Chris Wilkins

Serve as the operational backbone for a premier design firm, managing project systems, vendor coordination, and financial oversight across 10-15 concurrent high-end interior design projects, including a $10M multi-year hospitality renovation.

• Lead end-to-end project tracking, forecasting timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure on-time, on-budget completion.
• Coordinate installations for a $10M, 3-year renovation project encompassing 100 guest houses.
• Cultivate strong communication and relationships between the design team, contractors, vendors, and clients, ensuring that all feel heard, valued, and successful.
• Negotiate vendor contracts to secure cost savings while maintaining quality and schedule adherence.
• Internal expert in project management software and processes to enhance organization, communication, and team productivity.
• Develop budgets, vendor schedules, asset deliveries, construction installation, and final delivery to the client.
• Deliver project analytics and risk reports that drive data-driven decisions, and proactively resolve barriers to success.

Led Unilever's global response initiatives across Vermont, Ben & Jerry's locations. (Founders' office, corporate headquarters, and retail sites.) Implemented health and safety programs protecting employees and guests in response to and throughout the Covid pandemic.

• Designed and executed comprehensive, confidential health and safety protocols to protect guests and employees across Vermont Ben & Jerry's locations: Founders' office, corporate headquarters, and retail sites during the Covid pandemic.
• Served as Incident Response Manager for local and state agencies representing Ben & Jerry's headquarters.
• Certified Radiation Safety Officer coordinated, purchased, and implemented Ben & Jerry's first cabinet X-ray system.
• Conducted risk assessments, hazard identification, and implemented control measures.
• Oversaw and directed the procurement process for personal protective equipment at Ben & Jerry's locations.
• Managed Unilever corporate site safety audits for Ben & Jerry's headquarters.
• Implemented and led the evacuation safety plan for Vermont's #1 tourist destination.
• Sourced and procured a closed-circuit TV surveillance and safety system, contracted a specialist, and led the project installation and monitoring to meet Unilever site specifications.
• Conducted possible threat and risk inspections at Ben & Jerry's corporate and Founders' offices.
• Honored with the Unilever Global Local Safety Officer of the Year (2021) award for exemplary safety leadership.

Coordinated the design and construction process for the franchise system throughout North America, ensuring prototypical compliance while adapting to market and site-specific requirements.

• Managed the full project lifecycle from concept through architectural coordination, buildout to store opening, ensuring smooth transitions and adherence to timelines.
• Partnered with franchisees, architects, and contractors to align mechanical, signage, and electrical plans with brand and safety standards.
• Led vendor sourcing, prototyping, and equipment innovation for the franchise system-reducing waste and maintaining brand consistency.
• Communication lead among internal business partners, external vendors, and franchisees to facilitate client relationships and project success.
• Collaborated with corporate design to integrate custom local artwork into shop layouts, strengthening brand identity.

Oversaw all operations for Vermont's top tourist destination, hosting 500,000+ guests annually and generating $5M+ in revenue.

• Directed $1M+ operating budgets, cash flow, and P&L reporting, delivering consistent profitability and efficiency gains.
• Responsible for financial and operational oversight of daily transactions, cash reconciliation, inventory control, bank procedures, and rigorous security measures to minimize shrinkage.
• Managed a full-time team of 15 and seasonal staff of 150, leading all recruitment, training, and performance development.
• Ensured compliance with business safety processes and procedures.
• Developed, implemented, and delivered strategic marketing initiatives aligning with Ben & Jerry's 3-Part Mission; improved guest satisfaction and loyalty through experience innovation, to bring the brand to life for guests.
• Cultivated and aligned communication and collaboration across the diverse stakeholders: Marketing, Legal, Hospitality, and Manufacturing.
• Executed extensive capital improvement projectsthat impacted manufacturing and retail business operations.
• Partnered cross-functionally with PR, Legal, Marketing, and Manufacturing for new product launches and major events.
• Created premium 'Flavor Fanatic' and 'Super VIP' experiences, expanding corporate group revenue streams.
• Drove continuous operational improvement through data analysis, risk management, and staff engagement programs.
• Led hospitality and retail compliance with manufacturing safety protocols.