Dei Gardner-Jones
Bonaire
Summary
Knowledgeable and Well Rounded Business Operator with solid foundation in optimizing operational processes and driving efficiency improvements. Proven track record of managing cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones and streamline workflows. Demonstrated proficiency in strategic planning and problem-solving, ensuring continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
DC Functional Operations Manager
Academy Sports + Outdoors
05.2024 - 05.2025
- Responsible for managing all aspects of the DC’s financial, operational, people, process and service objectives to drive results and alignment to long range plan. Interacts with business partners to drive results and deliver solutions including Supply Chain, Stores, Merchandising, Finance, Human Resources and Loss Prevention. Manages all DC equipment and facilities maintenance programs, Drives innovation and process improvement in all areas of DC operations aligned to the organization’s long-range plan. Responsible for managing DC safety initiatives and programs and upholding safety standards.
DC Operations Manager
AutoZone, Inc.
12.2022 - 05.2024
- Responsible for the daily operation of multiple DC departments as well as providing guidance and leadership to all supervisors. Oversight of regulatory compliance as it relates to promoting a SAFE environment. Performs daily activities with a sense of urgency and always makes decisions for the business. Provides the best Customer Service to AutoZoner’s and AutoZone stores. Recruits, interviews, and hires according to workforce planning and staffing. Manages total operation to meet productivity targets. Budget development and performance metric reporting and analysis. Recommends and initiates appropriate actions to increase productivity, decrease expenses and improve profitability. Partners with DC Manager, DC Director, and interdisciplinary areas of the organization to develop and implement a Best Practices approach to achieve supply chain excellence. Teams with the HR department and training department to attract, recruit and retain the best talent, create a succession plan that contributes towards the personal development and growth of the team. Creates a pulling and delivery schedule with transportation manager that maintains an equal daily workload. Works with inventory manager to slot merchandise to be pulled correctly with other store merchandise. Works with loss prevention to execute the plan against shrink.
Regional Loss Prevention Manager
AutoZone, Inc.
06.2021 - 01.2023
- Supported 120 Stores in Northern, Western, Eastern Arizona and Metropolitan Phoenix. Supported, facilitated, and enforced company safety, environmental and health standards. Oversaw Regional shrink plan, assisted in training new regional staff members and handled all theft investigations. Participated in Foundations Class and Succession training for MIT candidates.
Divisional LP Investigator
AutoZone, Inc.
11.2019 - 06.2021
- Supported, developed, and trained 8 RLPM’s in interviewing and exception-based reporting development. Assisted DLPM with market visits, selecting and interviewing candidates for open positions and on-going training thru the year. Reviewed all internal interview cases in APIS for consistency, accuracy, supporting documentations, timeliness of input, HR verbiage and prosecution and restitution have been applied when applicable. Supported and drove Divisional Shrink and Safety Goals set for the year.
Regional Loss Prevention Manager
AutoZone, Inc.
11.2018 - 11.2019
- Supported 120 Stores in Northern Maryland, Northern Virginia, PA, WV, and Washington, D.C. Supports, facilitate and enforces company safety, environmental and health standards. Oversees Regional shrink plan, assisted in training new regional staff members and oversees all theft investigations.
Store Manager
AutoZone, Inc.
