Jake Runkel
Grand Rapids
Summary
Strong leader and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, strategic planning, and cultivating high-functioning retail environments. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success and execute company goals.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Store Director Trainee
SpartanNash
11.2023 - Current
- Manage team of 136 retail associates and leadership personnel.
- Guarantee compliance and execution of company directives in labor, merchandising, sales, and customer service, increasing shopper satisfaction score by 20% within one month.
- Restructured merchandising style and approach to drive sales, delivering 10-15% year over year comps within two weeks in beer, wine, and liquor categories.
- Interview, hire, and train department managers and team members to build and sustain high in-store performance standards, including preparing department managers for next steps in leadership.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by ensuring exceptional service, product availability, and efficient operations.
Assistant Store Director
Fresh Thyme Market
01.2021 - 11.2023
- Manage team of 70 retail associates and leadership personnel.
- Built and maintain the highest grossing local program within Fresh Thyme Market, increasing local sales by over 400% in two years. Includes all aspects of vendor relations, merchandising, and pricing strategy.
- Partner with corporate support team to refine product selection, merchandising, pricing strategy, and marketing strategies to meet sales and margin goals.
- Interview, hire, train, onboard, and develop department managers and team members to build and sustain high in-store performance standards.
- Apply performance data to evaluate and improve operations, target current business conditions and forecast needs.
- Achieve consistent budget, margin, and sales targets with optimal expense controls and elimination of unnecessary waste.
- Orchestrate community and vendor events, organize volunteer opportunities and donations, and establish key community relationships.
Grocery Manager
Fresh Thyme Market
08.2019 - 01.2021
- Organized efficient merchandise replenishment strategies to keep shelves stocked and well-organized for customers, drastically reducing out of stocks by over 75%.
- Surpassed budgetary and labor goals while delivering company-best results in gross margin, direct contribution, waste, sales, and profit, increasing weekly sales by $45,000 in 1 year.
- Delegated tasks and duties to grocery staff of 12 team members and clearly communicated timeframes for completion.
- Engaged customers and provided highest levels of service and support, helping find desired products and items.
Food Service Manager
Fresh Thyme Market
03.2018 - 08.2019
- Maintained compliance with company and state policies and procedures for food safety, sanitation and quality.
- Set and enforced performance and service standards to keep consistent, high-quality environment devoted to customer satisfaction.
- Established standard operating procedures to reduce waste, increase sales, and execute margin goals. Increased monthly sales by $20,000 and reduced waste by 33%.
Education
Visual And Performing Arts
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MISkills
- Leadership Development
- Merchandising Strategy
- Program Administration
- Inventory Management
- Vendor Relationship Development
- Operations Management
- Financial Management
- Community Engagement
- Team Management
- Promotional planning
Timeline
Store Director Trainee
SpartanNash
11.2023 - Current
Assistant Store Director
Fresh Thyme Market
01.2021 - 11.2023
Grocery Manager
Fresh Thyme Market
08.2019 - 01.2021
Food Service Manager
Fresh Thyme Market
03.2018 - 08.2019
Visual And Performing Arts
Grand Valley State University