Andrew Wright
Palatine,IL
Summary
Reliable, top-notch sales associate with outstanding customer service skills and relationship-building strengths. Dedicated to welcoming customers and providing comprehensive service. In-depth understanding of sales strategy and merchandising techniques.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Store Team Leader
Whole Foods Market
06.2022 - 02.2024
- Improved store efficiency by streamlining processes and optimizing staff scheduling.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction through prompt issue resolution and exceptional service.
- Mentored junior team members for professional growth and increased productivity.
- Assisted in employee recruitment, interviewing, and training for a high-performing team.
- Provided exceptional customer service, resulting in repeat business and positive feedback.
- Implemented visual merchandising strategies to attract customers and drive sales.
- Monitored store expenses to ensure budgetary compliance and financial success.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of store sales, payment policies and security standards.
Associate Store Team Leader
Whole Foods Market
11.2021 - 06.2022
- Improved store efficiency by streamlining processes and optimizing staff scheduling.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction through prompt issue resolution and exceptional service.
- Implemented visual merchandising strategies to attract customers and drive sales.
- Collaborated with store leadership to develop promotional campaigns and special events.
- Maintained a clean, organized, and safe store environment for employees and customers alike.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends, optimize product placement, and maximize profits.
- Answered questions about store policies and addressed customer concerns.
- Identified and resolved complex issues by applying advanced analytical and troubleshooting strategies.
- Listened to customer needs and desires to identify and recommend optimal products.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of store sales, payment policies and security standards.
Corporate Field Associate
Whole Foods Market
02.2021 - 11.2021
- Provided comprehensive training to new associates, resulting in improved performance and quicker integration into the team.
- Streamlined processes by identifying areas of improvement and implementing best practices for field operations.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop strategies for meeting client needs and expanding business opportunities.
- Conducted thorough site assessments to identify potential risks and recommend appropriate mitigation measures.
- Contributed to company growth by actively participating in sales presentations, trade shows, and industry events.
- Improved safety standards by conducting regular inspections of work sites and enforcing adherence to company policies.
- Supported colleagues during challenging situations by sharing knowledge, experience, and resources when needed.
Corporate Category Manager
Whole Foods Market
07.2017 - 02.2021
- Increased overall category sales by developing and executing strategic merchandising plans.
- Reduced inventory costs through effective vendor negotiations and optimizing product assortments.
- Improved customer satisfaction by tailoring product offerings to meet specific market demands.
- Streamlined procurement processes, resulting in more efficient order management and timely deliveries.
- Enhanced supplier relationships through regular communication and collaborative problem-solving efforts.
- Analyzed sales performance and adjusted marketing strategies to optimize revenue generation.
- Implemented data-driven pricing strategies to maximize profit margins while remaining competitive in the marketplace.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop promotional campaigns that effectively increased category awareness and sales growth.
- Monitored industry trends to identify new business opportunities and emerging product categories for expansion.
- Managed a diverse portfolio of products, ensuring optimal mix between high-margin items and cost-effective options for customers.
- Conducted competitor analysis to stay informed about market dynamics and adjust strategic plans accordingly.
- Developed detailed sales forecasts based on historical data, allowing for proactive inventory management decisions.
- Benchmarked category performance against industry standards, identifying areas for improvement and implementing targeted initiatives.
- Established strong rapport with suppliers, leading to favorable contract terms and better access to exclusive products or promotions.
- Coordinated with store operations teams to ensure proper execution of merchandising plans at the store level, driving consistent brand presentation across all locations.
- Monitored market to capitalize on latest trends.
- Maximized category turnover through proactive management strategies.
- Identified and reported key performance indicators to define successful category management.
- Partnered with buyers to develop category-appropriate order frequency for spend under management.
- Researched, prepared for and led supplier negotiation process for managed category.
- Studied technical aspects of managed category to identify key quality attributes and cost containment levels.
- Liaised with [Type] leaders to address supplier performance issues and develop solutions.
- Mitigated business risk and improved customer lead times through thoughtful supplier network design.
- Conducted market research to identify new opportunities and target markets.
- Developed creative presentations, trend reports, kitted assets, and product data sheets.
- Analyzed and reported on KPIs to validate and demonstrate success of marketing campaigns.
- Captured new customers by optimizing business strategies and launching products to diversify offerings.
Specialty Team Leader
Whole Foods Market
01.2015 - 06.2017
- Enhanced team performance by implementing effective training programs and providing regular feedback.
- Streamlined operations for increased efficiency by identifying areas of improvement and introducing new processes.
- Increased sales revenue by implementing innovative marketing strategies and cultivating strong relationships with clients.
- Reduced employee turnover through the development of a positive work environment and offering competitive benefits packages.
- Led successful product launches with comprehensive project management and cross-functional team collaboration.
- Optimized inventory management, reducing waste and improving overall costefficiency.
- Developed high-performing teams by setting clear expectations, fostering open communication, and providing consistent support.
- Implemented quality control measures to ensure all products met or exceeded industry standards, resulting in fewer returns and increased customer satisfaction.
- Collaborated with other departments to develop cohesive strategies for reaching company goals, streamlining communication channels for better decision making.
- Performed serving, cleaning and stocking to high standards and provided excellent customer satisfaction.
- Maintained effective supply levels by monitoring and reordering food stock and dry goods.
- Mentored junior staff members to promote professional growth, sharing expert knowledge of industry best practices which led to higher overall team capabilities.
- Cultivated a culture of continuous improvement within the team by encouraging idea-sharing sessions where employees could suggest new ways of working more efficiently.
Education
No Degree - Emergency Medical Technology
College of Southern Nevada
Las Vegas, NV03.2008
High School Diploma -
Fenwick High School
Oak Park, IL06.2004
Skills
- Store operations
- Effective Leadership
- Promotions planning
- Delegation Abilities
- Customer Service
- Inventory Control
- Team Leadership
- Retail Merchandising
- Store Organization
- Strong Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Accomplishments
Certified Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America
Certified Cheese Professional with the American Cheese Society
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Associate Store Team Leader
Whole Foods Market
06.2022 - 02.2024
Associate Store Team Leader
Whole Foods Market
11.2021 - 06.2022
Corporate Field Associate
Whole Foods Market
02.2021 - 11.2021
Corporate Category Manager
Whole Foods Market
07.2017 - 02.2021
Specialty Team Leader
Whole Foods Market
01.2015 - 06.2017
No Degree - Emergency Medical Technology
College of Southern Nevada
High School Diploma -
Fenwick High School