04.2017 - 11.2018
- Motivates store AutoZoner’s to provide WOW! Customer Service enhanced productivity level and market products to enhance sales and profits. Staffed and scheduled store personnel to meet customer needs, including diversity and bilingual. Attracts, recruits, hires, trains, and develops high caliber store personnel. Capability to manage, analyze and reconcile monthly P&L statements. Delegates and ensures store merchandising tasks are completed in a timely manner. Maintains all store financial, revenue and expense targets. Operates cash registers and follows established cash handling duties, including but not limited to deposits, petty cash and lane accountability. Monitor cash flow, inventory, and security control. Utilizes ZNET to help customers locate merchandise or find suitable alternatives. Ensures all members of management understand how to manage various emergency situations. Ensured proper accident procedures are followed. Ensure all company policies, and loss prevention procedures are followed. Maintain sales productivity, store maintenance, store appearance inside and outside, and merchandising standards. Conduct and review all opening and closing procedures, report discrepancies to District Manager and Loss Prevention. Monitors daily payroll and adjusts schedule accordingly. Provide performance counseling and distribute AutoZoner Action Reviews when necessary. Addresses customer concerns and resolves them with a goal of turning a complaint into a compliment. Assists with management of the Commercial Department (as applicable) to ensure commercial accounts are serviced and deliveries are made as promised. Maintains a safe working environment while ensuring AutoZoner’s are implementing those practices including PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
Divisional Asset Protection Manager
TBC Corporation
06.2011 - 01.2017
- Supported day to day operations for Tire Kingdom, National Tire & Battery, Merchant’s Tires and Carroll Tire stores in multiple states. Oversees, facilitates, and conducts all store assessments/audits for company compliance and risk factors. Trains and enforces EPA/OSHA and safety standards. Managed KPI’s including bad debt, inventory management, discounts, cash management, workers comp and general liability and PCard losses. Initiated, conducted, and concluded all dishonesty employee investigations. Organized all Asset Protection training programs for store operations and Asset Protection Managers. Conducted quarterly Business Financial reviews with supporting Field Management and initiated an Asset Protection 101 Basics Class in 2014. Supervised four Regional Asset Protection Manager, supports five Regional Vice Presidents and twenty District Managers. Created a Shrink Prevention and Damage Prevention Program for the West Division in 2015.
Regional DC Asset Protection & Safety Manager
Lowe’s Home Improvement
01.2005 - 06.2011
- Investigated employee dishonesty and processed shoplifting apprehensions. Oversaw, implemented, enforced, and executed supply chain safety programs. Facilitates cycle counts and shrink prevention programs. Conducted ongoing training for store and facility personnel on eliminating store claims, trailer related product damage, vendor prepared/cross dock merchandise and quality control audits. Conducted store visits to identify and address short shipments, over shipments, transportation related damage and shrink concerns. Recruits, mentors, and trains new LP associates. Experience in managing and implementing C-TPAT. Supervised third party security supervisor and personnel. Managed payroll and expenses related to the operation of third-party security. Received OSHA 30-hour certification. Manage all business loss exception-based reporting on a weekly basis within areas that are trending unfavorably. Established and maintained Emergency Response Team including CPR and Basic First Aid training on an annual basis. Maintains physical security standards for the facility. Establish and maintain an active and effective Safety Incentive Program. Ensures that the facility is compliant with OSHA, EPA, DOT, and other State/Federal regulatory agencies.
RDC Loss Prevention & Security Manager
Macy’s Inc. (MLO)
12.2003 - 01.2005
- Supported direct to consumer operations for Bloomingdale’s by Mail, Bloomingdale’s.com & Macy
- S.com. Ensured safety and security for 300+ employees. Provided instruction and training to security staff in emergency preparedness. Certified employees through the American Red Cross in first aid, CPR and AED. Conducted new hire orientation and criminal background checks. Investigated accidents in facility. Initiated, conducted, and concluded all dishonest employee investigations. Established a Shortage Awareness Committee that met monthly to address all shortage related issues and opportunities. Hired, provided Loss Prevention staffing, training, and budgeting for multiple locations. Enforced mandated Loss Prevention ethical standards and policies.
Store Loss Prevention & Safety Manager
Lowe’s Home Improvement
07.2002 - 12.2003
- Investigated employee dishonesty and processed shoplifting apprehensions. Oversaw, implemented, enforced, and executed supply chain safety programs. Facilitates cycle counts and shrink prevention programs. Conducted ongoing training for store and facility personnel on eliminating store claims, trailer related product damage, vendor prepared/cross dock merchandise and quality control audits. Conducted store visits to identify and address short shipments, over shipments, transportation related damage and shrink concerns. Recruits, mentors, and trains new LP associates. Experience in managing and implementing C-TPAT. Supervised third party security supervisor and personnel. Managed payroll and expenses related to the operation of third-party security. Received OSHA 30-hour certification. Manage all business loss exception-based reporting on a weekly basis within areas that are trending unfavorably. Established and maintained Emergency Response Team including CPR and Basic First Aid training on an annual basis. Maintains physical security standards for the facility. Establish and maintain an active and effective Safety Incentive Program. Ensures that the facility is compliant with OSHA, EPA, DOT, and other State/Federal regulatory agencies.
RDC Asset Protection & Safety Manager
United Natural Foods, Inc.
