Jennifer Blankenship
Lockport,IL
Summary
Results-driven General Manager with expertise in operations management and team development. Proven ability to enhance customer satisfaction and drive sales growth through effective training and strategic planning.
Overview
1
1
Certification
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Pete's Fresh Market
Lemont, IL
06.2019 - Current
- Directed daily operations to optimize store efficiency and improve customer satisfaction.
- Implemented inventory management systems to reduce waste and enhance product availability.
- Developed employee training programs to elevate service standards and operational knowledge.
- Led strategic planning initiatives to expand market presence and drive sales growth.
- Fostered a collaborative team environment, mentoring staff for professional development and performance improvement.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends, inform decision-making, and adjust business strategies accordingly.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
District Merchandising Manager
Macy's
Bolingbrook, IL
10.2010 - 05.2019
- Developed and executed merchandising strategies to enhance product presentation and drive sales growth.
- Analyzed market trends and customer preferences to optimize inventory management and assortment planning.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to implement promotional events and visual merchandising standards.
- Trained and mentored team members on best practices in merchandising and customer engagement techniques.
- Oversaw regional merchandising initiatives, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and brand standards.
- Conducted regular store visits to assess compliance with visual merchandising guidelines and address discrepancies.
- Utilized data analytics tools to evaluate performance metrics, informing adjustments to merchandise displays and layouts.
- Addressed underperforming stores by identifying areas of opportunity and implementing corrective action plans in collaboration with store management teams.
- Championed the adoption of new technologies and tools to streamline merchandising processes, create efficiencies, and foster a culture of continuous improvement within the district.
- Conducted regular store visits to assess compliance with merchandising guidelines and provide feedback to store management teams.
- Collaborated with corporate teams to ensure consistent execution of company-wide merchandising initiatives within the district.
- Developed strong relationships with store managers to foster collaboration and improve overall store performance.
District Manager
Carson Pirie Scott & Co
Chicago, IL
10.1992 - 09.2009
- Directed district operations, ensuring alignment with corporate policies and standards.
- Managed store performance, implementing strategies to enhance sales and customer satisfaction.
- Led workforce development initiatives, mentoring managers to improve team effectiveness and engagement.
- Analyzed market trends and competitor activities to inform strategic planning and operational adjustments.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive promotional events that increased foot traffic and revenue.
- Developed training programs for staff, enhancing product knowledge and service delivery across the district.
- Monitored financial performance metrics, identifying opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
- Supervised various locations, enforcing high-quality standards of operation.
- Oversaw successful store openings, coordinating logistics, staffing, training, and promotional efforts to ensure smooth transitions for new locations.
- Evaluated store performance regularly using data analysis tools to identify areas of improvement and implement targeted action plans for continuous growth.
- Collaborated with senior management on strategic planning initiatives aimed at maximizing profitability while maintaining high standards of quality across the district.
- Analyzed sales data to identify growth opportunities and areas for improvement across district.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction, conducting regular store visits to ensure compliance with service standards.
Education
J. Sterling Morton Jr College
Cicero, ILSkills
- Leadership and team building
- Problem resolution
- Operations management
- Team player
- Efficient multi-tasker
- Training and coaching
- Customer relations
- Training and development
- Inventory control
- Goal setting
- Employee scheduling
- Client relations
- Community outreach
Certification
- ServSafe Certification - 03/10/2023-03/10/2028
Timeline
General Manager
Pete's Fresh Market
06.2019 - Current
District Merchandising Manager
Macy's
10.2010 - 05.2019
District Manager
Carson Pirie Scott & Co
10.1992 - 09.2009
J. Sterling Morton Jr College