Dawn Harnish
Palm Bay,FL
Summary
Results-driven retail professional with 15+ years of experience in fashion merchandising and store leadership. Skilled in communication, problem solving, and attention to detail. Known for leading teams, coordinating floor sets, and improving store presentation to support sales and customer experience.
Overview
1
1
Certification
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Fashion Merchandiser
Winston Retail Solutions LLC
22 W 38th St 12th floor, New York, NY
11.2008 - Current
- Supported brand standards through accurate visual presentation and signage placement.
- Communicated with store teams about floor sets and merchandising needs.
- Analyzed sales figures and inventory levels to determine re-order points and quantities.
- Assisted in developing strategies that enhanced sales, minimized markdowns, and optimized inventory levels.
- Created retail displays that highlighted key products and effectively promoted sales in line with corporate strategy.
- Regularly reviewed store displays to maintain merchandise presentation that aligns with company standards.
- Managed a team of visual merchandisers responsible for creating attractive window displays.
- Provided support during store openings by overseeing the setup of fixtures, displays and signage.
- Reviewed sales floor conditions and corrected display inconsistencies.
- Restocked shelves with current merchandise in attractive displays to promote sales.
- Restocked merchandise and adjusted fixtures for neat product displays.
- Placed prices and descriptive signage to enhance displays and promote items.
- Performed daily tasks related to updating item information in the system such as pricing changes, stock availability.
- Kept work areas clean, neat and organized for optimal productivity and worker safety.
- Demonstrated great teamwork skills with staff members involved in production and transport.
- Established and maintained proper high-traffic displays, resulting in increased sales.
- Developed strong relationships with partner stores to enhance collaboration. to improve customer satisfaction.
- Assisted customers in locating desired items in the store. locate desired items and assisted with carrying heavy loads.
- Presented updated floor plans and design strategy to store management.
Restaurant Shift Manager
Five Guys Burger And Fries
West Melbourne, FL
11.2013 - 03.2015
- Supervised Five Guys shift operations and coordinated front counter, grill, and fryer team.
- Trained crew on Five Guys burger prep, fry station tasks, and service standards.
- Ensured food safety, cleanliness, and sanitation standards were met across dining and kitchen areas.
- Managed cash handling, register accuracy, and guest payment transactions.
- Opened and closed a Five Guys restaurant, securing equipment and work areas.
- Restocked ingredients, condiments, and supplies for steady kitchen and service flow.
- Addressed guest concerns promptly to maintain high standards of fast, friendly customer service.
- Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner.
- Monitored cash registers during shifts to ensure accuracy of transactions.
- Organized daily activities and delegated duties to employees.
- Greeted guests upon arrival, answered questions about menu offerings and made recommendations when requested.
- Ensured all safety and sanitation regulations were followed in the restaurant.
- Supervised restaurant personnel to ensure efficient operation during assigned shift hours.
- Inspected dining room serving stations for neatness, cleanliness, adequate supplies of needed items, correct temperature of foods, freshness of products served in accordance with established standards.
- Handled closing procedures including counting money in drawers at end of shift.
- Ensured compliance with food safety objectives and quality control standards throughout shift operations.
- Performed routine maintenance checks on kitchen equipment such as fryers and ovens.
- Attended regular meetings with management staff to discuss changes or new policies implemented by the corporate office.
- Trained new employees on proper customer service techniques and food handling protocols.
- Reconciled daily transactions, balanced cash registers and deposited the restaurant's earnings at the bank.
- Supervised activities of dining room staff to maintain service levels and support guest needs.
- Oversaw food preparation, production and presentation according to quality standards.
- Consistently maintained high levels of cleanliness, organization, storage and sanitation of food and beverage products to ensure quality.
- Worked in close collaboration with team members to ensure customers received high-quality service.
- Guided staff in strategies to enhance service quality and strengthen customer relations.
- Instructed new employees on their specific job responsibilities and company standards.
- Checked with guests to get feedback on food served, resolve issues, bring additional items and refill beverages.
Assistant Store Manager
The Limited
West Melbourne, FL
06.2008 - 10.2009
- Managed the day-to-day operations of the store, including customer service, inventory management and staff scheduling.
- Supervised a team of employees and provided ongoing training to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Supported store manager in fashion retail operations and daily sales floor execution.
- Supervised associates during opening, closing, and peak customer traffic periods.
- Trained team members on The Limited service standards and selling techniques.
- Coordinated scheduling, payroll review, and associate coverage for store needs.
- Handled scheduling for store shifts to achieve adequate staffing.
- Monitored inventory, stockroom organization, and merchandise replenishment across departments.
- Maintained visual merchandising displays aligned with The Limited brand guidelines.
