Andrew Lakeram
Centereach,NY
Summary
Accomplished Program Manager with over 14 years of experience specializing in the development and execution of training programs within technology and digital advertising sectors. Skilled in leading cross-functional projects, enhancing customer experiences, and driving operational excellence. Proven success in designing comprehensive learning strategies, managing diverse teams, and implementing innovative training solutions in fast-paced environments. Committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of program management.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Training, Americas
Workshop - Sonos
01.2024 - Current
- Founded a comprehensive training program that revolutionized training engagement and reporting for Sonos in the North American region, tailoring to individual needs, with over 5,000 associates across 16 accounts onboarded as of June 2024.
- Led cross-functional teams and collaborated with key stakeholders to support product launches and promotional campaigns, aligning with organizational objectives and timelines.
- Leverage data analytics insights for informed decision-making in critical areas such as sales forecasting, budgeting, or personnel management.
- Secure key partnerships that contributed to the company's overall growth strategy and market reach, increasing revenue by 5% over the last quarter.
- Negotiate favorable contracts with vendors for reduced costs and improved service quality, reducing costs across multiple channels by upwards of 15%.
- Improve project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
- Spearhead successful product launches that resulted in increased brand visibility and customer acquisition, most recently with Sonos' newest product category.
- Manage training budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability within CapEx and OpEx, redistributing over $2 million from the training budget into other business ventures for Sonos.
Trainer, Knowledge and Development
Mosaic Sales Solutions - Google Store Chelsea
03.2021 - 12.2024
- Collaborated with stores and account management teams to create equitable learning and enablement strategies, increasing business revenue by over $2.5 million since project inception.
- Head of training planning, communication, and process improvements, aligning learning initiatives with key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Partner across all sales, technical, and operational channels to understand each sales channel's unique development needs and develop systematic, scalable training solutions for sales teams.
- Facilitated orientation training for over 200 employees, contributing to a robust development portfolio and leadership growth within the company.
- Evaluated training solutions regularly for quality, business impact, and scalability.
- Managed impact reporting and provided training and business analysis to leadership.
- Developed leaders within the organization who have been promoted to various leadership roles, providing a strong development portfolio.
- Advocated for DEI principles in training planning, communication, and process improvements, ensuring all employees feel represented and valued.
- Innovated LMS, CRM, and CMS systems that use instructional design languages like SAM and ADDIE to improve training efficacy in retail environments.
Store Management
TJX Companies
10.2019 - 02.2020
- Managed and trained a diverse team of over 100 retail associates, implementing new training approaches that improved employee performance and customer engagement across diverse customer demographics.
- Interviewed and mentored over 65 new hires, fostering an inclusive culture that resulted in staff development and increased productivity.
- Achieved a milestone of $2 million in revenue for fiscal year 2019, a second in the company’s history.
District Sales Manager
HP/Mosaic
05.2019 - 10.2019
- Drove a $85 million annual revenue performance across twenty-five stores in the district, championing DEI in sales strategies and team interactions.
- Partnered with sales representatives and management within Best Buy and Staples to implement a new marketing standard for visual merchandising, resulting in a 15% increase in market sales.
- Assessed each location’s individual and team performances, analyzing data trends to determine the best methods to improve sales results.
- Monitored feedback on customer buying habits, market conditions, and competitor actions to adjust business/training strategies and achieve sales goals.
Store Manager
Mosaic Sales Solutions
09.2018 - 03.2019
- Led the New York flagship store for Google’s 2018 holiday campaign, successfully launching major products and achieving over $3 million in revenue.
- Interviewed, hired, trained, and developed all retail, sales, and tech support staff with a strong culture based on teamwork, sales, and technical solutions.
- Managed highly successful marketing and advertising campaigns for the Google Hardware Store, which helped generate a 35% increase in foot traffic.
- Focused on creating an inclusive culture of being ‘Radically Helpful’ customer service and brand ecosystems inside and outside of the Hardware Store.
- Created and implemented a monthly one-on-one training and development cycle to track employee and management progress.
- Identified and capitalized on community business opportunities with effective networking and marketing.
Executive Assistant
Greenheart Woodworking Incorporated
05.2017 - 08.2018
- Prepared monthly and annual expense forecasts.
- Prepared inclusive and accessible presentations and proposals, considering diverse audiences and stakeholders, to gain business from companies such as Apple, and Zwanger Radiology.
- Created and handled over 65 proposals totaling over $5 million in revenue.
Store Manager
AT&T
11.2016 - 04.2017
- Collaborated with market and district management to formulate and build the store brand, leading to an increase in customer loyalty and business goals.
- Managed store operations with a DEI perspective, ensuring equitable opportunities and practices for all employees.
- Responsible for profit and loss management (P&L) and creating healthy returns on investments.
- Highest overall Net Promoter Score and lowest employee turnover in the market.
- Top Performer in the East Coast for overall DirecTV adds and attained a year-over-year (YoY) increase in DirecTV sales of 150%.
Assistant Store Manager
Sprint Corporation
07.2015 - 09.2016
- Managed the flagship Sprint store in NYC on 34th Street, fostering a store environment that celebrated DEI and improved customer experience and team cohesion.
- Met and exceeded store and market customer experience and sales goals through sales promotion and training.
- Top Performer in Net Promoter Score and Sales Targets for six consecutive months.
Sales Manager, Connections
Best Buy
03.2010 - 06.2015
- Led a diverse sales team to exceed quarterly and annual sales targets through effective sales strategies and customer engagement.
- Established strong relationships with customers, vendors, and partners, contributing to an expanded customer base and increased revenue.
- Conducted market research to identify new business opportunities and monitored competitor activity to adapt sales strategies.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams for successful sales campaigns, demonstrating strong project management and team leadership skills.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Legal Studies Business Management and Marketing
Saint John's University
Jamaica, NY2012
Skills
- Leadership and Team Management
- Excellent Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Effective Stakeholder and Vendor Management
- Influencing and Negotiation Skills
- Excellent Cross-Functional and Problem-Solving Skills
- Expertise in Learning and Development (L&D) Strategy
- Excellent Project Management and Analytical Skills
- Sales and Digital Advertising Expertise
- Excellent Virtual & In-Person Training Facilitation
- Program Evaluation and Impact Reporting
- Proficient in CRM, LMS, and Web Applications
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
Timeline
Director of Training, Americas
Workshop - Sonos
01.2024 - Current
Trainer, Knowledge and Development
Mosaic Sales Solutions - Google Store Chelsea
03.2021 - 12.2024
Store Management
TJX Companies
10.2019 - 02.2020
District Sales Manager
HP/Mosaic
05.2019 - 10.2019
Store Manager
Mosaic Sales Solutions
09.2018 - 03.2019
Executive Assistant
Greenheart Woodworking Incorporated
05.2017 - 08.2018
Store Manager
AT&T
11.2016 - 04.2017
Assistant Store Manager
Sprint Corporation
07.2015 - 09.2016
Sales Manager, Connections
Best Buy
03.2010 - 06.2015
Bachelor of Science - Legal Studies Business Management and Marketing
Saint John's University
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