Cecilia Bender
Littleton,CO
Summary
Experienced with leading sales teams to achieve significant revenue growth and customer acquisition. Utilizes strategic planning and effective communication to guide teams and meet targets. Track record of fostering strong client relationships and adapting to dynamic market conditions for sustained success.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales Manager
Ulta
Moore, OK
08.2025 - 01.2026
- Oversaw sales floor associates to enhance performance against key performance indicators.
- Managed store presentation and inventory organization to facilitate seamless shopping.
- Evaluated and onboarded exceptional talent to enhance team performance and organizational success.
- Delivered exceptional customer service on the sales floor and at registers, ensuring customer needs were identified and addressed.
- Managed cash balancing processes at opening and closing to ensure accuracy.
- Spearheaded planning and execution of company-directed and store-planned events.
Store Manager
Torrid
Westminster, CO
09.2022 - 06.2025
- Directed hiring, onboarding, and supervision of personnel to enhance team performance.
- Conducted performance evaluations and provided coaching to achieve sales and credit objectives.
- Evaluated sales performance metrics and designed targeted action plans to drive profitability improvements.
- Analyzed and controlled store financials, focusing on payroll management, supply procurement, and shrink reduction strategies.
- Cultivated a high-performing team dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service.
- Directed planning and execution of daily fixed and variable tasks to enhance operational efficiency.
Store Manager
rue21
Grand Junction, CO
02.2021 - 05.2022
- Oversaw planning and execution of daily fixed and variable tasks.
- Monitored and adjusted payroll and supply expenditures to ensure efficient store operations.
- Achieved increased customer satisfaction through proactive support. Boosted sales by fostering strong relationships with clients. Enhanced service quality by integrating associate insights into operational practices.
- Spearheaded launch of new private label credit card initiative.
- Established and enforced new store safety procedures to ensure compliance with CDC, state, county, and corporate guidelines.
- Managed cash balancing processes at opening and closing to ensure accuracy.
Store Manager
The Children's Place
Grand Junction, CO
09.2020 - 01.2021
- Oversaw hiring, onboarding, and supervision of personnel to optimize team performance.
- Executed performance evaluations and delivered coaching to improve credit and sales results.
- Executed comprehensive sales assessments and formulated strategic plans to enhance profit growth.
- Oversaw management of store expenses, including payroll, supplies, and shrinkage control.
- Cultivated a high-performing team dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service.
- Facilitated seamless transition of business operations in response to global pandemic disruptions.
- Investigated variances in cash handling to identify discrepancies and implement corrective measures.
General Manager
Williams-Sonoma, Inc.
Littleton, CO
10.2019 - 09.2020
- Managed daily operations involving fixed and variable tasks, ensuring alignment with credit card performance targets.
- Oversaw management of store expenses, encompassing payroll and supply procurement.
- Assisted in enhancing customer service to boost sales and improve associate reviews. Supported team efforts to increase customer satisfaction and drive sales growth. Contributed to positive associate feedback through effective customer service strategies.
- Reviewed and updated store safety measures to meet CDC and corporate standards, enhancing health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Managed cash balancing processes at opening and closing to ensure accuracy.
- Streamlined inventory management processes, reducing costs and improving product availability.
General Store Manager
Charming Charlie
Lone Tree, CO
10.2018 - 08.2019
- Oversaw planning and execution of daily fixed and variable tasks.
- Analyzed and controlled store financials, focusing on payroll management and supply costs to ensure fiscal responsibility.
- Achieved increased customer satisfaction ratings through proactive service support. Boosted sales by fostering strong relationships with clients and associates. Enhanced service delivery by integrating feedback into operational practices.
- Executed store liquidation procedures following company bankruptcy declaration.
- Managed cash balancing processes at opening and closing to ensure accuracy.
- Developed and implemented effective merchandising strategies to enhance product visibility.
Assistant Manager
Walgreens
Parker, CO
06.2017 - 01.2018
- Facilitated training and development initiatives for associates to enhance skill sets.
