Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Timeline
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Debra Kent Dean

Manager
Cedar Rapids,Iowa

Summary

Dynamic management professional with a proven track record of leading teams to achieve exceptional results. Expertise in fostering collaboration, enhancing operational efficiency, and delivering measurable outcomes through strategic planning and process improvement. Recognized for cultivating a culture of accountability and excellence while adeptly navigating changing organizational needs. Committed to driving productivity and efficiency through the implementation of innovative initiatives and strong problem-solving capabilities.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience

Work History

Department Manager

Von Maur
06.2024 - Current
  • Contributed to the creation of long-term strategic plans that aligned with the company''s overall vision and goals.
  • Enhanced department visibility by leading development of new online presence, including revamped website and social media engagement.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring support for departmental initiatives and goals.
  • Implemented customer feedback mechanisms, leading to significant improvements in product offerings and service quality.
  • Facilitated team meetings to ensure alignment with organizational goals and to foster open communication.
  • Enhanced team productivity by implementing streamlined workflow processes.
  • Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
  • Developed detailed plans based on broad guidance and direction.
  • Advised upper management on key decisions based on thorough analysis of sales trends, market conditions, and competitor activities.
  • Managed projects efficiently from inception to completion ensuring timely delivery within budget constraints.
  • Identified and communicated customer needs to supply chain capacity and quality teams.
  • Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
  • 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.

Assistant Manager

Lowe's Companies, Inc.
01.2024 - 06.2024
  • Managed cash registers efficiently, ensuring accurate transactions, balancing drawers daily, and minimizing discrepancies.
  • Managed opening and closing procedures and recommended changes to enhance efficiency of daily activities.
  • Enhanced store appearance for increased sales by maintaining cleanliness and implementing strategic merchandise displays.
  • Rotated merchandise and displays to feature new products and promotions.
  • Assisted the Store Manager in analyzing sales data to identify trends and make informed decisions for improving overall store performance.
  • Walked through store areas to identify and proactively resolve issues negatively impacting operations.
  • Mentored new employees on company policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure their success within the organization.
  • Supervised and evaluated staff to help improve skills, achieve daily objectives, and attain advancement.
  • Fostered a positive work culture by promoting teamwork and recognizing individual achievements among staff members regularly.
  • Processed payments for credit and debit cards and returned proper change for cash transactions.
  • Created and maintained safe and secure work environments for employees.
  • Developed a loyal customer base through personalized interactions, increasing repeat business in-store visits.
  • Responded to customer concerns, working with manager to significantly raise customer satisfaction ratings.
  • Streamlined inventory management with regular audits, accurate ordering, and efficient stock organization.
  • Resolved escalated customer issues effectively leading to improved customer satisfaction rates.
  • Maintained positive customer relationships by responding quickly to customer service inquiries.
  • Provided weekly work schedules to employees to accommodate business demands and vacation requests.
  • Reconciled daily sales transactions to balance and log day-to-day revenue.
  • Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives, and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings.
  • Analyzed customer feedback and implemented strategies to improve customer experience.
  • Verified inventory counts remained within monthly tolerance levels and compiled financial data in compliance with budget.
  • Increased employee retention, training staff in effective customer service techniques and product knowledge.
  • Implemented loss prevention tactics to deter thefts while maintaining a welcoming environment for all customers.
  • Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
  • Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
  • Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
  • Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
  • Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
  • Reduced operational risks while organizing data to forecast performance trends.
  • Tracked trends and suggested enhancements to both challenge and refine company's product offerings.
  • Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue, and effectively targeting new markets.
  • Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
  • Identified and qualified customer needs and negotiated and closed profitable projects with high success rate.
  • Raised property accuracy and accountability by creating new automated tracking method.
  • Reduced budgetary expenditures by effectively negotiating contracts for more advantageous terms.

