DENISE PENADO
Summary
Strategic sourcing and operations professional with 14+ years of experience supporting national accounts, vendor partnerships, and data-driven programs in fast-paced, customer-focused environments. Proven ability to manage supplier relationships, analyze product and cost data, ensure program compliance, and lead cross-functional initiatives from rollout through execution. Known for combining strong analytical skills with a collaborative, service-oriented approach to deliver operational efficiency, cost savings, and exceptional client experiences.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Specialist
Apple
durham, NC
10.2025 - Current
- Reviewed sales and inventory data to support demand alignment, product availability, and efficient inventory flow in a fast-paced retail operation.
- Maintained compliance with company procedures while supporting a high-volume, customer-facing environment.
- Managed inventory control using software systems to track supplies and resources.
- Analyzed process workflows to identify areas for improvement and streamline tasks.
- Facilitated communication between departments to ensure alignment on project goals.
- Provided training and guidance to staff on operational procedures, policies, and regulations.
Senior Operations & Strategy Manager
Buyspry
Gaithersburg, Maryland
10.2023 - 07.2025
- Directed cross-department operations in partnership with the CEO, aligning strategic growth initiatives with IT hardware and consumer electronics sales.
- Managed a 60+ person workforce with 8 direct-report managers, driving accountability and consistent quota achievement across IT product lines.
- Achieved $12M annual sales quota in 2024 (5% YoY growth) while cutting headcount by 15% through workflow automation and system optimization.
- Supported vendor alignment, compliance, and operational execution across cross-functional teams to meet client and regulatory requirements.
- Spearheaded R2V3 certification project, enhancing compliance, data security, and environmental standards in IT asset management.
- Built real-time productivity tracking tools and CRM-based performance reporting to strengthen forecasting and quota management.
- Directed sales, fulfillment, and marketing operations for IT hardware (PCs, smartphones, tablets), improving process automation and increasing task speed by 20%.
- Collaborated with HR and leadership to design and implement 2025 company-wide policy handbook and training documentation.
- Partnered with leadership and internal stakeholders to support new program initiatives and operational changes from planning through rollout.
- Coordinated documentation, audits, and data integrity efforts for certification programs, ensuring accuracy and on-time delivery.
Client Development Manager
Saks Fifth Avenue
McLean, Virginia
08.2022 - 10.2023
- Led Tier 3 sales team managing $1M+ client portfolios; trained staff in high-touch strategies including cold calling, VIP outreach, and personalized engagement.
- Coached two associates to surpass $2M in annual sales through relationship-building and consistent cross-selling of designer and fine jewelry pieces.
- Drove a 10% increase in repeat luxury sales by coordinating exclusive client appointments across flagship and out-of-state locations.
- Supported high-value client portfolios through product coordination, vendor-supported initiatives, and consistent service execution.
- Analyzed sales and product performance data to inform assortment decisions and support repeat business growth.
- Recognized as Sales Manager of the Year for exceptional leadership, revenue performance, and team development achievements.
- Led client success and retention initiatives through high-touch engagement and post-sale relationship building.
- Managed escalations and resolved complex client issues, ensuring high satisfaction and retention.
Area Manager / East Coast-Chicago Recruiter
AKIRA
08.2021 - 08.2022
- Oversaw operations for 8+ locations while building talent pipelines, reducing time-to-hire by 30% through proactive sourcing and outreach.
- Reduced time-to-hire by 30% through strategic use of ADP and ATS platforms.
- Increased new hires by 10% by actively scouting talent on the sales floor and through competitor engagement.
- Delivered targeted training and implemented conflict resolution protocols, boosting workforce engagement and team retention.
- Leveraged CRM and clienteling platforms to track VIP clients and personalize customer experiences, enhancing client retention and repeat sales.
- Partnered with cross-functional teams to optimize customer workflows and improve service delivery.
Store Director
ZARA USA
Arlington, Virginia
03.2016 - 08.2021
- Directed a $25M+ high-volume business unit with 50+ employees, consistently ranked among the top-performing in the region.
- Maintained turnover under 20% (vs. 50% industry avg.), demonstrating ability to stabilize organizations during high growth and change.
- Created compliance dashboards and optimized workforce planning, reducing scheduling gaps by 30% and aligning labor costs with performance targets.
- Surpassed annual sales goals by 5% YoY through data-driven forecasting and resource optimization.
- Supported inventory execution by analyzing demand, sell-through, and product performance across high-volume departments.
Store Manager
ALDO
Arlington, Virginia
09.2012 - 03.2016
- Managed team hiring and development; promoted 7 employees into management roles by building internal training programs.
- Curated personalized events for top-tier clients, resulting in a 10% increase in annual sales and helping the team meet end-of-year revenue goals.
- Improved scheduling processes using Google Sheets and When I Work, reducing labor costs by 15% without compromising floor coverage.
- Utilized POS systems and inventory management tools to process sales, manage stock levels, and handle returns efficiently.
- Increased monthly sales conversion by 12% through hands-on coaching, product storytelling, and structured team performance reviews.
Education
B.S. - Applied Science & Agricultural Economics
North Carolina A&T State University
Skills
- Operational Strategy
- KPI & Performance Reporting
- Cross-Functional Team Leadership
- Client Development
- Workflow Automation
- Onboarding and training
- Strategic Sourcing & Vendor Management
- Product Compliance & Program Adherence
- Process Optimization & Documentation
- Performance tracking
- Budget management
- Team performance coaching
- Sales forecasting
- Bilingual in Spanish
- P&L management and reporting
- Project management
- Site safety coordinator
- Customer Escalation Resolution
Software
- Workday, BambooHR, ADP
- Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook)
- Google Workspace (Sheets, Docs, Slides)
- Power BI, ATS
- POS Systems: Oracle Retail Xstore, iVend, Retail Pro (terminal-based)
- Salesforce Commerce Cloud, SAP, Sellercloud
Timeline
Operations Specialist
Apple
10.2025 - Current
Senior Operations & Strategy Manager
Buyspry
10.2023 - 07.2025
Client Development Manager
Saks Fifth Avenue
08.2022 - 10.2023
Area Manager / East Coast-Chicago Recruiter
AKIRA
08.2021 - 08.2022
Store Director
ZARA USA
03.2016 - 08.2021
Store Manager
ALDO
09.2012 - 03.2016
B.S. - Applied Science & Agricultural Economics
North Carolina A&T State University