Austin Willis
Winter Haven,FL
Summary
Department Manager with 10+ years of retail leadership experience and a meticulous attention to detail. Proven track record of managing high-volume operations, optimizing inventory, and exceeding sales KPIs. Expert in training and developing diverse teams to deliver premier customer service while maintaining strict process management and operational efficiency.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager of Operations
Four C's Concessions
Haines City, FL
01.2024 - Current
- Streamlined operational processes to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
- Developed and monitored key performance indicators to assess operational performance.
- Managed vendor relationships, ensuring optimal service levels and contract compliance.
- Implemented inventory management systems, reducing waste and optimizing stock levels.
- Developed high-performing teams through effective coaching, mentoring, and performance management strategies.
Produce Department Manager
Publix Super Market
Lakeland, FL
03.2017 - 01.2024
- Manage daily operations within the department and the store.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing exceptional product quality and freshness. Engaging and interacting with customers daily, always striving to provide premier service.
- Collaborated with store management teams to achieve overall financial goals.
- Closely monitoring KPI’s to ensure we are running a successful operation.
- Led team meetings to communicate updates on company policies or initiatives, new rollouts of processes and procedures, or introductions to new pieces of equipment. Held daily huddles to communicate safety, daily messages, and daily goals.
- Streamlined department processes for increased efficiency and productivity.
- Reduced waste and shrinkage by implementing proper inventory management. Making sure we have the products, when we need them, to maximize sales and so prevent unnecessary shrink.
- Have constant communication with buyers to ensure quality and availability of products.
- Implemented creative merchandising strategies, resulting in increased sales and profitability.
- Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics.
- In charge of creating and managing associate’s schedules, Time-off requests, counseling statements, and evaluations.
- Fostered a positive work environment, leading to high employee morale and retention.
- Very familiar with Microsoft office as it was our main source of communication.
Assistant Produce Manager
Publix Super Markets Inc
Davenport, FL
11.2014 - 03.2017
- Assisted in managing daily operations of produce department, ensuring freshness and quality of products.
- Coordinated inventory management processes, optimizing stock levels and reducing waste.
- Trained and mentored new staff on best practices for product handling and customer service.
- Implemented displays to enhance product visibility, increasing customer engagement and sales.
- Monitored compliance with food safety regulations, maintaining high standards within the department.
- Continuously improved processes and procedures within the department to maximize efficiency, reduce waste, and increase overall profitability.
Bagger/Produce Stock Clerk
Publix Super Markets Inc
Davenport, FL
12.2011 - 11.2014
- Packaged groceries accurately to ensure customer satisfaction and reduce damage.
- Assisted customers with product inquiries and store navigation.
- Maintained clean and organized workstations to enhance operational efficiency.
- Assisted with maintaining clean and organized store appearance.
- Assisted in maintaining a clean store environment for a pleasant shopping experience.
- Greeted guests entering and exiting store to foster customer satisfaction.
Education
Certified Professional Inspector - Certified Home Inspector
InterNACHI
01.2026 - Current
GED -
East Area Adult School
Auburndale, FL10.2020
Skills
- Workforce Management: Leadership, Task Delegation, Decision Making, Problem Solving, Employee Training, Scheduling, and Evaluations
- Operations Management: Inventory/Shrink Management, Process Management, Loss Prevention, KPI Monitoring, Succeeding Goals
- Customer Relationship: Proving Premier Service, Building Rapport
- Time Management: Task Prioritization, Multi-Tasking
- Systems and Software Expertise: Ordering/Forecasting Systems, Microsoft Programs
- Dedicated: Highly Dependable, Fast Learner, Goal Driven
- Verbal and Written Communication: Interpersonal Communication Skills, Microsoft Office, Team Building
- Attention to Detail: Organization Skills, Detail Planning
Timeline
Certified Professional Inspector - Certified Home Inspector
InterNACHI
01.2026 - Current
General Manager of Operations
Four C's Concessions
01.2024 - Current
Produce Department Manager
Publix Super Market
03.2017 - 01.2024
Assistant Produce Manager
Publix Super Markets Inc
11.2014 - 03.2017
Bagger/Produce Stock Clerk
Publix Super Markets Inc
12.2011 - 11.2014
GED -
East Area Adult School