John Zitko
Castle Rock
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented retail professional with a proven track record of leading and motivating teams to consistently exceed productivity standards. Exceptional ability to balance strategic vision with attention to detail, ensuring overarching goals and daily operations are effectively managed. Highly adaptable to change, maintaining a positive attitude while quickly mastering new concepts and processes. Eager to contribute to a vibrant, customer-focused team and drive success through collaboration and innovation.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Multi-unit Store Manager
Aeropostale
08.2022 - 08.2025
- Train, coach, and lead team members to exceed productivity standards.
- Provide assistance as needed to customers and associates.
- Interview, hire, and terminate associates; conduct productive walk-throughs and address issues.
- Write and review performance appraisals with associates; set clear expectations.
- Exceed sales metrics; create individual training and development plans.
- Manage payroll, scheduling, merchandising, and price changes.
District Manager
Dollar Tree
11.2020 - 08.2022
- Train, coach, and lead team members to exceed productivity standards; managed the #1 and #5 stores in the company.
- Onboard new managers and serve as the training manager for the region; oversaw up to 200 direct reports; reset and redesigned stores.
- Provide assistance as needed to customers and associates.
- Interview, hire, and terminate associates; conduct productive walk-throughs and address issues.
- Write and review performance appraisals with associates; set clear expectations.
- Exceed sales metrics; create individual training and development plans.
- Manage payroll, scheduling, merchandising, and price changes.
- Exceeding retail expectations managed up to 12 stores at a time.
District Manager
Van Heusen
08.2018 - 11.2020
- Train, coach, and lead team members to exceed productivity standards; managed the #1, #3, #5, and #10 stores in the company.
- Onboard new managers and serve as the training/merchandising manager for the region; oversaw up to 200 direct reports; reset and redesigned stores.
- Provide assistance as needed to customers and associates.
- Interview, hire, and terminate associates; conduct productive walk-throughs and address issues.
- Write and review performance appraisals with associates; set clear expectations.
- Exceed sales metrics; create individual training and development plans.
- Manage payroll, scheduling, merchandising, and price changes.
- Known as the 'fixer;' managed up to 18 stores at a time.
Assistant Manager
Safeway
11.2017 - 08.2018
- Train, coach, and lead team members to exceed productivity standards.
- Onboard new managers and serve as the training manager for the region.
- Provide assistance as needed to customers and associates.
- Interview, hire, and terminate associates; conduct productive walk-throughs and address issues.
- Write and review performance appraisals with associates; set clear expectations.
- Exceed sales metrics; create individual training and development plans.
- Manage payroll, scheduling, merchandising, and price changes.
Assistant Manager
Kohl's
06.2013 - 08.2017
- Train, coach, and lead team members to exceed productivity standards.
- Onboard new managers.
- Provide assistance as needed to customers and associates.
- Interview, hire, and terminate associates; conduct productive walk-throughs and address issues.
- Write and review performance appraisals with associates; set clear expectations.
- Exceed sales metrics; create individual training and development plans.
- Manage payroll, scheduling, merchandising, and price changes.
Assistant Manager/Area Merchandiser
Old Navy
06.2005 - 06.2013
- Train, coach, and lead team members to exceed productivity standards.
- Onboard new managers and serve as the training manager for the region; reset and redesigned stores.
- Provide assistance as needed to customers and associates.
- Interview, hire, and terminate associates; conduct productive walk-throughs and address issues.
- Write and review performance appraisals with associates; set clear expectations.
- Exceed sales metrics; create individual training and development plans.
- Manage payroll, scheduling, merchandising, and price changes.
- Merchandising manager for the region
Education
High School Diploma -
Broken Arrow Senior High
Broken Arrow, OK06-1998
Skills
- Operational efficiency
- Store layout
- Performance analysis
- Budgeting expertise
- Employee engagement
- Store operations
- Recruitment and hiring
- Merchandising
- Employee scheduling
- Merchandise planning
- Teamwork
- Customer service
- Problem-solving
- Customer relations
Timeline
Multi-unit Store Manager
Aeropostale
08.2022 - 08.2025
District Manager
Dollar Tree
11.2020 - 08.2022
District Manager
Van Heusen
08.2018 - 11.2020
Assistant Manager
Safeway
11.2017 - 08.2018
Assistant Manager
Kohl's
06.2013 - 08.2017
Assistant Manager/Area Merchandiser
Old Navy
06.2005 - 06.2013
High School Diploma -
Broken Arrow Senior High