Katie Benner
Shawnee,KS
Summary
Encouraging manager and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Design Studio Manager
HNI Workplace Furnishings
Muscatine, IA
02.2022 - Current
- Was instrumental in successful merger of multiple teams of different brands into one Design Studio after large-scale HNI re-organization. Zero attrition after first 6 months.
- With limited guidance and direction, created and implemented new Design team overseas including all onboarding schedules and documents, structure, KPI goals, processes and member development.
- Collaborated on Competency Framework creation for design teams globally.
- Developed strategies to improve and maintain unification across US and global teams with emphasis on DEI goals.
- Created and executed strategies to drive incremental sales by developing and aggressively marketing industry leading value-added services, including but not limited to HNI Workplace Furnishings design and specifications.
- Streamlined processes improving efficiency and driving customer satisfaction.
- Leveraged data and analytics to make informed decisions and drive business improvements.
- Improved department SLA and efficiency by creating, implementing and training on project management and workload planning process for team that completes in excess of 10,000 projects per year.
- Successfully managed multiple teams with conflicting priorities while improving customer satisfaction and driving process improvements for all.
- Drives change by evaluating methodologies, tools and templates at team and enterprise level.
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work. Provided developmental and stretch opportunities as well as constructive feedback.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Created onboarding process for new employees with training and new hire documentation.
- Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
Design Services Manager
Maxon Furniture Inc.
Muscatine, IA
06.2016 - 02.2022
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented training and mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
- Developed department processes and procedures to boost customer satisfaction and team efficiency.
- Monitored team performance, adhered to service level agreements (SLAs) and provided detailed job training.
- Maintained team productivity and quality of service by establishing and maintaining clear benchmarks.
- Coordinated with Marketing and Sales teams to drive sales and brand visibility.
- Pitched, planned, collaborated with developers, trained, tested and implemented Maxon's CET extension growing market share and brand positioning while also improving efficiency and quality of Design Services.
- Met with customers to discuss service needs and offer available solutions.
- Developed detailed plans based on broad guidance and direction.
Interior Designer
The HON Company
Muscatine, IA
10.2013 - 06.2016
- Designed floor plans, elevations, 3D perspective views, and renderings for review and presentation.
- Applies product knowledge, offers creative design solutions while providing furniture layouts and specifications.
- Utilized strong knowledge in commercial furniture industry and excellent communication skills to manage and meet tight deadlines while working in high pressure environment.
- Confidently made independent design and specification decisions. Relayed ideas and designs effectively in articulate, professional manner.
CAD Designer / Specifier
Midwest Office Interiors, Inc.
Woodridge, IL
10.2006 - 10.2013
- Instrumental in helping Allsteel dealership achieve its aggressive sales and growth goals as integral member of design team by supporting various levels of customer engagements including RFP responses, on-going corporate accounts, and day-to-day business.
- Involved in all phases of various projects from conception through punch-list. Responsible for systems furniture specifications, obtaining field measurements, space planning, preparing proposal documents, renderings, color boards and installation drawings for multiple projects ranging in scope and size.
- Worked closely with sales team during strategic development, product selection and client presentations.
- Well versed at listening and interpreting client needs and developing creative solutions.
Retail Sales Specialist
Marshall Field's
Chicago, IL
09.2004 - 10.2006
- Delivered in-depth information on product features so customers could make educated decisions before purchase.
- Informed customers of current store promotions to encourage additional sales purchases.
- Increased sales and customer satisfaction through personalized servicing.
- Trained new associates on cash register operations, conducting customer transactions, and balancing drawer.
Dining Room Manager
Plum Landing Retirement Community
Aurora, IL
09.1997 - 09.2004
- Managed staff in all service aspects in formal dining setting and designed and implemented special events for this elite retirement community.
- Developed and maintained financial spreadsheets dealing with labor and resident meal counts resulting in department cost reduction and bottom-line savings to corporate budget.
- Created new employee policies which promoted morale and productivity and lowered employee turn-over.
- Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
- Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
- Responded to dietary concerns and food allergies, creating dishes to meet customer needs and palates.
- Coordinated employee schedules and developed staff teams to boost productivity.
- Assisted with menu development and planning.
- Prepared meals from scratch using authentic, popular recipes to improve resident experience.
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Interior Design
International Academy of Design And Technology
Chicago, IL06.2006
Skills
- CET
- 2020 CAP / Giza
- AutoCAD
- Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Adobe Systems Adobe Creative Cloud
- Workflow Processes
- Training Initiatives
- Continuous Improvement Process
- Timely Project Completion
- Project Leadership
- Commercial Projects
- Employee Coaching and Mentoring
Timeline
Design Studio Manager
HNI Workplace Furnishings
02.2022 - Current
Design Services Manager
Maxon Furniture Inc.
06.2016 - 02.2022
Interior Designer
The HON Company
10.2013 - 06.2016
CAD Designer / Specifier
Midwest Office Interiors, Inc.
10.2006 - 10.2013
Retail Sales Specialist
Marshall Field's
09.2004 - 10.2006
Dining Room Manager
Plum Landing Retirement Community
09.1997 - 09.2004
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Interior Design
International Academy of Design And Technology