- Led team in planning and executing merchandising initiatives to enhance store operations.
- Monitored sales activities to ensure that customers receive satisfactory service and quality goods.
- Resolved customer concerns with professional service and timely store support.
- Resolved customer complaints by actively listening and providing appropriate solutions. from customers by empathetically listening, recording details and offering solutions.
- Oversaw daily cash handling procedures and reconciled discrepancies.
- Inspected cash handling, POS accuracy, and loss prevention procedures.
- Supported leadership during peak business hours by motivating staff to achieve sales targets.
- Completed frequent walk-throughs and directed team members to correct issues impacting store appearance or professionalism.
- Ensured compliance with all safety regulations throughout the store premises.
- Interviewed and vetted job applicants to make effective hiring decisions and fill vacancies with strong team members.
- Assisted in recruiting efforts by interviewing candidates for open positions in the store.
- Delegated assignments based on team strengths to optimize floor coverage and service levels.
- Provided mentorship for employees to generate sales, promote effective upselling and cross-sell to improve retail productivity.
- Conducted regular performance reviews with staff members to assess individual progress and set goals for future development.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends and adjust strategies accordingly.
- Completed thorough opening, closing, and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Used excellent verbal skills to engage customers in conversation and effectively determine needs and requirements.
- Prepared staff work schedules and assigned team members to specific duties.
- Prepared staff work schedules and assigned team members to specific duties.
Level 3, Department Manager
Target
West Melbourne, FL
11.1998 - 06.2008
- Directed department operations aligned with Target store standards and guest service expectations.
- Managed daily operations, ensuring efficient workflow and productivity.
- Supervised, trained, and developed team members, enhancing their performance and professional growth.
- Developed team of departmental employees through mentoring and coaching, fostering skill growth and professional development.
- Coached and trained new staff members, providing guidance on department policies and procedures.
- Trained team members on merchandising, zoning, and safety procedure.
- Led merchandising resets and maintained organized product presentation.
- Executed targeted merchandising and promotional plans to meet department sales goals.
- Monitored inventory levels and coordinated replenishment through Target systems.
- Streamlined overstock management during shifts to ensure organized product displays and efficient inventory control.
- Collaborated with other departments to ensure smooth flow of operations across multiple teams.
- Communicated priorities with store leadership and cross-functional department teams.
- Supported shrinkage and safety awareness, reviewed sales and inventory data, identified trends and prepared reports for management.
- Fostered a positive and inclusive work environment, promoting teamwork and collaboration.
- Resolved customer complaints and issues promptly and professionally.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally in order to maintain good relationships with clients.
- Supported guest concerns and resolved service issues on the sales floor.
- Enforced compliance with loss prevention, safety, and cash handling policies.
- Ensured compliance with all safety regulations in the workplace.
- Followed safety protocols and company processes and procedures.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Modeled supportive leadership qualities, motivating staff to achieve department goals and promoting staff participation and team building.
- Exercised discretion and judgment in managing a fast-paced environment and adapting to change with a sense of urgency.
- Developed and implemented strategic departmental plans to achieve company targets.
- Completed thorough opening, closing, and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
- Interviewed prospective employees and provided input to HR on hiring decisions.
- Mediated conflicts between employees and facilitated effective resolutions to disputes.
- Reviewed completed work to verify consistency, quality, and conformance.
- Interviewed prospective employees and provided input to HR on hiring decisions.
- Mediated conflicts between employees and facilitated effective resolutions to disputes.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Fashion Merchandising
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL06-2004
Associate of General Studies - Business
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL06-2004
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Brevard Community College
Melbourne, FL06-2001
High School Diploma -
Melbourne High School
Melbourne, FL06-1998
Skills
- Visual merchandising
- Retail display design
- Floor set planning
- Signage placement
- Window displays
- Merchandising strategies
- Merchandise replenishment
- New store setups
- Product knowledge
- Team leadership
- Organizational skills
- Time management
- Problem solving
- Customer service
- Customer communication
- Attention to detail
- Visual storytelling
- Multitasking
- Brand image alignment
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Educate the sales staff
Certification
- Walmart Volt Certification
Timeline
Restaurant Shift Manager
Five Guys Burger And Fries
11.2013 - 03.2015
Fashion Merchandiser
Winston Retail Solutions LLC
11.2008 - Current
Assistant Store Manager
The Limited
06.2008 - 10.2009
Level 3, Department Manager
Target
11.1998 - 06.2008
Bachelor of Science - Fashion Merchandising
Florida State University
Associate of General Studies - Business
Florida State University
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Brevard Community College
High School Diploma -
Melbourne High School