Gwendolyn J. Walker
Cape Coral,FL
Summary
Executive Assistant skilled at offering high-level administrative support to senior-level staff. Expert in travel management, expense tracking and schedule coordination. Expertly assists executive team using exceptional communication and organizational skills.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales Consultant
Saks Fifth Avenue
10.2012 - 04.2015
- Cold called and conducted face-to-face sales calls with C-level executives and directors in assigned sales territory.
- Used consultative sales techniques to understand customer needs and recommend relevant products and services.
- Created detailed sales presentations to communicate product features and market data.
- Checked client organization and agreements with company priorities through automating content management systems.
- Maintained organized, presentable merchandise to drive continuous sales.
- Maintained sense of urgency in answering customer questions and requests through email or voice message.
- Applied knowledge of market and full range of innovative and unique products to meet customer needs, expanding company's customer base.
- Retained consistent client base by conducting market research to develop brand strategy.
- Fulfilled orders and sourced products to meet rigorous customer delivery schedules.
- Maintained sense of urgency in answering customer questions and requests through email or voice messaging.
- Provided sales and customer service assistance to walk-in traffic
- Achieved top performance by strategically adapting to rapidly changing, competitive environment.
- Improved sales by managing sales lifecycle from lead generation through contract negotiations and closings.
- Cultivated lasting rapport with key industry clients by providing accurate pricing and credit terms to meet customer objectives.
- Implemented up-selling strategies, encompassing recommendation of accessories and complementary purchases.
- Increased sales by fostering relationships with customers, implementing business strategies and suggesting areas for improvement.
- Maximized customer retention by resolving issues quickly.
- Evaluated customer purchase requirements and recommended best-fit company offerings.
- Responded to telephone and in-person requests for information.
- Created detailed sales presentations to communicate product features and market data
- Used consultative sales techniques to understand customer needs and recommend relevant products and services
Fine Jewelry Specialist
Macy's
08.2009 - 06.2012
- Checked pricing, scanned items, applied discounts, and printed receipts to ring up customers.
- Offered each customer top-notch, personal service to boost sales and customer satisfaction.
- Displayed merchandise by arranging in appealing ways to boost sales.
- Greeted customers, helped locate merchandise, and suggested suitable options.
- Answered customer questions about products and services, helped locate merchandise, and promoted key items.
- Built customer loyalty and retention by delivering excellent shopping experiences.
- Monitored customers for signs of security concerns and escalated issues to management.
- Opened, shelved and merchandised new products in visually appealing and organized displays for optimal sales promotions.
- Developed strong rapport with customers and created positive impression of business.
- Worked to meet or exceed special targets for credit card applications, special donations and specific product promotions.
- Managed efficient cash register operations.
- Recommended complementary purchases to customers, increasing revenue.
- Volunteered for extra shifts during holidays and other busy periods to alleviate staffing shortages.
- Delivered energetic responses to customers in-store and by telephone, going above and beyond to serve needs.
- Listened to customer needs and desires to identify and recommend optimal products.
- Provided exceptional services and pleasant shopping experiences to retail customers.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of store sales, payment policies and security standards.
- Stocked merchandise, clearly labeling items, and arranging according to size or color.
- Engaged in friendly conversation with customer to better uncover individual needs.
- Created inviting environment for customers by maintaining store organization and cleanliness.
Executive Administrative Assistant
Collier County Public Utilities
02.2006 - 07.2009
- Produced accurate office files, updated spreadsheets, and crafted presentations to support executives and boost team productivity.
- Used software to coordinate meetings, appointments, and tasks senior executives.
- Organized and updated schedules for executives.
- Updated spreadsheets and created presentations to support executives and boost team productivity.
- Handled scheduling for executive's calendar and prepared meeting agenda and materials.
- Documented and distributed meeting notes to identify, analyze, and improve workflows.
- Responded to emails and other correspondence to facilitate communication and enhance business processes.
- Screened calls and emails and initiated actions to respond or direct messages for managers.
- Coordinated and booked airfare, hotel and ground transportation and prepared itinerary to facilitate successful trips.
- Scheduled appointments and handled calenders for senior leadership.
- Offered assistance, collaboration and clerical support to auditors throughout entire review process.
- Gathered documents, data, and formulated analytics to prepare issues for discussion and reports for review.
- Implemented updated policies and practices for organization and monitored effect.
- Wrote and enforced administrative procedure plans to reduce errors and prevent process delays.
- Coordinated complex annual meeting involving multiple presenters, high number of global attendees and robust budget encompassing livestream production, remote location arrangements and senior executive accommodations.
- Seamlessly interacted with colleagues to plan and complete special projects.
- Processed travel expenses and reimbursements for executive team and senior management group.
- Answered high volume of phone calls and email inquiries.
- Organized and coordinated conferences and monthly meetings.
- Facilitated training and onboarding for incoming office staff.
- Developed and maintained automated alert systems for important deadlines.
- Transcribed meeting minutes to support sales, business development and senior management teams.
- Used advanced software to prepare documents, reports, and presentations.
- Handled confidential and sensitive information with discretion and tact.