11.2001 - 12.2003
- Implemented safety program, pre-employment screening, online drug testing verification and monitored employee activities for Atlanta and Florida site. Conducted all investigations and integrity interviews.
Loss Prevention Manager
The Home Depot U.S.A., Inc.
10.1997 - 11.2001
- Recruited and trained new Loss Prevention associates. Monitored hazardous material programs for multiple stores. Managed all general liability and worker’s compensation claims. Provided executive protection during stockholders’ meetings and special events to Arthur Blank and Bernie Marcus.
Loss Prevention Manager
Macy’s Inc. (MLO)
04.1999 - 11.1999
- Supported direct to consumer operations for Bloomingdale’s by Mail, Bloomingdale’s.com & Macy
- S.com. Ensured safety and security for 300+ employees. Provided instruction and training to security staff in emergency preparedness. Certified employees through the American Red Cross in first aid, CPR and AED. Conducted new hire orientation and criminal background checks. Investigated accidents in facility. Initiated, conducted, and concluded all dishonest employee investigations. Established a Shortage Awareness Committee that met monthly to address all shortage related issues and opportunities. Hired, provided Loss Prevention staffing, training, and budgeting for multiple locations. Enforced mandated Loss Prevention ethical standards and policies.
Loss Prevention Manager
Best Buy Co., Inc.
06.1995 - 01.1998
- Monitored retail store management and employees. Conducted various audits, inspections to record and advise corporate headquarters of stores loss, prevention, security, safety issues, concerns, and noncompliance. Managed cash handling procedures and investigated cash overages/shortages. Hired Loss Prevention staff, trained, and oversaw budget, labor, and scheduling.
Intl Gates – Customer Service Agent
Delta Airlines, Inc.
06.1989 - 06.1995
Marketing Administrative Assistant
Delta Airlines, Inc.
06.1989 - 06.1995
Education
Computer Technology Graduate -
Frederick Douglass High School
Atlanta, GA01.1989
Associates - Business Administration
Clayton College & State University
Morrow, GA01.1993
Business Management
Savannah State College & University
Savannah, GA01.1990
Skills
- Problem-solving
- Team leadership
- Operations management
- Customer service
- P&L Review, Research and Proficiency
- Recruiting, Staffing and Retention
- OSHA, EPA, DOT, CPTAT Training and Certifications
- Hazardous Material Training
- Investigations
- Advanced Interview Skills
Affiliations
- Boys and Girls Club of America - Volunteer
- All Pro Dad - Volunteer
Certification
- American Red Cross - First Aid, CPR and AED Certified
- OSHA 30 Hour Certification
- Wicklander-Zulawski - Advanced Interview & Interrogations Techniques Certified
Timeline
DC Functional Operations Manager
Academy Sports + Outdoors
05.2024 - 05.2025
DC Operations Manager
AutoZone, Inc.
12.2022 - 05.2024
Regional Loss Prevention Manager
AutoZone, Inc.
06.2021 - 01.2023
Divisional LP Investigator
AutoZone, Inc.
11.2019 - 06.2021
Regional Loss Prevention Manager
AutoZone, Inc.
11.2018 - 11.2019
Store Manager
AutoZone, Inc.
04.2017 - 11.2018
Divisional Asset Protection Manager
TBC Corporation
06.2011 - 01.2017
Regional DC Asset Protection & Safety Manager
Lowe’s Home Improvement
01.2005 - 06.2011
RDC Loss Prevention & Security Manager
Macy’s Inc. (MLO)
12.2003 - 01.2005
Store Loss Prevention & Safety Manager
Lowe’s Home Improvement
07.2002 - 12.2003
RDC Asset Protection & Safety Manager
United Natural Foods, Inc.
11.2001 - 12.2003
Loss Prevention Manager
Macy’s Inc. (MLO)
04.1999 - 11.1999
Loss Prevention Manager
The Home Depot U.S.A., Inc.
10.1997 - 11.2001
Loss Prevention Manager
Best Buy Co., Inc.
06.1995 - 01.1998
Intl Gates – Customer Service Agent
Delta Airlines, Inc.
06.1989 - 06.1995
Marketing Administrative Assistant
Delta Airlines, Inc.
06.1989 - 06.1995
Associates - Business Administration
Clayton College & State University
Business Management
Savannah State College & University
Computer Technology Graduate -
Frederick Douglass High School
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