Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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JAMES A. HARPER

Summary

Dynamic retail leader with extensive experience at Family Dollar and Big Lots, specializing in district growth management and team building. Proven track record in achieving significant shrink reduction and mentoring staff into leadership roles. Expert in performance reviewing and financial administration, driving operational excellence and fostering a high-performance culture.

Overview

32
32
years of professional experience

Work History

Store Manager / Regional SME

Big Lots
06.2021 - 02.2025
  • Provided leadership and motivation to team members to increase productivity and efficiency within the store.
  • Trained staff on proper cash handling procedures including daily deposits, credit card payments, and end-of-day reconciliation of register funds.
  • Interviewed and hired prospective employees according to team needs.
  • Solved problems and resolved conflicts for team members and customers.
  • Oversaw day-to-day store operations to foster efficient and profitable operations.
  • Analyzed sales numbers and performance metrics to locate deficits and implement process improvements.

District Manager

Family Dollar
03.2013 - 03.2021
  • Coordinated smooth expansion of Detroit district operations, including building and deploying strategic and tactical plans for business growth.
  • Prepared and administered district budget and maintained zero overage target with strong expense control and resource utilization strategies.
  • Analyzed district metrics and implemented forward-thinking strategies to correct deficiencies and close operational gaps.

General Manager

Family Dollar
10.2011 - 03.2013
  • Mentored many entry-level associates to achieve leadership positions and quickly became leadership trainer for new store managers.
  • Recognized as Store Manager of the Year in 2012 based on superior sales and customer satisfaction results.
  • Achieved top-#1 ranking for achieving lowest shrink regionally by launching new loss prevention program chosen for wide rollout to other stores.
  • Improved shrink from a $217K loss to a $32K loss.

Training Store General Manager

Toys R Us
06.2001 - 10.2011
  • Demonstrated effective leadership skills, employee motivation techniques, and disciplinary strategies to educate new managers on how to keep workforce performing at peak levels.
  • Leveraged communication, coaching, and feedback skills to deliver highly effective training programs.
  • Managed all associates by completing performance reviews and submitting promotional suggestions to upper-level management.

QSC Coordinator

Boston Market
01.1993 - 01.2001
  • I had direct responsibility for 93 stores in 6 states.
  • Improved team productivity with regular communication and progress updates, fostering a collaborative work environment.
  • conducted audits to insure company standards and policies were in place and adhered to in regards to store conditions, safety and security, p&L reconciliation, local and state laws in food safety and labor standards.

Education

High School Diploma -

Wayne Memorial High School

Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts

William D Ford Vocational/Technical Center

Skills

  • District growth management
  • Team building
  • Staff development
  • Administer finances
  • Performance reviewing
  • Hiring and training
  • Build successful teams

Timeline

Store Manager / Regional SME

Big Lots
06.2021 - 02.2025

District Manager

Family Dollar
03.2013 - 03.2021

General Manager

Family Dollar
10.2011 - 03.2013

Training Store General Manager

Toys R Us
06.2001 - 10.2011

QSC Coordinator

Boston Market
01.1993 - 01.2001

Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts

William D Ford Vocational/Technical Center

High School Diploma -

Wayne Memorial High School

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JAMES A. HARPER