Customer Service Representative
Collier County Airport Authority
01.2006 - 06.2009
- Answered customer telephone calls promptly to avoid on-hold wait times.
- Answered constant flow of customer calls with minimal wait times.
- Updated account information to maintain customer records.
- Responded to customer requests for products, services, and company information.
- Offered advice and assistance to customers, paying attention to special needs or wants.
- Provided primary customer support to internal and external customers.
- Maintained customer satisfaction with forward-thinking strategies focused on addressing customer needs and resolving concerns.
- Actively listened to customers, handled concerns quickly and escalated major issues to supervisor.
- Processed customer service orders promptly to increase customer satisfaction.
- Provided passenger assistance at ticket counter and gate areas by issuing tickets, checking baggage and assigning seats.
- Resolved customer requests, questions and complaints by analyzing individual situations and determining best use of resources.
- Coordinated with ramp agents to successfully store, remove and transport customer baggage.
- Verified identification and travel documents to efficiently board passengers for on-time departure.
- Reviewed and updated customer information to maintain up-to-date records for high-quality service.
- Produced and shared customer service reports to support management decision-making.
- Prepared customer invoices, accepted payments, and processed refund and cancellation requests.
Office Manager
Collier County School District
08.2000 - 06.2006
- Evaluated employee records and productivity and submitted evaluation reports.
- Coordinated special projects and managed schedules.
- Established workflow processes, monitored daily productivity, and implemented modifications to improve overall performance of personnel.
- Oversaw office inventory activities by ordering and requisitions and stocking and shipment receiving.
- Updated reports, managed accounts, and generated reports for company database.
- Maintained computer and physical filing systems.
- Managed office operations while scheduling appointments for department managers.
- Created, maintained and updated filing systems for paper and electronic documents.
- Improved safety procedures to promote employee well-being and safety and protect company from potential liability.
- Delivered performance reviews, recommending additional training or advancements.
- Managed compliance to keep organization operating within legal and regulatory guidelines.
- Coached new hires on company processes while managing employees to achieve maximum production.
- Reported to senior management on organizational performance and progress toward goals.
- Controlled finances to lower costs and keep business operating within budget.
- Developed and maintained successful relationships with vendors, suppliers and contractors.
- Developed detailed plans based on broad guidance and direction.
- Controlled resources and assets for department activities to comply with industry standards and government regulations.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Improved staffing during busy periods by creating employee schedules and monitoring call-outs.
- Managed senior-level personnel working in marketing and sales capacities.
- Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
- Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
- Launched quality assurance practices for each phase of development
- 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.
- Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
- Set aggressive targets for employees to drive company success and strengthen motivation.
- Trained personnel in equipment maintenance and enforced participation in exercises focused on developing key skills.
- Leveraged data and analytics to make informed decisions and drive business improvements.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Reduced waste and pursued revenue development strategies to keep department aligned with sales and profit targets.
Human Resources Specialist
Collier County School District
01.2004 - 06.2004
- Planned and managed recruitment activities for new hires using strategic personnel, staffing, and position management practices.
- Partnered with senior leadership to establish and develop corporate and HR policies and procedures.
- Reviewed and screened applicant resumes to identify qualified candidates.
- Oversaw and managed hiring process and assisted human resources.
- Maintained personnel records and statistical data to establish accuracy and compliance with applicable regulations.
- Monitored employee attendance and performance, addressing issues in accordance with company policies and procedures.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with external vendors, insurance providers and benefits administrators to establish trust and rapport.
- Fielded employee inquiries related to insurance, pension plan, vacation, sick leave and employee assistance.
- Conducted workplace compliance training to reduce liability risks and operate effectively.
- Briefed job applicants regarding responsibilities, benefits and schedules to provide information regarding job specifications and logistics.
Education
High School Diploma -
Dunkirk Senior High School
Dunkirk, NY03.1988
Skills
- Product and Service Knowledge
- Demonstrations
- Sales Funnel Management
- Territory Expansion
- Customer Liaison
- Industry Trends
- Community Networking
- Customer Relationship Management
- Consultative Sales
- Lead Generation
- Sales Proposal Creation
- Persuasive Communication
- Project Management
- Time Management
Timeline
Sales Consultant
Saks Fifth Avenue
10.2012 - 04.2015
Fine Jewelry Specialist
Macy's
08.2009 - 06.2012
Executive Administrative Assistant
Collier County Public Utilities
02.2006 - 07.2009
Customer Service Representative
Collier County Airport Authority
01.2006 - 06.2009
Human Resources Specialist
Collier County School District
01.2004 - 06.2004
Office Manager
Collier County School District
08.2000 - 06.2006
High School Diploma -
Dunkirk Senior High School
Similar Profiles
Tanya PekarTanya Pekar
Alteration Tailor at Saks Fifth AvenueAlteration Tailor at Saks Fifth Avenue
TYLER J. HOLTTYLER J. HOLT
Style Advisor at Saks Fifth AvenueStyle Advisor at Saks Fifth Avenue
Judy PhamJudy Pham
Store Manager at Saks Fifth Avenue Club In ResidenceStore Manager at Saks Fifth Avenue Club In Residence