Catherine Polanco

As a Manager, I was responsible for inspiring teams to create ownership opportunities for customers on the sales floor.

• Elsewhere, guided the talent that provided technical support and training, while working in partnership with the business team. Key player involved in business briefings and on calls to merge relationships to develop future pipeline opportunities.
• Worked behind the scenes, overseeing operations such as inventory and visual merchandising.
• Actively built teams - hiring, training, coaching and developing team members in all disciplines and more.
• Excelled in supporting a complex job, and making it look easy.
• Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
• Built high-performing teams through effective recruitment, onboarding, and talent development initiatives.
• Optimized resource allocation by conducting regular performance evaluations and providing personalized coaching for staff development.
• Streamlined workflows by identifying bottlenecks in existing systems and proactively addressing these challenges through appropriate solutions implementation.
• Championed diversity and inclusion efforts within the workplace, resulting in an inclusive environment that fostered creativity and innovation among employees from various backgrounds.
• Led sales and operations for $100 million store.

• District Brand Loyalty expert (July 2020-August 2021)
• Led operations, sales, and customer service for a $10 million store.
• Increased sales by 20% through strategic initiatives.
• Recognized for achieving top sales performance in the district for three consecutive quarters.
• Managed a team of 120 associates, 4 assistant manages and two leads overseeing recruitment, employee relations, performance management, and compliance activities.
• Implemented a training and development program that resulted in a 30% decrease in staff turnover.

Sr. Business and Operations Manager, 34th St (July 2014 - March 2021)
Service and Training Manager, 34th St (August 2012 - July 2014)

• Managed sales, inventory, product management, logistics, merchandising, and customer complaints.
• Led and motivated a team of 350 employees, 6 assistant managers and 2 leads fostering a positive work environment and achieving high employee satisfaction.
• Led operations, sales and customer service for a $35 million store.
• Achieved annual sales growth of 15% throughout effective merchandising strategies
• Implemented upselling techniques that increased average transaction value by 20%
• Provided leadership in operations, quality standards, and shipment/replenishment.
• Supported HR functions including recruitment, onboarding, training, and employee relations.
• Administered benefits programs, ensuring compliance with company policies and legal requirements.
• Maintained inventory accuracy and optimized stock levels, minimizing stock-outs and overstocks.
• Developed and implemented HR policies and procedures to improve operational efficiency.
• Directed a team of 3 assistant managers, 2 leads and 350 team members.

• Lead Concierge, Sony Electronics, White Plains, NY (January 2010 - July 2012)
  
• Sales Supervisor, Sony Electronics, Garden City, NY (January 2010 - March 2011)
  
• Assistant Store Manager, Sony Electronics, New York, NY (March 2011 - August 2012).