Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
References
Timeline
Generic
JENNIFER FRANCES OBSZANSKI

JENNIFER FRANCES OBSZANSKI

Chicago,IL

Summary

Dynamic professional with a proven track record, excelling in visual merchandising and relationship management. Adept at employee coaching and fostering teamwork, ensuring exceptional customer service and operational excellence in various retail environments.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Chicago Manager

Blu Dot
Chicago, IL
02.2019 - Current
  • Trains new Store Managers, providing essential resources and support for team members across Design Sales, Trade and Contract, Store Management, Brand Environment, and Operational channels.
  • Manages a high-volume showroom that consistently shows growth in business across all channels. Establishes best practices for showrooms in operations and customer service across the company.
  • Executed in-person, biannual floor sets across multiple showrooms throughout the country. Taking initiative to elevate showroom standards to align with the company's aesthetic.
  • Enhanced marketing efforts through support of sales, event planning, direct mail campaigns, and outreach activities.
  • Mentors team members across regions, serving as a supportive and knowledgeable resource.
  • Executed comprehensive planning and hands-on coordination for annual Neocon boat event in Chicago.
    Directed on-site styling and floral arrangements to align with company vision.

Midwest Event & Marketing Manager

Madewell
Chicago, IL
09.2016 - 02.2019
  • Implemented effective event coordination and strategic marketing techniques, leading to improved sales performance and higher customer turnout at each of the 16 stores.
  • Scouted potential partnership opportunities by locating talented individuals and unique products that embody the essence of Madewell
  • Successfully tracked and documented all event data in the Midwest, ensuring optimal financial performance.
  • Successfully drove the growth of event business by exceeding targets and achieving an impressive rise of 55% in 2017 compared to the prior year, while also demonstrating exceptional achievement with a remarkable surge of 69% since 2015.
  • Served as a reliable point of contact, guiding vendors through all aspects of event preparation and execution

COMMUNITY STORE MANAGER & Social Media Manager of @UOChicago

Urban Outfitters
Chicago, IL
11.2012 - 09.2016
  • Assumed responsibility as both Visual and Social Media Manager, overseeing @UOchicago Instagram. Orchestrated photo shoot logistics and developed captivating content.
  • Led innovative concepts for window styling and display, contributing to improved store aesthetics. Successfully managed the floor set process by utilizing strategic planning and delegation skills. Improved overall efficiency and execution of tasks.
  • Assumed leadership role while supervising team, mentoring community members, managing store operations, and providing visual support for district stores.
  • Sourced display materials, successfully executed and installed them. Published merchandising innovations to Urban corporate.
  • Planned seasonal changes in store layouts, including decorations, props and other visuals.

ASSISTANT STORE MANAGER

Topshop
Chicago, IL
05.2011 - 11.2012
  • Recruited, interviewed, trained, and developed employees while overseeing merchandising, buying, and inventory management
  • Managed 350+ employees and oversaw operations in a $30M retail environment spanning across four levels.
  • Managed buying activities and coordinated package development initiatives in collaboration with DCK and Office Shoes. Communicated daily with UK buyers to optimize stock packaging strategies. Led teams for Personal Shopping services, shoe department operations, stockroom organization, and product management.
  • Effectively executed HR responsibilities by overseeing 1200+ interviews, delivering comprehensive training initiatives, and nurturing both new and current team members to prioritize customer satisfaction.

Freelance Makeup Artist

MAC Cosmetics
Chicago, IL
06.2007 - 12.2011
  • Collaborated with hairstylists, photographers, costume designers, models, and other professionals in the industry.
  • Created custom looks for special events, such as weddings, proms, and photo shoots.
  • Provided personalized advice to customers regarding the selection of products appropriate for their needs.

Assistant Store Manager

H&M Hennes & Mauritz
Chicago, IL
04.2007 - 05.2011
  • Provided specialized expertise in recruiting and employee development initiatives. Traveled extensively within the district to coach management teams.
  • Oversaw the merchandising efforts, including creative installations, for malls and street level stores.
  • Demonstrated talent in retail and operations management by efficiently overseeing the day-to-day activities of a $45M store with a staff exceeding 300 employees.

Skills

  • Visual merchandising and design
  • Relationship management
  • Budgeting and forecasting
  • Sales strategy and customer service
  • Employee coaching and training
  • Brand alignment and image
  • Merchandising plan development
  • Standards development
  • Space planning and mapping
  • Interior and exterior displays
  • Creative direction
  • Event planning and execution
  • Inventory management
  • Customer engagement strategies
  • Team leadership and collaboration

References

REFERENCES References are available on request.

Timeline

Chicago Manager

Blu Dot
02.2019 - Current

Midwest Event & Marketing Manager

Madewell
09.2016 - 02.2019

COMMUNITY STORE MANAGER & Social Media Manager of @UOChicago

Urban Outfitters
11.2012 - 09.2016

ASSISTANT STORE MANAGER

Topshop
05.2011 - 11.2012

Freelance Makeup Artist

MAC Cosmetics
06.2007 - 12.2011

Assistant Store Manager

H&M Hennes & Mauritz
04.2007 - 05.2011
JENNIFER FRANCES OBSZANSKI