Josiah Stephens
Bowling Green
Summary
Diligent results-driven leader with over a decade of experience spanning production management, human resources, and sales. Currently serving as an Embroidery Production Manager at BlueCotton, I lead cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality output, optimize workflows, and foster a positive and productive workplace culture. My background includes successful roles in business development and marketing, retail management and HR consulting. Throughout these roles I specialized in full-cycle recruiting, client relationship management, compliance, leader development and team management. With strong communication skills, a collaborative mindset, and a passion for continuous improvement, I thrive in dynamic environments where people and processes intersect.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Embroidery Production Manager
BlueCotton
Bowling Green, Kentucky
04.2024 - Current
- Lead a team to meet and exceed production metrics, ensuring timely and high-quality output.
- Monitor and evaluate employee performance, providing regular feedback, coaching and support to drive continuous improvement.
- Address and resolve employee concerns, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
- Analyze production workflows and identify opportunities for process optimization and cost reduction.
- Coordinate with other departments to align production goals with overall organizational objectives.
- Spearhead continuous process improvements by identifying inefficiencies and implementing innovative solutions.
- Oversee quality control efforts, maintaining strict adherence to industry standards and regulatory requirements while achieving high levels of customer satisfaction.
Business Development Coordinator
B. Stephens HR Consulting
Bowling Green, Kentucky, United States
12.2021 - 01.2024
- Led recruiting campaigns through various platforms in alignment to client needs
- Spearheaded recruitment efforts, including sourcing, screening, and interviewing candidates for diverse roles across industries
- Partnered with hiring managers to define role requirements and develop targeted recruitment strategies
- Managed applicant tracking systems to streamline the recruitment process and improve candidate experience
- Developed and maintained talent pipelines for high-demand roles, reducing time-to-fill metrics.
- Provided end-to-end HR support, including employee relations, compliance audits, and training program development.
Merchandising Manager
Costco Wholesale
Albany, OR
10.2019 - 12.2021
- Trained and supervised merchandising team members in best practices, improving overall performance
- Implemented innovative visual displays that captured attention and boosted sales significantly
- Evaluated merchandise assortment regularly to ensure alignment with consumer preferences and demands
- Increased sales by developing and implementing successful merchandising strategies
- Managed inventory levels effectively to minimize stock shortages and overstocks
- Designed displays to deliver interactive, engaging, and memorable store experiences for shoppers
- Established monthly goals and communicated performance expectations during team meetings to optimize sales
- Analyzed performance metrics to make informed decisions regarding pricing strategies and markdowns
Inside/Outside Sales Manager
Costco Wholesale
Albany, Oregon, United States
03.2014 - 10.2019
- Oversaw team of 60+ employees to achieve sales increase metrics for multiple departments
- Planned and executed warehouse-wide inventory resulting in manageable shrink at less than .05%
- Managed safety programs to maintain 100% compliance with state and federal requirements
- Resolved customer issues and escalated customer complaints
- Led outside marketing team to achieve top rankings in region for YOY sales growth in sales campaigns
- Trained staff on how to close sales in field
- Conducted regular performance evaluations for team members, providing constructive feedback and support for improvement
- Collaborated with marketing teams to develop promotional materials that effectively conveyed product value
Education
Associate of Arts - Art History
Linn Benton Community College
Albany, OR05.2009
Skills
- Team recruiting and hiring
- Problem-solving abilities
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Strong Communication
- Team development
- Project management
- Strategic planning
- Performance evaluation
Timeline
Embroidery Production Manager
BlueCotton
04.2024 - Current
Business Development Coordinator
B. Stephens HR Consulting
12.2021 - 01.2024
Merchandising Manager
Costco Wholesale
10.2019 - 12.2021
Inside/Outside Sales Manager
Costco Wholesale
03.2014 - 10.2019
Associate of Arts - Art History
Linn Benton Community College