Jillian Rivera
Raleigh,NC
Summary
Army Veteran and Store Manager with a proven track record in retail excellence. Expertise in Human Resources, customer engagement, and team leadership. Demonstrated success in inventory management, process optimization, and new store openings. Results-driven professional with a history of exceeding performance targets in dynamic environments.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Store Director
Sephora
10.2024 - Current
- Fostered a positive work environment by promoting employee engagement and development initiatives.
- Managed the store budget, optimizing expenditures while enhancing service quality and product offerings.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations and provided constructive feedback to enhance team productivity.
- Developed and executed loss prevention strategies, achieving a reduction in theft incidents by 9%.
- Developed and implemented strategic plans for store operations, resulting in a 15% increase in overall sales year-over-year.
- Developed and implemented strategic plans for store operations, resulting in a 15% increase in overall sales year-over-year.
- Developed and implemented strategic plans for store operations, resulting in a 15% increase in overall sales year-over-year.
- Developed and implemented strategic plans for store operations, resulting in an 5% increase in sales.
- Facilitated employee onboarding and orientation programs, enhancing new hire engagement and retention rates.
- Managed employee relations by addressing concerns and resolving conflicts, fostering a positive workplace culture.
- Utilized HRIS software to streamline payroll processing and maintain accurate employee records, improving efficiency.
- Led initiatives to enhance employee engagement and satisfaction, resulting in an 10% improvement in employee survey scores.
Store Manager
World Market
03.2023 - 09.2024
- Drove Sales Performance: Increased sales within the first 90 days to exceed goals by +13.2% YTD, demonstrating strong leadership and execution.
- Launched Credit Card Program: Successfully rolled out a new store credit card, training leaders and associates on effective selling techniques and benefit communication.
- Built a Culture of Accountability: Set clear performance expectations and implemented consistent coaching and follow-up to drive individual and team success.
- Optimized Scheduling: Created and adjusted department schedules in alignment with payroll projections, guest traffic patterns, and business needs.
- Led Visual & Operational Excellence: Planned and executed all merchandising and pricing initiatives, including visual schematics, revisions, sampling, and promotions.
- Enhanced Customer Experience: Resolved customer concerns promptly and professionally, maintaining high satisfaction and retention.
- Developed High-Performing Teams: Managed and motivated employees in a fast-paced environment through proactive communication, recognition, and continuous feedback.
Executive Team Leader
Target
10.2019 - 03.2023
- As ETL - HR
- Provided comprehensive HR support for 250+ employees, ensuring compliance with labor laws, payroll standards, and company policies.
- Managed and developed a team of 3 HR professionals, fostering collaboration and continuous growth.
- Oversaw leave and disability management, legal compliance, and statutory reporting to maintain accuracy and mitigate risk.
- Partnered with managers to create and implement Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) and coached leaders on best HR practices.
- Served as primary point of contact for employee relations, addressing grievances and ensuring fair, timely resolutions.
- Led communication efforts between management and HR, strengthening transparency and trust across all levels.
- Drove employee engagement initiatives that boosted morale, productivity, and retention.
- Directed staffing and onboarding processes across all store departments, ensuring alignment with operational needs and company standards.
- As ETL - SS
- Led sales performance across Electronics, Ulta Beauty, Apparel, Accessories, and Home categories.
- Created a guest-obsessed culture by hiring and developing top talent, inspiring exceptional service and brand loyalty.
- Managed 5 departments’ scheduling in alignment with payroll budgets, labor standards, and business trends.
- Planned and executed merchandising and pricing strategies including transitions, revisions, sales plans, sampling, and promotions.
- Utilized guest insights and feedback to drive business growth and strengthen Target’s position as a destination retailer.
- Built specialty consultant teams with deep expertise in Beauty, Apparel, and Electronics.
- Trained a new Visual Merchandiser and coached business owners to create visually compelling, trend-aligned displays across key categories.
- Oversaw inventory flow and backroom operations to ensure timely replenishment and product availability.
- Coached and developed team members and team leaders, enhancing skills in selling, visuals, and leadership.
- Oversaw the Target x Ulta Beauty collaboration and managed the new construction phase of the Ulta department.
- Recruited and onboarded 6 beauty-savvy associates and 1 Beauty Team Leader for Ulta x Target.
- Supervised 50+ direct employees and 4 leaders; served as Leader on Duty (LOD) overseeing up to 300 team members statewide.
- Established a culture of accountability through clear expectations, consistent feedback, and performance management.
Store Manager
Victoria's Secret
07.2018 - 11.2019
- Led a high-performing team of 33 associates, 5 full-time department managers, and 1 part-time beauty manager to achieve and exceed operational goals.
