Chris McDonald
Buford,United States
Summary
Experienced District Manager with a successful track record in retail across multiple roles and companies. Demonstrates expertise in leadership, communication, and team motivation. Highly ambitious and consistently exceeds targets, driving peers and management teams to success. Self-motivated and effective leader with a strong focus on individual and team development. Prioritizes creating a positive work environment, fostering personal and professional growth for the team while delivering outstanding outcomes.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
District Manager
Lidl US
05.2024 - Current
- Currently leading 7 Metro ATL stores with a strong focus on Sales achievement, exceeding KPIs, driving forward project implementation while creating a culture of development and talent building.
- Oversee day-to-day operations and ensured compliance with company standards, project implementation and KPI achievement
- Opened new store in the Metro ATL market in September 2024.
Project Manager
Lidl US
03.2023 - 05.2024
- Worked alongside senior leadership to discuss, champion and promote strategic objects across the ATL region.
- Provided a support function for DSO and RVP for multiple projects, initiatives and objectives.
- Responsible for the Inventory Results and Culture in the Atlanta region.
- Established an efficient new reporting structure for the ATL area, targeting the key KPD’s.
- Optimized communication processes to foster interdepartmental alignment.
- Coordinated planning and execution of multiple remerchandising projects across stores.
- Served as support function for DM team based in Atlanta.
District Manager
Lidl US
05.2021 - 02.2023
- Leader of various locations, enforcing high-quality standards of operation.
- Boosted employee morale by creating a positive work environment that encouraged teamwork, collaboration, and professional growth opportunities.
- Oversaw successful store opening, coordinating logistics, staffing, training, and promotional efforts to ensure smooth transitions for new location.
- Fostered an environment of open communication between management teams across the district to share best practices in operations optimization and problem-solving techniques.
- Achieved consistent sales growth by identifying new business opportunities by focusing on the customer experience in stores.
- Collaborated with senior management on strategic planning initiatives aimed at maximizing profitability while maintaining high standards of quality across the district.
- Coordinated regional marketing efforts to increase brand visibility within target markets, attracting new customers while retaining current clientele base.
Area Manager
Lidl GB
10.2016 - 03.2021
- On Director of Sales Program for 18 months, taking part in assessment center and development courses
- Regional Customer Service tactics project lead to drive regional performance
- One of the designated Trainee Area Manager trainers
- Area Manager for high turnover city center Edinburgh stores
- Cross department mentoring lead for establishing best practise for Sales, Admin & APA teams to achieve improved results
- Secondment to Brighton area and responsible for 3 stores with £800k weekly turnover
- Advocate for personal development mentoring scheme that was then launched nationally
Store Manager
Lidl UK
01.2016 - 09.2017
- Led two contrasting city center Edinburgh stores which included 30,000 customers per week and store with top 3 turnover in the region
- Regional Customer Service tactics project lead to drive regional performance
- Cross department mentor for Administration team manager to support her development with leadership and management skills to support her developing her team and their results
- Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures.
- Addressed customer complaints promptly and professionally, resolving issues to maintain positive relationships with clientele.
- Managed store employees successfully in fast-paced environment through proactive communication and positive feedback.
Big Box Store Manager
Sainsbury's Supermarket
10.2013 - 01.2016
- Led training and development for all new external and internal store managers in the region.
- Provided ongoing coaching and mentoring to store managers for continuous improvement.
- Directed operations of high-revenue stores achieving £1.2m+ in weekly sales, coordinating efforts of 200+ personnel.
- Oversaw comprehensive P&L duties, covering expenses from employee wages to utility bills.
- Conducted regular performance reviews for staff members, providing constructive feedback and opportunities for growth.
- Fostered a positive work environment by cultivating strong relationships between team members through team-building activities and consistent recognition of individual achievements.
- Managed financial aspects of store operations, including budget planning, expense tracking, and accurate record-keeping to maintain fiscal responsibility.
- Oversaw loss prevention efforts, minimizing shrinkage by implementing effective security measures and training staff on proper procedures.
- Increased store profitability by implementing cost-saving measures and efficient inventory management strategies.
Education
Bachelor’s Degree - Business Studies
Abertay University
Dundee, UK05.2007
Highers - Various
Carnoustie High School
Dundee, UK01.2003
Skills
- Retail Management
- Leadership
- Management & Leadership
- Coaching
- Mentoring
- Training
- Recruiting
- Team Building
- Project Management
- Compliance
- Personal Development
- Training and Development
- Communication Skills
- Inventory Management
- Operations Management
- Performance Management
- Strategic Planning
- Problem Solving
- Culture Development
- Team Support
Timeline
District Manager
Lidl US
05.2024 - Current
Project Manager
Lidl US
03.2023 - 05.2024
District Manager
Lidl US
05.2021 - 02.2023
Area Manager
Lidl GB
10.2016 - 03.2021
Store Manager
Lidl UK
01.2016 - 09.2017
Big Box Store Manager
Sainsbury's Supermarket
10.2013 - 01.2016
Bachelor’s Degree - Business Studies
Abertay University
Highers - Various
Carnoustie High School