Blair Edwards
Summary
Dynamic and strategic leader with over 15 years of commercial and sales experience, seeking to leverage expertise as a Chief of Staff (CoS) for FLNA Field Sales. Adept at driving strategic initiatives and executing operational agendas, aiming to bolster the organization's objectives of becoming Faster, Stronger, and Better. Recognized for exceptional advisory skills, influential partnerships, and a proven track record in facilitating the execution of complex strategies within high-pressure environments.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Customer Director for Southeastern Grocers
Frito Lay (PepsiCo)
12.2021 - Current
- Worked closely with organizational leadership to develop annual operating strategy.
- Monitored administrative processes with the HBS support staff to keep operations running smoothly.
- Formed strategic partnerships with other division leadership to drive business development in the account.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
- Created weekly playbooks providing clear direction to the frontline sales teams driving execution clarity.
Zone Sales Director
Frito Lay (PepsiCo)
09.2016 - 07.2021
- Managed daily operations while overseeing multiple locations to foster increased productivity.
- Assisted with sales and marketing strategies to foster achievement of revenue goals.
- Oversaw supply chain functions to verify inventory levels and budget adherence.
- Monitored expenditures to mitigate risk of overages.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
Director of Sales & Business Development
Peltz Shoes
11.2010 - 08.2016
- Defined regional sales strategies, developing and revising annual and quarterly sales plans for review by organizational leadership.
- Handled customer relations issues, enabling quick resolution, and client satisfaction.
- Conducted team meetings to reinforce goals and objectives and set clear expectations about policies and procedures.
- Coached and counseled sales personnel, assisting with individual selling efforts and helping sales representatives reach targets.
- Grew sales and boosted profits, applying proactive management strategies and enhancing sales training.
- Identified, hired and trained highly-qualified staff by teaching best practices, procedures, and sales strategies.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Implemented systems and procedures to increase sales.
- Achieved established KPI for company, regional team and individual performance through teamwork and focus on customers.
- Maintained financial controls, planned business operations and control expenses while identifying and pursuing opportunities to grow business operations and boost profits.
- Liaised with sales, marketing, and management teams to develop solutions and accomplish shared objectives.
Store Manager
American Eagle Outfitters
02.2008 - 11.2010
- Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures.
- Managed store employees successfully in fast-paced environment through proactive communication and positive feedback.
- Completed point of sale opening and closing procedures.
- Rotated merchandise and displays to feature new products and promotions.
- Assisted with hiring, training and mentoring new staff members.
- Maximized sales and minimized shrinkage through excellent customer service and adherence to standard practices.
- Approved regular payroll submissions for employees.
- Set effective store schedules based on forecasted customer levels, individual employee knowledge, and service requirements.
- Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives, and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings.
- Promoted team collaboration, performance, and efficiency by fostering healthy environments focused on mutual success.
- Trained new employees on proper protocols and customer service standards.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Event Management
Florida State University
Tallahassee05.2010
High School Diploma -
Monrovia High School
Monrovia, IN05.2007
Skills
- **Strategic Planning & Execution**: Expertise in shaping strategic outlooks and aligning them with operational and cultural agendas
- **Leadership & Influence**: Proven collaborative leadership with a strong capacity to influence and drive organizational momentum
- **Communication Excellence**: Skilled in designing strategic communication and adept at presentation for various forums
- **Analytical Proficiency**: Strong analytical skills with the ability to derive actionable insights from data
- **Project Management**: Competent in managing multiple projects with keen attention to detail and deadline orientation
- **Resilience & Adaptability**: Thrives in fast-paced environments and adapts to changing priorities with enthusiasm and tenacity
Timeline
Customer Director for Southeastern Grocers
Frito Lay (PepsiCo)
12.2021 - Current
Zone Sales Director
Frito Lay (PepsiCo)
09.2016 - 07.2021
Director of Sales & Business Development
Peltz Shoes
11.2010 - 08.2016
Store Manager
American Eagle Outfitters
02.2008 - 11.2010
Bachelor of Science - Event Management
Florida State University
High School Diploma -
Monrovia High School
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