Allen Snowden
Grapevine,TX
Summary
Dynamic Commercial Manager with a proven track record at multiple international corporations. I am an expert in strategic planning and team development, excelling in profit generation and operational efficiency, consistently achieving top rankings in inventory management, and fostering talent advancement within the organization.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Commercial Director
IKEA
Grand Prairie, Texas
01.2017 - Current
- Led three departments (Prep & Flow, Sales Steering & Support, Communication & Interior), encompassing numerous executives and over 110 associates in a new high-volume store which generated over $80 million annually.
- Spearheaded a multi-channel commercial action plan by collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve national objectives.
- Increased sales and profitability across all channels by applying in-depth knowledge of the product range, local market trends, competitive landscape, and customer behavior.
- Created a multi-channel commercial action plan, integrating input from cross-functional teams and matrix partners to align with national objectives and deliver sustained short- and long-term profitability.
- Drove significant sales growth, increasing annual revenue from $50 million in 2017 to over $80 million in 2022—a 134% year-over-year increase—earning the #4 global ranking.
- Consistently ranked in the top 10 globally for inventory management.
- Implemented a strategic organizational restructure, reducing leadership headcount by 30%, while enhancing performance through targeted coaching and development.
- Developed and promoted talent, with seven leaders advancing to larger roles within IKEA over the past four years.
- Achieved record-breaking sales in FY25, a key driver of overall store performance, and ranked #1 in Texas for total sales in FY25.
- Hosted five global IKEA visits as a recognized anchor store in the U.S., leading breakthrough initiatives for the Texas market.
- Improved operational efficiency, reducing payroll as a percentage of sales by 27% over three years, increasing productivity by 30%, and boosting profitability by over 5%.
Sales and Operations Manager
IKEA
Canton, Michigan
01.2012 - 01.2017
- Oversaw a store generating $132 million annually by leading a skilled team of shopkeepers.
- Provide leadership, guidance, and development to 11 executive reports.
- Prioritized sales opportunities and range management through market data and customer insights.
- Increased annual sales by $22 million over the first 36 months, elevating the store to an A-level volume store.
- Initiated a sales team retreat that focused on IKEA values and teamwork. The result was a significant improvement in employee engagement and happiness scores.
- Initiated a new electronic working process to consolidate, manage, and track all product alerts, work briefs, and commercial shop meetings.
- Developed a monthly Touchbase routine for shopkeepers to improve communication, business knowledge, and commercial intelligence.
- Improved KPIs, which resulted in the store placing in the top five in the following categories: Sales Index, GMO, GM1, Average Ticket, and Outgoing Performance.
- Developed and promoted numerous executives; created a 'utility team' for MH to mitigate staffing issues with small departments, and help implement commercial activities.
- Improved the commercial steering team through online training, inclusion, and meeting processes.
Operations Manager
IKEA
Canton, Michigan
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Led operational activities through a team of four executive direct reports and numerous indirect co-workers.
- Established Competence Training Center recognized internationally for operational excellence.
- Held full P&L accountability, including store and food forecasting, safety and security, and accounting functions.
- Achieved top 10 rankings for margin, operations cost, profit dollars, and profit percentage.
- Ranked #3 nationally for FY11 Recovery Index at 72.6% and #2 for FY12 at 74.3%.
- Increased overall operations efficiency by 14% within the first year.
Store Manager
KOHLS, CORPORATION
Toledo, Ohio
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Directed operations for a high-volume metro store generating $25 million in annual revenue.
- Supervised 170 associates and four executive managers across HR, Operations, Softlines, Hardlines, and Logistics.
- Bolstered profitability by over 15% through the implementation of logistics-centric operational efficiencies, coupled with a renewed focus on sales floor execution.
Store Manager
TARGET, INC
01.2002 - 01.2008
- Successfully led stores across Michigan and Ohio, managing increasing volume and complexity.
- Through inspirational leadership and development, I facilitated the promotion of five leaders to store manager, leading to a 'Best Developer Award.'
- Chaired the Regional Operations Team, leading to the Regional Team Player Award from 2005 to 2008.
- Managed annual sales forecasting and full P&L accountability, ensuring budgetary control.
- Built a compelling reputation for being a turnaround leader, transforming two operationally challenged stores into peak performers, garnering many awards, including most improved in service, profit, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Oversaw and developed a highly skilled team of six leaders with varying degrees of responsibility.
- Facilitated regional and district sponsorships focused on customer service and logistics.
District Manager
AUTOZONE, INC
01.1997 - 01.2002
- Developed and led diverse group of managers across 15 locations in metro Detroit.
- Oversaw full profit and loss responsibilities, including commercial sales and accounting operations.
- Directed leadership development strategy by engaging HR and store teams in succession planning.
- Cultivated new talent, promoting ten Assistant Managers to run individual stores over five years.
- Elevated two Store Managers to district-level positions, enhancing regional leadership.
- Achieved top region results in commercial sales and profitability through strategic business relationships.
- Spearheaded openings of five stores, recruiting and training successful opening teams for each.
Education
Degree of Business Administration -
Henry Ford College
Dearborn, MIGeneral Studies -
University of Southern Florida
Tampa, FLSkills
- Strategic leadership
- Long-term business strategy development
- Multi-million-dollar profit and loss responsibility
- Fiscal oversight
- Executive development and training
- Process optimization
- Revenue generation
- Client support
- Performance management
- Project management
- Industry evaluation
- Market visibility
Technology Skills
- Microsoft Office Suite
- People Soft HR Management
- Kronos
Timeline
Commercial Director
IKEA
01.2017 - Current
Sales and Operations Manager
IKEA
01.2012 - 01.2017
Operations Manager
IKEA
01.2010 - 01.2012
Store Manager
KOHLS, CORPORATION
01.2008 - 01.2010
Store Manager
TARGET, INC
01.2002 - 01.2008
District Manager
AUTOZONE, INC
01.1997 - 01.2002
Degree of Business Administration -
Henry Ford College
General Studies -
University of Southern Florida