Store Manager

Boot Barn
10.2022 - 01.2023
  • Managed daily operations to ensure smooth functioning of the store, maintaining a clean, safe environment for customers and employees.
  • 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.
  • Maintained a clean and organized store appearance to enhance the overall shopping experience for customers.
  • Completed routine store inventories.
  • Managed inventory control processes to restore back stock, control costs, and maintain sales floor levels to meet customer needs.
  • Coached employees and trained on methods for handling various aspects of sales, complicated issues, and difficult customers.
  • Evaluated employee performance regularly provided constructive feedback coaching opportunities improvement recognition outstanding achievements.
  • Exceeded sales goals and accomplished business objectives by inspiring staff and promoting target products.
  • Improved store sales by implementing effective marketing strategies and attractive visual merchandising.
  • Optimized store displays and appearance via strategic merchandising.
  • Oversaw employee performance, corrected problems, and increased efficiency to maintain productivity targets.
  • Offered hands-on assistance to customers, assessing needs, and maintaining current knowledge of consumer preferences.
  • Reduced shrinkage levels by closely monitoring security measures, conducting staff training, and implementing loss prevention initiatives.
  • Continuously assessed store layout to optimize product placement for enhanced visibility and impulse purchases from customers.
  • Managed store organization, maintenance, and purchasing functions.
  • Collaborated with upper management to develop strategic plans for store growth and expansion.
  • Prepared comprehensive reports detailing key KPIs such as sales figures customer demographics inventory turnover rate sharing data higher-ups actionable insights improvements needed areas.
  • Optimized inventory management with regular audits, forecasting demands, and adjusting orders accordingly.
  • Increased average transaction value by upselling products, promoting add-ons, and cross-selling complementary items.
  • Streamlined store operations through the implementation of efficient scheduling systems, task delegation, and performance monitoring.
  • Managed all aspects of budgeting for the retail location including labor costs, expenses control, revenue tracking.
  • Recruited and retained top talent, with focus on completing timely performance evaluations, providing positive feedback, and rewarding superior performance.
  • Upheld brand identity standards within the store location through consistent signage presentation merchandise displays following corporate guidelines.
  • Coordinated staff training sessions on new products sales techniques ensuring team members well-versed equipped effectively sell merchandise meet customer needs.
  • Boosted employee retention rates by fostering a positive work environment, providing growth opportunities, and offering competitive compensation packages.
  • Completed point of sale opening and closing procedures.
  • Supervised guests at front counter, answering questions regarding products.
  • Assisted with hiring, training and mentoring new staff members.
  • Approved regular payroll submissions for employees.
  • Managed store employees successfully in fast-paced environment through proactive communication and positive feedback.
  • Promoted team collaboration, performance, and efficiency by fostering healthy environments focused on mutual success.
  • Set effective store schedules based on forecasted customer levels, individual employee knowledge, and service requirements.
  • Upheld and communicated store programs and standards to employees for optimal quality, freshness, safety and cleanliness.
  • Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
  • Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
  • Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
  • Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
  • Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
  • Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
  • Supervised creation of exciting merchandise displays to catch attention of store customers.
  • Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
  • Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
  • Reduced financial inconsistencies while assessing and verifying billing invoices and expense reports.
  • Updated and resolved incidents and managed accessorial charges objectively while maximizing profit.
  • Launched staff engagement, gender diversity and cultural programs in addition to robust reporting tool that increased operational quality.
  • Rotated merchandise and displays to feature new products and promotions.
  • Reconciled daily sales transactions to balance and log day-to-day revenue.
  • Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.

