Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Professional Coursework
References
Timeline
Generic

CRAIG S. KNAPP

Chatham,IL

Summary

Professional operations leader with strong track record in optimizing processes and driving organizational efficiency. Skilled in strategic planning, budget management, and cross-functional team leadership. Known for fostering collaboration, adapting to change, and achieving measurable results. Proficient in project management, resource allocation, and performance analysis. Reliable and results-focused, ready to make significant impact.

Experienced with regional operations management, ensuring seamless execution across various locations. Utilizes strategic planning and operational oversight to drive efficiencies and meet organizational goals. Knowledge of team leadership and process optimization, creating positive impact on overall performance.

Overview

42
42
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Store Operations

Meijer, Inc.
01.2000 - 12.2024
  • Direct daily operations within the store including organizational management, human resources, sales, business development, marketing, and financial management
  • Supervise management staff, emphasizing sales performance and high standards of store operations
  • Coach and mentor employees on business development, personal growth and performance management
  • Implemented perishable processes and guidelines to increase sales and direct margin.
  • Developed new store location from ground up by hiring and training efficient team.
  • Achieved consistent budget targets with optimal expense controls and elimination of unnecessary waste.
  • Collaborated with other Store Directors on regional initiatives aimed at increasing brand presence in local markets.
  • Optimized merchandising layouts based on shopper insights and market trends leading to enhanced product visibility.
  • Oversaw staffing and training, safety compliance, inventory control and financial functions.
  • Improved employee retention rates by creating a positive work environment that fostered teamwork and camaraderie among staff members.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with vendors, negotiating favorable terms and conditions for the store''s benefit.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by ensuring exceptional service, product availability, and efficient operations.

Market Manager

Meijer, Inc.
01.2006 - 01.2008
  • Managed operations of Multi-units being accountable for strategic planning, operations, business planning and development, sales, assets, project management, finance and budgeting, building managerial talent, human resources, and P&L
  • Achieved established KPI for company, regional team and individual performance through teamwork and focus on customers.
  • Analyzed competitor strategies and developed countermeasures to maintain a competitive advantage.
  • Increased market share by identifying and capitalizing on emerging market trends.
  • Increased profit margins by effectively controlling budget and overhead and optimizing product turns.
  • Streamlined internal processes, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs.
  • Cultivated a high-performance culture within the team through motivational leadership techniques and ongoing skill development opportunities.

Store Support Coordinator

Meijer, Inc.
11.1993 - 01.2000
  • This position ran concurrently with New Store/Remodel Coordinator in Indiana/Illinois Territory, as well as Store Director in Michigan City and South Bend, Indiana, and Springfield, Illinois, on an as-needed basis
  • Analyzed and improved departmental operations
  • Evaluated store leadership and adjusted talents to coincide with operational objectives
  • Managed high-volume caseloads, ensuring timely completion of tasks and effective communication with clients.
  • Enhanced team efficiency through facilitating regular meetings, sharing updates, and discussing strategies for improved service delivery.
  • Greeted visitors with professionalism and enthusiasm to provide support and direct guests to appropriate department.
  • Coordinated individual duties after careful evaluation of each employee's skill level and knowledge.

Store Director

Meijer, Inc.
01.1999 - 01.2000
  • Exceeded company targets consistently through proactive monitoring of KPIs and execution of corrective action plans when needed.
  • Promoted team collaboration, performance, and efficiency by fostering healthy environments focused on mutual success.
  • Delivered outstanding results under remodel tight deadlines by adopting creative problem-solving techniques during challenging projects.
  • Optimized merchandising layouts based on shopper insights and market trends leading to enhanced product visibility.

Store Director

Meijer, Inc.
01.1997 - 01.1999
  • Exceeded company targets consistently through proactive monitoring of KPIs and execution of corrective action plans when needed.

Wal-mart Marketing Coordinator

Meijer, Inc.
01.1996 - 01.1997
  • Planned, organized, and coordinated the overall public relations activities, evaluating corporate image and desired impact, developing innovative promotions and positive media relations to increase recognition and credibility, and monitoring process to ensure compliance with identified goals and objectives
  • Formulated and implemented plans designed to effectively compete with the new Wal-mart Supercenter format
  • Collaborated daily with a multi-functional team consisting of senior leadership and marketing executives
  • Successfully maintained sales volume and achieved positive sales growth

New Store/Remodel Coordinator

Meijer, Inc.
01.1993 - 01.1996
  • Implemented an effective sales plan and grand opening expense budget
  • Trained, developed and motivated staff
  • Developed a pre-opening labor budget matrix that created a savings of $500K for each new store
  • Implemented a timeline matrix, integrating construction and merchants with store leadership
  • Created a post-opening sales budget matrix that controlled SG&A

Store Manager

Niemann Foods/County Market
01.1991 - 01.1993
  • Managed daily operations to ensure smooth functioning of the store, maintaining a clean, safe environment for customers and employees.
  • Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures.
  • Addressed customer complaints promptly and professionally, resolving issues to maintain positive relationships with clientele.

Co-Store Manager

Niemann Foods/ Cub Foods
01.1989 - 01.1991
  • Managed daily operations to ensure smooth functioning of the store, maintaining a clean, safe environment for customers and employees.
  • Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures.
  • Addressed customer complaints promptly and professionally, resolving issues to maintain positive relationships with clientele.

Assistant Store Manager

Niemann Foods/ County Market
01.1983 - 01.1988
  • Supervised and evaluated staff to help improve skills, achieve daily objectives, and attain advancement.
  • Streamlined inventory management with regular audits, accurate ordering, and efficient stock organization.
  • Responded to customer concerns, working with manager to significantly raise customer satisfaction ratings.

Education

Executive Succession Course,

Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
01-2007

High School Diploma -

Unity High School
Mendon, IL
06-1983

Skills

  • Strategic thinker
  • Team leadership and coaching
  • Training and mentoring
  • Outstanding communication skills
  • Culture development
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Multitasking Abilities
  • Procurement
  • Process Improvement
  • Financial Analysis

Professional Coursework

  • Executive Testing/Development, Right Management, Troy, MI, 01/2007
  • Dale Carnegie, South Bend, IN, 01/1996, (Served as instructor to subsequent classes).
  • Meijer Market Director Development, Grand Rapids, MI.

References

Professional References;

Robert Bly, Retired Group VP of Operations at Meijer, Inc., Jacksonville Fl.,  Cell 616-340-0882

Rob Benedum, Regional VP of Operations at Fresh Market, Inc Indianapolis, IN. Cell 317-494-2649


Personal Reference

David Coonrod, CPA. Coonrod Financial Group, Chatham, IL. Cell 217-741-4368

Timeline

Market Manager

Meijer, Inc.
01.2006 - 01.2008

Director of Store Operations

Meijer, Inc.
01.2000 - 12.2024

Store Director

Meijer, Inc.
01.1999 - 01.2000

Store Director

Meijer, Inc.
01.1997 - 01.1999

Wal-mart Marketing Coordinator

Meijer, Inc.
01.1996 - 01.1997

Store Support Coordinator

Meijer, Inc.
11.1993 - 01.2000

New Store/Remodel Coordinator

Meijer, Inc.
01.1993 - 01.1996

Store Manager

Niemann Foods/County Market
01.1991 - 01.1993

Co-Store Manager

Niemann Foods/ Cub Foods
01.1989 - 01.1991

Assistant Store Manager

Niemann Foods/ County Market
01.1983 - 01.1988

Executive Succession Course,

Michigan State University

High School Diploma -

Unity High School

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CRAIG S. KNAPP