BRET WHEATLEY
ASHEVILLE,NC
Summary
Results-driven IT and Retail Data Applications Director with 13+ years of experience in grocery retail and technology-driven business environments. Proven ability to lead teams, optimize systems, and implement innovative strategies to enhance operational efficiency, streamline workflows, and improve profitability. Adept at project management, vendor negotiations, and technical troubleshooting with a reputation for delivering impactful results in fast-paced, high-pressure settings. Committed to fostering team development and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards.
Results-driven leader with strong background in strategic management and organizational growth. Skilled in developing and implementing effective business strategies, optimizing processes, and driving team performance. Known for adaptability, effective collaboration, and delivering measurable outcomes in dynamic environments. Strong communication and problem-solving abilities, coupled with focus on fostering productive and positive team culture.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, IT & Retail Applications; Data Operations
EARTH FARE
07.2021 - Current
- Lead and mentored a team of 6 IT and Data Management professionals, ensuring seamless daily operations and long-term strategic growth
- Serve as the product owner for Catapult and WebOffice systems, managing configurations, upgrades, and system-wide optimizations
- Authored and deployed comprehensive SOPs for inventory lifecycle management, improving accuracy and efficiency across 16 new store openings
- Directed EDI implementation for vendor integration, troubleshooting complex workflows, and automating data exchange to reduce processing times by 35%
- Designed and executed a SharePoint migration project, streamlining internal collaboration and document management
- Oversaw hardware procurement, ensuring cost-effective solutions to meet the technological needs of stores and HQ
- Managed the rollout of loyalty programs, nutritional labeling tools, and recipe management systems, aligning initiatives with business goals
- Configured and supported payment systems, promotional campaigns, and web app functionalities, enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency
- Led server upgrades and centralized management efforts, consolidating HQ and store systems for improved scalability and reliability
- Negotiated vendor contracts and renewals, achieving annual cost savings while maintaining service quality
- Provided 24/7 IT support, ensuring system stability and rapid issue resolution during peak operational periods
Senior Applications Specialist
EARTH FARE
03.2016 - 07.2021
- Opened 20+ new store locations by configuring retail systems, including product management, vendor integration, and wireless handheld solutions
- Established centralized tagging workflows that reduced labor costs and improved pricing integrity, cutting time-to-shelf by 40%
- Directed EDI onboarding for 150+ vendors, streamlining the invoice reconciliation process through a paperless accounting system
- Designed and implemented automated workflows for inbound and outbound data processes, reducing errors and increasing efficiency
- Built a complete DEV environment to enable end-to-end testing of all system changes before deployment, reducing production issues by 50%
- Managed two major HQ migrations to NCR platforms, consolidating 50 store servers into a centralized system with improved performance and scalability
Manager, Master Data Management & New Product Development
FRESHDIRECT
09.2014 - 03.2016
- Automated new product development and master data maintenance processes, reducing time-to-market by 60% and increasing sales revenue
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop exit strategies for outdated SKUs, enabling a 30% increase in new product launches
- Spearheaded improvements in data flow for procurement, warehousing, and eCommerce operations, enhancing customer satisfaction and operational efficiency
Master Data Analyst
FRESHDIRECT
05.2013 - 09.2014
- Created and managed master data for trade goods, ingredients, and finished products using SAP (MM, PP, BW)
- Reduced product creation time by over 50% through innovative supply chain processes and automation
- Conducted rigorous testing in DEV environments to ensure accurate releases into production, reducing downtime during rollouts
Data Management Specialist
EARTH FARE
01.2012 - 02.2013
- Maintained and updated master data, including vendor materials, costs, and pricing data, ensuring accuracy and consistency across platforms
- Developed training programs for store operations staff on pricing, signage, and system execution
Category Management Analyst
EARTH FARE
04.2011 - 01.2012
- Conducted in-depth sales and growth analysis, master data maintenance, and accounting analysis for multiple departments
- Acted as the primary liaison between vendors and departments to ensure data integrity and timely execution of product updates
Education
IT & Business Systems Certification - Information Technology & Business Systems
Lexington Technical Center
Lexington, SC01.2008
Skills
- Leadership & Team Development
- Relationship building
- Decision-making
- Strategic planning
- Project Management
- Systems Administration
- Vendor Relations
- Operational Efficiency
- Database Management
- Centralized System Migrations
- EDI Configuration
- Contract Negotiations
- SOP Creation
- Inventory Lifecycle Management
- Workflow Automation
Personal Information
Title: IT & Retail Data Applications Director
Timeline
Director, IT & Retail Applications; Data Operations
EARTH FARE
07.2021 - Current
Senior Applications Specialist
EARTH FARE
03.2016 - 07.2021
Manager, Master Data Management & New Product Development
FRESHDIRECT
09.2014 - 03.2016
Master Data Analyst
FRESHDIRECT
05.2013 - 09.2014
Data Management Specialist
EARTH FARE
01.2012 - 02.2013
Category Management Analyst
EARTH FARE
04.2011 - 01.2012
IT & Business Systems Certification - Information Technology & Business Systems
Lexington Technical Center
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