Co Manager

Walmart
11.2019 - 11.2021
  • Optimized staff performance through regular evaluations, coaching sessions, and goal-setting initiatives.
  • Worked closely with district managers and corporate leaders on strategic planning initiatives and implemented action plans.
  • Coordinated with vendors to ensure timely delivery of merchandise while maintaining optimal stock levels instore.
  • Tracked performance and communicated global insights with corporate leaders, sharing successes and strategies to proactively tackle any deficiencies.
  • Implemented loss prevention strategies to detect theft incidents and minimize financial losses for the company.
  • Managed budget allocation for store expenses while identifying cost-saving opportunities to boost profitability.
  • Elevated team performance with motivational approach and excellent training abilities.
  • Boosted customer satisfaction by implementing efficient store operations and addressing customer concerns promptly.
  • Involved associates in decision-making processes to empower team and drive continued successes.
  • Reduced shrinkage levels through diligent monitoring, staff education, and improved security measures.
  • Increased overall store productivity with effective scheduling, task delegation, and resource allocation.
  • Improved employee retention rates through fostering a supportive work culture that promoted growth opportunities.
  • Coached staff to leverage upselling and cross-selling opportunities, driving consistent sales by cultivating competitive and results-driven culture.
  • Controlled costs consistently to effectively eliminate waste and increase profits.
  • Oversaw cash management procedures including reconciling daily transactions; minimized discrepancies and maintained accountability.
  • Merchandised products beautifully with attractive displays to quickly move stock.
  • Enhanced employee performance by conducting regular training sessions and providing constructive feedback.
  • Maintained visual merchandising standards, ensuring an appealing store appearance that attracted customers.
  • Developed strong customer relationships by delivering exceptional service and personalized attention.
  • Established open communication channels with employees to encourage feedback sharing and improve team dynamics.
  • Planned optimal workflow through successful scheduling and task delegation.
  • Boosted brand awareness through creative and multifaceted marketing strategies.
  • Engaged in friendly conversation with customer to better uncover individual needs.
  • Stocked merchandise, clearly labeling items, and arranging according to size or color.
  • Listened to customer needs and desires to identify and recommend optimal products.
  • Built customer loyalty and retention by delivering excellent shopping experiences.
  • Opened, shelved and merchandised new products in visually appealing and organized displays for optimal sales promotions.
  • Provided exceptional services and pleasant shopping experiences to retail customers.
  • Volunteered for extra shifts during holidays and other busy periods to alleviate staffing shortages.
  • Created inviting environment for customers by maintaining store organization and cleanliness.
  • Developed strong rapport with customers and created positive impression of business.
  • Delivered energetic responses to customers in-store and by telephone, going above and beyond to serve needs.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of store sales, payment policies and security standards.
  • Used in-store system to locate inventory and place special orders for customers.
  • Prioritized helping customers over completing other routine tasks in store.
  • Recommended complementary purchases to customers, increasing revenue.
  • Monitored customers for signs of security concerns and escalated issues to management.
  • Worked to meet or exceed special targets for credit card applications, special donations and specific product promotions.
  • Wrapped, boxed and weighed bakery department products.
  • Conducted product demonstrations to highlight features and redirect objections to positive aspects.
  • Performed cash, card, and check transactions to complete customer purchases.
  • Managed efficient cash register operations.
  • Worked with store management to implement company safety programs and awareness, reducing workers' compensation costs.
  • Managed supply chain by ordering products from suppliers, negotiating prices and requiring on-time delivery.
  • Boosted sales by effectively cultivating customer rapport and delivering superior customer service.
  • Kept documentation and records accurate and up-to-date with latest data to prevent errors in processing or delivery.

Academic Coach

Walmart
11.2017 - 11.2019
  • Documented class attendance and participation and provided feedback to management.
  • Administered assessments before, during and after courses.
  • Provided ongoing coaching and feedback to facilitate long-term success in employee roles following completion of initial trainings.
  • Developed comprehensive job aids and resources for employees to reference post-training, enhancing knowledge retention over time.
  • Conducted post-training analysis to identify areas for improvement in future sessions, resulting in continuous refinement of program offerings.
  • Supported students and individuals with [Type] issues, liaising between participants, families, and program executives about needs.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify skill gaps and develop targeted training initiatives.
  • Administered regular assessments to track progress and address any areas requiring additional focus or support for learners'' growth.
  • Facilitated open communication between management and staff during change initiatives, easing transitions and minimizing disruptions.
  • Taught more than 45 classes or workshops per year.
  • Facilitated dialogue between participants, family, and program workers to provide best possible program and individualized program.
  • Fostered a culture of continuous learning within the organization by promoting professional development opportunities.
  • Increased workplace efficiency by designing customized training modules tailored to individual needs.
  • Provided coaching and mentoring to employees.
  • Facilitated virtual, in-person and blended learning sessions.


