Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Robert J. Acosta

Niles,USA

Summary

Operations and Risk Management Professional with over 20 years of leadership experience in retail, public safety, hospitality, and international education. Expertise in driving operational excellence and ensuring regulatory compliance in high-pressure environments. Demonstrated success in leading diverse teams, implementing effective loss prevention strategies, and fostering stakeholder trust. Recognized for strong communication skills and a commitment to integrity and measurable results.

Overview

33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Manager of Merchandising

Costco Wholesale
Mishawaka, IN
01.2021 - Current
  • Completed leadership development tracks through Costco U in merchandising, front-end operations, and fresh departments.
  • Oversaw compliance, shrink management, and store security in support of overall operational goals.

Security & Asset Protection Manager

Walmart
, MI & IN
01.2014 - 01.2019
  • Led safety, compliance, and asset protection protocols across multiple retail locations.
  • Ensured adherence to OSHA, FHA, DEA, and hazardous materials regulations.
  • Reduced annual profit loss by $250K through proactive risk management.
  • Partnered with law enforcement to investigate theft and fraud incidents.

Reserve Deputy

Berrien County Sheriff’s Department
, MI
01.2013 - 01.2019
  • Provided community engagement and law enforcement support during events and routine patrols.
  • Fostered public trust through ethical conduct and visible presence.

Campus Safety Officer

Andrews University
Berrien Springs, MI
01.2010 - 01.2012
  • Managed campus security operations, building rapport with students and faculty while handling facility patrol and incident response.

Personal Trainer

American Council on Exercise
01.2005 - 01.2020
  • Coached strength athletes through customized training and mindset strategies to promote sustainable growth.

Hospitality Management

RA Sushi, Fox Restaurant Concepts, Firebirds International, Applebee’s, TGI Friday’s
01.1993 - 01.2010
  • Oversaw daily operations, staffing, and compliance in high-volume and fine dining environments.
  • Opened new concepts, developed HR policy, and maintained profit targets in competitive markets.

English Language Instructor and Manager

01.1993 - 01.2003
  • Taught and managed English programs in Spain, Mexico, South Korea, and Japan.
  • Directed staff and curriculum for language schools and cultural programs.

Education

Law Enforcement Certification

Berrien County Police Academy
Berrien Springs, MI
01.2012

Coursework Audit

Andrews University
Berrien Springs, MI
01-1993

Southwestern Michigan College
Dowagiac, MI

High School Diploma -

Niles High School
Niles, MI

Skills

  • Operations and risk management
  • Loss prevention strategies
  • Leadership development
  • Compliance and safety standards
  • Customer relations management
  • Crisis management techniques
  • Training and mentorship programs
  • Law enforcement collaboration
  • Cross-cultural communication

Certification

  • Wicklander-Zulawski Certified
  • AHA: CPR, AED, and First Aid, 2022-01-01
  • FEMA, IS-100.b, IS-100.SCa, ICS-100, IS-200.c, IS-700.b

Timeline

Manager of Merchandising

Costco Wholesale
01.2021 - Current

Security & Asset Protection Manager

Walmart
01.2014 - 01.2019

Reserve Deputy

Berrien County Sheriff’s Department
01.2013 - 01.2019

Campus Safety Officer

Andrews University
01.2010 - 01.2012

Personal Trainer

American Council on Exercise
01.2005 - 01.2020

Hospitality Management

RA Sushi, Fox Restaurant Concepts, Firebirds International, Applebee’s, TGI Friday’s
01.1993 - 01.2010

English Language Instructor and Manager

01.1993 - 01.2003

Law Enforcement Certification

Berrien County Police Academy

Coursework Audit

Andrews University

Southwestern Michigan College

High School Diploma -

Niles High School