Members while coordinating and managing operations grossing $93+ million in annual sales, along with driving all programs, promotions, and product selection and development for 21 locations across XXXXXX, OR, and Canada.

  Continually partner with Team Members to develop multiple successful programs and beneficial promotions.

  Create an ongoing platform to foster Team Leader engagement and empower store-level innovation, as well as objectively outline standards and expectations and authorize Team Leaders to take ownership of programs.

  Developed a Specialty New Store Opening Support Team (HERO).

  Led Specialty Support Team in conducting 8 store openings and multiple store remodels.

  Reduced cost of goods in cheese by negotiating contracts and increasing product penetration.

  Significantly reduced inventories and engaged in active program participation from Specialists.

  Improved gross and contribution margins for 3 years by working with teams to determine key vision.

  Successfully evaluated and systematically reduced excessive communications to streamline operations.

  Created and launched multiple first-to-market wins via strong partnerships with suppliers and distributors.

Associate Coordinator of Specialty Procurement Bellevue Drive (2007 2009)

  Strategically steered specialty procurement initiatives while implementing sustainable Specialty retail and merchandising standards; creating short- / long-term plans; and training a team of beer, wine, and cheese Specialists.

  Developed and managed successful promotional plans.

  Actively partnered with teams to clarify promotions scope.

  Improved category review processes via coordinated data unification.

  Participated in transitioning Wild Oats locations to Whole Foods Markets.

Specialty Team Member Westlake (2006 2007)

  Utilized broad scope of industry knowledge toxxxxxxrd planning and prioritizing team workflow via weekly scheduling, along with facilitating mentoring and training initiatives which xxxxxxs instrumental in driving success.

  Exceeded standards of excellence in customer service.

  Conducted accurate monthly inventories to maximize the bottom line.

  Successfully maintained a contribution margin that exceeded regional averages.

Specialty Team Member Roosevelt Square (2006)

  Led targeted decision-making in the active promotion of Cheese, Beer, Wine, Chocolate, and Charcuterie sales.

  Consistently ensured all team and store objectives were met.

  Handled all opening and closing duties while resolving customer issues.

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Educator

  Played a vital role in implementing a results-focused educational curriculum for restaurant cheese programs, including training staff and conducting weekly wine / cheese tastings to showcase associate s product knowledge.

  Developed comprehensive training materials for charcuterie and cheese categories.

  Consistently delivered excellence in guest service while demonstrating product knowledge.

Proprietor

  Spearheaded the start-up, new business development, and successful operations of this acclaimed independent cheese shop, including handling all facets of daily functions, finances, and purchasing activities.

  Achieved feature articles in Details, Saveur, and Culture magazines.

  Profitably built and sustained business via aggressive merchandising techniques.

  Led development and implementation of unique marketing tools to grow the business.

  Axxxxxxrded Best Cheese Shop in New York City by Village Voice (2003) and New York Magazine (2004).

Cheesemonger ￨ Manager of Murray s Grand Central (Roles Held Separately)

  Applied strong leadership talents toxxxxxxrd directing fast-paced business operations, including recruiting, training, mentoring, and managing a customer service-oriented staff, as well as scheduling all labor resources.

  Contributed experience in handling high-volume purchasing, sales, forecasting, and product merchandising.

  Personally held responsibility for all sign copy at a Bleecker Street location.

  Expertly developed educational programs for Murray s Grand Central Station.

Store Manager ￨ Manager of Cheese

  Directed profit-generating operations, purchasing, receiving, sales, and merchandising for 4 Manhattan locations.

  Successfully mentored and managed 300 employees, including prioritizing key workflow.

  Led all compliance, corrective action, and inventory control to boost operations efficiency.

Bachelor of Fine Arts (Art History Major ￨ Philosophy Minor ￨ Summa Cum Laude)

Undergraduate Studies in Fine Arts (Arts Restoration Emphasis)

ServSafe Certified ￨ HACCP Certified

Licensed Food Handler State of Xxxxxx ￨ State of Oregon

Aesthetic Judge, American Cheese Society

Member, Guilde des Fromagers de la Confr rie de Saint-Uguzon

Instructor Cheese Seminars, French Culinary Institute ￨ Institute of Culinary Education ￨ Slow Food New York

Professional Accolades Provided Upon Request ￨ Excellent Professional References Provided Upon Request