- Implemented guest-focused sales strategies that increased conversion from 23.6% to 28.9% within the first three months in role.
- Reduced shrink by 5% after the first inventory cycle through enhanced asset protection awareness and procedural accountability.
- Passed all Asset Protection (AP) assessments by introducing and reinforcing new compliance processes and store-level training.
- Recruited, hired, and trained all new associates on advanced selling techniques, creating a culture centered on exceptional service and brand advocacy.
- Developed visual floor maps and executed premium merchandising standards that elevated the guest experience and drove sales.
- Created and optimized staff schedules to align with business demands and ensure efficient truck processing and floor coverage.
- Conducted regular performance reviews with constructive coaching and personalized development plans for growth and retention.
- Maximized sales and minimized shrink through service excellence, operational precision, and adherence to company best practices.
Store Manager
Rue21
07.2015 - 04.2018
- Successfully opened a new store location featuring the brand’s first Rue21 Plus Size concept, establishing operations and building a high-performing team from the ground up.
- Directed and supervised employees in sales, inventory management, and customer service, ensuring consistent adherence to company standards.
- Planned and managed work schedules, payroll, and timecards, optimizing coverage and compliance with labor policies.
- Partnered with corporate and regional leadership to develop strategies that increased sales, expanded customer reach, and elevated brand presence.
- Managed employee lifecycle processes including hiring, training, promotion, and termination in alignment with company guidelines.
- Designed and implemented employee motivation programs and sales contests to drive engagement and results.
- Served as District Trainer, traveling to multiple store locations to onboard new managers, reset backrooms, and teach company visual and operational standards.
- Analyzed sales and marketing data to create targeted, actionable plans that improved store performance and profitability.
Store Manager
Batteries Plus Bulbs
05.2010 - 07.2015
- Began as a Part-Time Associate in 2015 and earned promotion to Assistant Store Manager within six months; advanced to Store Manager after completing Level 1 and Level 2 Leadership Programs.
- Conducted weekly inventory counts and investigated discrepancies to maintain accurate stock levels and minimize loss.
- Created and maintained efficient store schedules aligned with traffic forecasts, staff capabilities, and service needs.
- Managed product ordering and replenishment, ensuring full floor presentation while staying within budget constraints.
- Oversaw the launch of the in-store device repair program, including the hiring, training, and certification of repair technicians.
- Managed warranty programs, resolved customer concerns, and maintained high satisfaction standards.
- Handled vendor relations, including timely invoice payments, receipt tracking, and documentation accuracy.
- Administered B2B customer accounts, preparing and sending monthly statements and managing collections.
- Controlled store financial operations, including budgeting, expense management, and payroll, ensuring strong cost control and profitability.
Petroleum Supply Specialist
United States Army
07.2004 - 08.2013
- Supervised the reception, storage, distribution, and shipment of fuel and petroleum products to support mission operations.
- Operated and maintained material handling equipment including forklifts, pallet jacks, and cherry pickers to ensure efficient logistics flow.
- Monitored and regulated temperature, pressure, and flow variables to maintain safety and product quality.
- Conducted fuel testing and handled hazardous materials in accordance with strict military and environmental standards.
- Maintained accurate, real-time documentation of all petroleum transactions, inventory movements, and safety checks.
- Performed equipment inspections, preventive maintenance, and minor repairs to ensure operational readiness.
- Identified and mitigated safety hazards during production and fueling operations to protect personnel and assets.
- Handled and transported bulk and packaged fuel for vehicles and aircraft, supporting both routine operations and field missions.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Business Administration And Management
Fayetteville Technical Community College
Fayetteville, NCSkills
- ADP, UKG, and Workday expertise
- Conflict management skills
- Human resources oversight
- Kronos time tracking systems
- Microsoft Office applications
- Business analytical skills
- Performance assessment strategies
- Benefits administration practices
- Succession planning
- Talent acquisition expertise
- Workers' compensation regulations understanding
- Employee relations strategies
Certification
- Forklift Certification
- Food Handler Certification
- Professional In Human Resources
- ServSafe
Links
linkedin.com/in/jillianrivera0711
Timeline
Store Director
Sephora
10.2024 - Current
Store Manager
World Market
03.2023 - 09.2024
Executive Team Leader
Target
10.2019 - 03.2023
Store Manager
Victoria's Secret
07.2018 - 11.2019
Store Manager
Rue21
07.2015 - 04.2018
Store Manager
Batteries Plus Bulbs
05.2010 - 07.2015
Petroleum Supply Specialist
United States Army
07.2004 - 08.2013
Associate of Applied Science - Business Administration And Management
Fayetteville Technical Community College