Christopher DePalma-Yahn
Oakland,ME
Summary
Dynamic operations manager with a proven track record at Joann Fabrics and Crafts and Walmart, enhancing customer satisfaction and team performance through strategic planning and effective staff training. Skilled in inventory management and conflict resolution, I successfully implemented process improvements that boosted efficiency and reduced operational costs, fostering a high-performing work environment.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager
Walmart
Waterville, ME
05.2025 - Current
- Led team initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and improve customer satisfaction.
- Developed training programs to mentor staff on best practices and safety protocols.
- Managed inventory control processes to ensure optimal stock levels and reduce waste.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends, informing strategic merchandising decisions.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline workflow and improve service delivery.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring compliance with company policies and standards.
- Fostered a positive work environment through effective communication and team building activities.
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
Manager
JOANN Fabrics and Crafts
Waterville, ME
10.2010 - 05.2025
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced productivity and reduced operational costs.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Controlled costs to keep business operating within budget and increase profits.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
- Developed a strong company culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Improved safety procedures to create safe working conditions for workers.
- Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics.
- Built high-performing teams through effective recruitment, onboarding, and talent development initiatives.
- Managed budgets effectively, ensuring optimal financial performance while investing in necessary resources for business growth.
- Reduced operational costs through comprehensive process improvement initiatives and resource management.
- Mentored junior team members for career advancement, fostering a pipeline of future leaders within the organization.
- Oversaw inventory management, optimizing stock levels, and reducing waste.
- Developed comprehensive risk management plan, minimizing potential disruptions to business operations.
- Facilitated team brainstorming sessions that led to innovative solutions for long-standing operational challenges.
- Improved customer satisfaction scores by overhauling customer service protocols and training staff in customer engagement techniques.
- Developed and executed marketing strategies that effectively communicated brand values, increasing brand recognition.
- Boosted employee morale and reduced turnover through development and implementation of comprehensive rewards and recognition program.
- Enhanced team productivity by implementing agile methodologies, leading to more efficient project completion.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
- Opened and closed location and monitored shift changes to uphold successful operations strategies and maximize business success.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Improved staffing during busy periods by creating employee schedules and monitoring call-outs.
- Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
- Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
- Set aggressive targets for employees to drive company success and strengthen motivation.
- Managed inventory control processes to ensure optimal stock levels and reduce waste.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends, informing strategic merchandising decisions.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring compliance with company policies and standards.
- Fostered a positive work environment through effective communication and team building activities.
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
- Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
Operations Manager
JOANN Fabrics and Crafts
Waterville, ME
11.2008 - 10.2010
- Streamlined inventory management processes to enhance accuracy and reduce discrepancies.
- Developed training materials and conducted workshops for team members on operational best practices.
- Implemented new scheduling system to optimize workforce efficiency during peak hours.
- Analyzed operational workflows, identifying areas for improvement and recommending actionable solutions.
Department Manager
Walmart
Waterville, ME
05.2003 - 11.2008
- Managed daily operations to ensure optimal store performance and customer satisfaction.
- Trained and mentored team members on best practices for inventory management and customer service.
- Coordinated merchandise replenishment, minimizing stockouts and maximizing sales opportunities.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced workflow efficiency across departments.
Education
High School Diploma -
Cony High School
Augusta, ME06-1991
Skills
- Customer service
- Team leadership
- Time management
- Decision-making
- Verbal and written communication
- Staff training and development
- Staff management
- Task delegation
- Documentation and reporting
- Relationship building
- Strategic planning
- Operations management
- Schedule preparation
- Conflict resolution
- Performance evaluations
Timeline
Manager
Walmart
05.2025 - Current
Manager
JOANN Fabrics and Crafts
10.2010 - 05.2025
Operations Manager
JOANN Fabrics and Crafts
11.2008 - 10.2010
Department Manager
Walmart
05.2003 - 11.2008
High School Diploma -
Cony High School