Department Manager

Walmart
12.2007 - 11.2017
  • Oversaw inventory management processes, maintaining optimal stock levels while minimizing waste and losses due to shrinkage or obsolescence.
  • Collaborated with other departments to ensure seamless coordination in achieving company-wide objectives.
  • Improved customer satisfaction rates through attentive service, prompt issue resolution, and continuous process improvements.
  • Maintained a professional work environment by addressing conflicts proactively and fostering open communication among staff members.
  • Established clear performance expectations for staff members which led to increased accountability.
  • Evaluated employee performance fairly and accurately, rewarding hard work while addressing areas needing improvement.
  • Enhanced department efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing time-saving strategies.
  • Implemented cross-training initiatives for employees, increasing overall departmental knowledge and versatility.
  • Optimized scheduling practices to ensure adequate staffing during peak business hours without sacrificing employee satisfaction or budgetary constraints.
  • Led a team of professionals to consistently achieve or exceed performance targets.
  • Developed strong relationships with suppliers, securing better deals and ensuring timely deliveries.
  • Managed projects efficiently from inception to completion ensuring timely delivery within budget constraints.
  • Provided ongoing staff development opportunities through training programs, workshops, and regular feedback sessions.
  • Advised upper management on key decisions based on thorough analysis of sales trends, market conditions, and competitor activities.
  • Implemented quality control measures that resulted in improved products or services within the department offerings.
  • Increased productivity by identifying bottlenecks and implementing targeted solutions.
  • Led cross-functional teams in high-priority projects, ensuring successful outcomes within tight deadlines.
  • Oversaw departmental budgets to ensure financial efficiency, leading to significant reduction in unnecessary expenditures.
  • Increased customer satisfaction with proactive issue resolution strategies.
  • Championed customer-first approach, significantly enhancing customer experience and loyalty.
  • Spearheaded diversity and inclusion initiative, resulting in more cohesive and collaborative team environment.
  • Streamlined inventory management processes, resulting in more efficient replenishment system and reduced stock shortages.
  • Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
  • Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
  • Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
  • Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
  • Trained personnel in equipment maintenance and enforced participation in exercises focused on developing key skills.
  • Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
  • Opened and closed location and monitored shift changes to uphold successful operations strategies and maximize business success.
  • Identified and communicated customer needs to supply chain capacity and quality teams.
  • Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
  • Improved staffing during busy periods by creating employee schedules and monitoring call-outs.
  • Reduced waste and pursued revenue development strategies to keep department aligned with sales and profit targets.
  • Set aggressive targets for employees to drive company success and strengthen motivation.
  • Launched quality assurance practices for each phase of development

Fast Food Restaurant Manager

McDonald's
04.1998 - 05.2005
  • Experienced in ordering, scheduling, leading a staff, cooking, osha regulations, money counting/deposits, hiring/discharging of employees, and opening/closing the store.
  • Managed daily operations to ensure a high level of efficiency, consistency, and quality in both food and service.
  • Carefully interviewed, selected, trained, and supervised staff.
  • Met, greeted, and encouraged feedback from customers and used feedback to implement positive changes within restaurant.
  • Reconciled cash and credit card transactions to maintain accurate records.
  • Correctly calculated inventory and ordered appropriate supplies.
  • Promoted positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.
  • Tracked daily sales transactions and invoices for accurate and updated financial reporting.
  • Optimized labor costs by closely monitoring schedules, adjusting staffing levels according to business needs, and employing cross-training strategies.
  • Quickly identified problem situations and skillfully resolved incidents to satisfaction of involved parties.
  • Enhanced guest experience by regularly reviewing feedback and implementing necessary improvements.
  • Effectively managed payroll and timekeeping, and paperwork for new hires and terminations.
  • Oversaw inventory management processes to minimize waste and maintain optimal stock levels for seamless operation.
  • Coordinated catering services for private events, delivering memorable experiences while maximizing profits.

Education

Associate of Arts and Sciences - AAS - Medical/Clinical Assistant

Hamilton College
06.2006

High School Diploma - High School/Secondary Diplomas and Certificates

Thomas Jefferson High School
05.2002

Skills

  • English
  • Research
  • Marketing
  • Customer service
  • Staff management
  • Team leadership
  • Team supervision
  • Problem-solving
  • Training and mentoring
  • Task delegation
  • Customer engagement
  • Goals and performance

Timeline

Department Manager

Von Maur
06.2024 - Current

Assistant Manager

Lowe's Companies, Inc.
01.2024 - 06.2024

Store Manager

Boot Barn
10.2022 - 01.2023

Co Manager

Walmart
11.2019 - 11.2021

Academic Coach

Walmart
11.2017 - 11.2019

Department Manager

Walmart
12.2007 - 11.2017

Fast Food Restaurant Manager

McDonald's
04.1998 - 05.2005

Associate of Arts and Sciences - AAS - Medical/Clinical Assistant

Hamilton College

High School Diploma - High School/Secondary Diplomas and Certificates

Thomas Jefferson High School

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