- Supported pharmacy operations by providing assistance as required.
- Conducted comprehensive analysis of store matrix to identify improvement opportunities.
- Oversaw management of assigned department operations.
- Managed cash balancing processes at opening and closing to ensure accuracy.
- Supervised daily operations, ensuring compliance with company policies and regulatory standards across all departments.
Store Manager
Bath & Body Works
Littleton, CO
08.2014 - 06.2016
- Directed hiring, onboarding, and supervision of personnel to enhance team performance.
- Assisted in conducting performance evaluations to provide constructive feedback. Supported team members through coaching sessions to enhance skills and productivity. Facilitated discussions to address performance-related concerns.
- Conducted comprehensive sales analysis and formulated strategic action plans to enhance profitability.
- Oversaw management of store expenses, including payroll, supplies, and shrinkage control.
- Cultivated a high-performing team dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service.
- Managed cash balancing processes at opening and closing to ensure accuracy.
- Secured FLC Award for leading sales results in 2014, demonstrating commitment to excellence.
Associate Manager
Ulta Beauty and Salon
Littleton, CO
07.2012 - 07.2014
- Oversaw planning and execution of daily fixed and variable tasks.
- Oversaw management of store expenses, encompassing payroll and supply procurement.
- Led customer service initiatives to drive sales growth and enhance client relationships. Oversaw team performance and implemented strategies to improve service quality. Analyzed associate feedback to inform training and development programs.
- Managed cash balancing processes at opening and closing to ensure accuracy.
- Optimized workflow processes to reduce bottlenecks and increase overall effectiveness.
Store Manager
Claire's
Lakewood, CO
08.2010 - 07.2011
- Orchestrated planning and execution of daily fixed and variable tasks, including ear piercing objectives.
- Monitored and regulated store expenditures, including payroll and inventory supplies, to optimize budget efficiency.
- Assisted customers with inquiries to enhance satisfaction. Supported sales team in achieving targets through effective communication. Collaborated with associates to gather feedback for service improvement.
- Tracked cash overages and shortages, investigating variances to maintain financial integrity.
- Trained and mentored staff to enhance team performance and service quality.
Assistant Manager/Store Manager
Michaels Arts & Crafts
Grand Junction, CO
08.2007 - 09.2008
- Oversaw planning and execution of daily fixed and variable tasks.
- Facilitated interview processes, hiring, and orientation of new associates.
- Performed detailed evaluations of customer service interactions, order fulfillment, and inventory accuracy to enhance operational efficiency.
- Conducted thorough investigations of cash variances, ensuring precise tracking of overages and shortages.
- Assisted in setting up new stores and traveling to support remodel projects.
- Collaborated with the management team to develop strategic plans for business growth and improvement.
Education
General
Coldwater High School
Coldwater, KS01.1991
Diploma - General
Coldwater High School
Coldwater, KS01.1991
Skills
- Relationship building
- Sales team training
- Staff management
- Goals and performance
- Verbal and written communication
- Goal setting
- Sales coaching
- Performance management
- KPI tracking
- Operations
- Training and development
Accomplishments
Received the Bath & Body Works FLC award for leading the team to the top 10% sales increase within the company in 2014.
Timeline
Sales Manager
Ulta
08.2025 - 01.2026
Store Manager
Torrid
09.2022 - 06.2025
Store Manager
rue21
02.2021 - 05.2022
Store Manager
The Children's Place
09.2020 - 01.2021
General Manager
Williams-Sonoma, Inc.
10.2019 - 09.2020
General Store Manager
Charming Charlie
10.2018 - 08.2019
Assistant Manager
Walgreens
06.2017 - 01.2018
Store Manager
Bath & Body Works
08.2014 - 06.2016
Associate Manager
Ulta Beauty and Salon
07.2012 - 07.2014
Store Manager
Claire's
08.2010 - 07.2011
Assistant Manager/Store Manager
Michaels Arts & Crafts
08.2007 - 09.2008
General
Coldwater High School
Diploma - General
Coldwater High School