Dawn Dunne
Chicago,IL
Summary
Operational and Sales-driven Showroom Manager talented at building exceeding customer expectations and leading effective sales and event teams. Resourceful Manager offering history of success coordinating and monitoring operations across various departments. Effective leader and problem-solver dedicated to streamlining operations to decrease costs and promote organizational efficiency.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Custom Spaces Showroom Manager
The Container Store
10.2022 - 12.2023
- New Concept Showroom opening manager. Only manager for first Showroom in the company. Developed all necessary guidelines for future Showroom openings.
- Generated personal sales to meet or exceed established sales goals.
- Planned, organized and executed monthly events in Showroom to drive sales and increase exposure to new Brand concept
- Provided prompt, courteous service to every individual entering showroom.
- Drove employee engagement and guest experience through coaching, training and development.
- Managed custom projects by completing initial quotes, design and sample requests.
- Set goals for showroom employees and provided support and motivation to help each achieve true potential.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- 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.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
- Determined key details for showroom light fixtures, flooring and accessories.
- Supervised inventory and placed orders to replenish low running supplies.
Operations Manager
The Container Store
10.2013 - 10.2022
- Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
- New Store management team. Involved in all aspects of hiring; training and setting up the store for Grand Opening
- Developed systems and procedures to improve operational quality and team efficiency.
- Managed inventory and supply chain operations to achieve timely and accurate delivery of goods and services.
- Led hiring, onboarding and training of new hires to fulfill business requirements.
- Established positive and effective communication among unit staff and organization leadership, reducing miscommunications, and missed deadlines.
- Developed and maintained relationships with external vendors and suppliers.
- Identified and resolved unauthorized, unsafe, or ineffective practices.
- Trained new employees on proper protocols and customer service standards.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
- Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
Senior Event Manager
Marriott Hotel
08.1992 - 07.2003
- Coordinated with kitchen or catering staff on delivery, timing and service style of food.
- Liaised with clients to determine exact event requirements.
- Oversaw preparation and management of event budgets to deliver at or below projected costs.
- Managed administrative logistics of events planning and event booking.
- Nurtured and built relationships with vendors, venues and industry contacts to obtain best pricing and services for events.
- Coordinated florists, photographers, and musicians for events.
- Trained and supervised event staff to complete tasks on time.
- Developed detailed event reports, documenting all aspects of each event.
- Oversaw event registration process by collecting and tracking attendee information.
- Assembled creative and innovative event attractions based on internal capabilities.
- Implemented contingency plans to address last-minute changes or unforeseen events.
- Produced concept plans for high-profile corporate meetings and events.
- Coordinated transportation and parking arrangements for guests and vendors.
- Developed and distributed event surveys to gather feedback and assess event success.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Hospitality Management
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL12.1991
Skills
- Bank Deposits
- Operational Efficiency
- Contact Management Systems
- Client Rapport-Building
- Showroom Displays
- Store Layouts
- Critical Thinking
- Corrective Actions
- Recruiting and Hiring
- Interpersonal and Written Communication
- Inventory Oversight
- Client Relationships
- Employee Scheduling
- Event Planning
- Originality and Creativity
- Retail Industry Experience
- Manage Employees
- Organize Inventory
- Cash Handling and Reconciliation
- Regulatory and Legal Compliance
- Store Reset and Recovery
- Salesforce Software
- Computer Proficiency
- Superior Work Ethic
- Retail Security
- Calendar and Scheduling Software
- Cycle Counts and Audits
- POS Terminal Operation
- Handling Complaints
- Sales and Marketing
- Loss Prevention Goals Monitoring
- Maintaining Clean Work Areas
- Corporate Standards
- Staff Meetings
- KPI Tracking
- Adaptable to Changing Demands
- Client Needs Assessment
- Delegation and Supervision
- Systems Assessment and Improvement
- Health and Safety Procedures
Timeline
Custom Spaces Showroom Manager
The Container Store
10.2022 - 12.2023
Operations Manager
The Container Store
10.2013 - 10.2022
Senior Event Manager
Marriott Hotel
08.1992 - 07.2003
Bachelor of Arts - Hospitality Management
Eastern Illinois University