IVANA TOMAS
Chicago,IL
Summary
Project Manager & Consultant offering significant experience in providing specialized objective advice with the aim of maximizing growth and improving business performance. Reputable people leader and strategic developer with a successful background orchestrating start-up projects as well as elevating organizational performance through skillful restructuring. Highly focused on adhering to organizational missions and philosophy while positively impacting bottom line and daily performance. Assertive, organized, and versatile individual with a data-driven and thought leadership approach to project management. Skilled presenter, facilitator, communicator, and trainer with strong interpersonal skills.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Project Manager
Walmart Connect
08.2023 - Current
Senior Manager Retail Operations
CB2
02.2021 - 07.2023
- Implemented and managed large day-to-day operational processes to drive sales growth and profitability at retail and improve efficiency through analysis and interaction with cross functional teams
- Developed Design Services program in all stores which led to 40% of total store sales in 2021/22
- Managed new store opening and closing processes, including calendar creation and communication, coordination and execution of all work with internal and external stakeholders
- Opened 9 new stores, staying under budget for all
- Served as project manager/ stakeholder for CB2 or cross brand retail initiatives to ensure aligned decision making across all brands
- Utilized metrics and data analysis to determine needs and implement strategies for stores to improve efficiency and standardize daily operating procedures at CB2 retail stores
- Managed end to end process of selecting/onboarding new vendors including designing and rollout, vendor selection, contract negotiation (MSA & SOW) & risk assessment.
Senior Project Manager
FIFTY GAZELLES
10.2019 - 02.2021
- Collaborated to create, implement and manage detailed project scopes, plans and timelines with national brands in the CPG industry to execute design, strategy, innovation, development, commercialization and test-and-learn projects
- Acted as an advocate by being a lesion between the project team, internal cross-functional teams and external partners engaged throughout each project phase
- Working very closely with manufacturers, innovation and R&D teams
- Responsible for building and maintaining client and partner relationships; as well as understanding each organization's unique structures, values and goals and leveraging that knowledge to better deliver results
- Influenced and shaped Fifty Gazelle's culture and internal ways of working by consistently identifying and reality testing new tools and systems to standardize daily operations and improve efficiency.
Project Management Consultant
WALGREENS
11.2018 - 10.2019
- Worked with executive stakeholders throughout the organization to deliver defined outcomes through diagnostics, coaching, analyzing, team development and new change initiatives
- Assessed and analyzed the organization's operations and procedures to offer recommendations based on findings; assisted the management in identifying issues, sorting, and implementing solutions
- Provided expert guidance to the management on the process of behavior changes and problem-solving
- Facilitated open communication and discussion between stakeholders and their direct and cross-functional teams.
Senior Business Analyst
WALGREENS
03.2018 - 11.2018
- Responsible for project managing and executing various campaigns throughout the nation, serving as the operations' point of contact
- Worked cross functionally to collaborate across Pharmacy and Retail Operation, IT, legal and regulatory, process improvement teams, and other departments to develop operational solutions
- Demonstrated strong organizational and administrative skills in collecting, summarizing, and effectively communicating data to assist Pharmacy and Retail Operations management to ensure execution of campaigns in retail stores
- Analyzed corresponding data to effectively recommend systems and operational procedure changes, enhancements, and development of functional specifications, and interfaced opportunities
- Displayed efficiency in planning, designing, and deploying appropriate reports and tools to improve process efficiencies.
Executive Team Leader, Operations
TARGET CORPORATION
01.2015 - 03.2018
- Promoted to assist in opening a new store as well full-life cycle recruiting of 400+ team members
- Developed and implemented strong operational processes to continuously improve efficiency, productivity, and quality of daily work through best practices
- Taught and implemented new process strategies, resulting in a 12% sales comp in 2016, resulting in $27 million dollars annually, and 11% sales comp in 2017, $24 million dollars
- Monitored employee productivity and optimized procedures to reduce costs
- Planned and directed the day-to-day operations of the store through developing and implementing new strategies, such as customer service and merchandising
- Managed benefits/payroll, employee engagement efforts, performance management and development, resulting in a high performing team
- Served as group trainer/resource for 35 stores
- Acted as Store Manager from 10/2017-3/2018.
Executive Team Leader, Remodel Project
TARGET CORPORATION
05.2017 - 09.2017
- Selected to run the store remodel project and facilitate communication flow between store team, construction team, and district team to ensure consistent achievement of objectives and goals
- Developed and planned process to ensure timely remodel accomplishment, finishing four weeks ahead of time and saving over 3000 payroll hours
- Facilitated planning meetings to ensure other district and group remodels for 2018 successfully executed.
Executive Team Leader, Logistics
TARGET CORPORATION
10.2013 - 01.2015
- Promoted into a new role to analyze feedback, turning a non-functioning operational process into an efficient process, accomplished within six weeks in the role
- Developed new processes and improvements to proactively enhance efficiency and productivity
- Collaborated with upper management to ensure proper changes in management and follow up were put into place to yield long- term results
- Built and developed a strong team culture through expectations and accountability
- Oversaw the development and launch of a new online ordering system and led the group in operational metrics, such as accuracy, team development, inventory in-stocks, for 13 months.
Executive Team Leader, Sales Floor
TARGET CORPORATION
11.2011 - 10.2013
- Hired to train and develop a strong sales-minded team to run daily functions of a multi-million-dollar business, driving $60M revenue through service and merchandising
- Collected customer feedback and adjusted to exceed customer satisfaction goals
- Implemented best practices on a daily basis to ensure inventory was in stock
- Created and managed an effective schedule for 150 team members weekly, resulting in meeting payroll goals for 12+ months.
Education
BA in Political Science & Spanish -
Western Illinois University
Macomb, IL01.2010
Universidad Internacional Menéndez Pelayo
01.2009
Skills
- ASQ Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
- Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification, Project Management Institute 2019
- Fluent in English, Spanish, and Serbo-Croatian
- Proficient in Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite including Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook, OneNote, and GoodData
Websites
Timeline
Senior Project Manager
Walmart Connect
08.2023 - Current
Senior Manager Retail Operations
CB2
02.2021 - 07.2023
Senior Project Manager
FIFTY GAZELLES
10.2019 - 02.2021
Project Management Consultant
WALGREENS
11.2018 - 10.2019
Senior Business Analyst
WALGREENS
03.2018 - 11.2018
Executive Team Leader, Remodel Project
TARGET CORPORATION
05.2017 - 09.2017
Executive Team Leader, Operations
TARGET CORPORATION
01.2015 - 03.2018
Executive Team Leader, Logistics
TARGET CORPORATION
10.2013 - 01.2015
Executive Team Leader, Sales Floor
TARGET CORPORATION
11.2011 - 10.2013
BA in Political Science & Spanish -
Western Illinois University
Universidad Internacional Menéndez Pelayo