Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Kristen Karwan

Old Bridge,NJ

Summary

Hardworking and passionate job seeker with a desire to obtain a position in the courts to provide quality customer service, strong organizational skills and eager to secure the judiciary clerk position.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience

Work History

Food & Beverage Manager (FBM)

WaWa
09.2021 - 02.2025
  • As Food & Beverage Manager (FBM) I was responsible for managing all aspects of the food service and beverage operation.
  • Developed staff training programs to enhance service skills and increase overall efficiency.
  • Maintained highest standards for beverage quality and service.
  • Organized successful special events that contributed to increased sales figures.
  • Maintained a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for patrons, adhering to strict health code regulations.
  • Managed all orders for the food and beverage department.
  • Managed inventory effectively, reducing waste and optimizing stock levels.
  • managed daily cash procedures including but not limited to cash ordering, filling the safe, logging previous day sales and managing lottery sales as well.
  • Resolved customer complaints involving food or beverage quality and service.

Store Manager

FYE
03.2018 - 09.2021
  • Ensured my team provided excellent customer service.
  • Managed daily operations to ensure smooth functioning of the store, maintaining a clean, safe environment for customers and employees.
  • Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures.
  • Addressed customer complaints promptly and professionally, resolving issues to maintain positive relationships with clientele.
  • Managed store employees successfully in fast-paced environment through proactive communication and positive feedback.
  • Assisted with hiring, training and mentoring new staff members.
  • Managed inventory effectively, reducing waste and optimizing stock levels.
  • consistently reviewing daily cash reports to minimize any shortage.
  • Consistently tracking sales to improve our goals for the week, month and year.


Assistant Store Manager

New York & Company
04.2017 - 03.2018
  • Ensured the service and selling environment within the store was fun and engaging for customers at all times.
  • Assisted in hiring a quality sales team.
  • Assisted in modifying and executing in-store business strategies to drive sales results and achieve individual and store goals in line with Company initiatives.
  • effectively promoted all brand initiatives, including credit, to achieve individual and store goals.
  • Held the team accountable for performance in partnership with the Store Manager to improve key metrics and drive sales.
  • Managed cash registers efficiently, ensuring accurate transactions, balancing drawers daily, and minimizing discrepancies.
  • Managed opening and closing procedures and recommended changes to enhance efficiency of daily activities.
  • Enhanced store appearance for increased sales by maintaining cleanliness and implementing strategic merchandise displays.
  • Rotated merchandise and displays to feature new products and promotions.
  • Assisted the Store Manager in analyzing sales data to identify trends and make informed decisions for improving overall store performance.

Assistant Store Manager

Wilsons Leather
05.2014 - 01.2017
  • Started with Wilsons Leather as an Assistant Store Manager at the Jersey Shore Premium Outlets in May of 2014.
  • July of 2014 became acting Store Manager due to management leaving.
  • October of 2015 was promoted to Store Manager of the Jackson Premium Outlets location which is a volume 3 store.
  • Managed roughly 10 employees and ensured we as a team delivered superior customer service and addressed any customer concerns quick and efficiently.
  • Oversaw all merchandising, floor moves, sign changes, inventory control, hiring and firing and scheduling responsibilities.
  • Walked through store areas to identify and proactively resolve issues negatively impacting operations.
  • Mentored new employees on company policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure their success within the organization.
  • Supervised and evaluated staff to help improve skills, achieve daily objectives, and attain advancement.
  • Fostered a positive work culture by promoting teamwork and recognizing individual achievements among staff members regularly.
  • Processed payments for credit and debit cards and returned proper change for cash transactions.
  • Created and maintained safe and secure work environments for employees.
  • Developed a loyal customer base through personalized interactions, increasing repeat business in-store visits.
  • Responded to customer concerns, working with manager to significantly raise customer satisfaction ratings.
  • Streamlined inventory management with regular audits, accurate ordering, and efficient stock organization.
  • Resolved escalated customer issues effectively leading to improved customer satisfaction rates.
  • Maintained positive customer relationships by responding quickly to customer service inquiries.
  • Provided weekly work schedules to employees to accommodate business demands and vacation requests.
  • Reconciled daily sales transactions to balance and log day-to-day revenue.
  • Interviewed, hired, and trained staff associates and equipped to comply with company policies and procedures.
  • Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives, and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings.
  • Provided support to store manager in budgeting processes, helping maintain financial stability for the business.
  • Increased employee retention, training staff in effective customer service techniques and product knowledge.
  • Implemented loss prevention tactics to deter thefts while maintaining a welcoming environment for all customers.
  • Collaborated with my assistant to develop marketing initiatives that drove traffic and increased brand awareness.
  • Delivered consistent sales growth by identifying opportunities for promotions and cross-selling products to customers.
  • Analyzed customer feedback and implemented strategies to improve customer experience.
  • Verified inventory counts remained within monthly tolerance levels and compiled financial data in compliance with budget.
  • Conducted regular performance evaluations of team members while providing constructive feedback resulting in enhanced productivity levels.
  • Developed and maintained strong relationships with vendors to facilitate timely product delivery.
  • Spearheaded staff recruitment efforts, interviewing candidates for open positions and selecting top talent to join the team.
  • Maximized profits by negotiating better deals with vendors and reducing shrinkage through loss prevention strategies.
  • Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
  • Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
  • Improved store operations by establishing clear communication channels between team members and implementing efficient scheduling practices.
  • Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
  • Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
  • Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
  • Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
  • Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
  • Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
  • Supervised creation of exciting merchandise displays to catch attention of store customers.
  • Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
  • Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
  • Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
  • Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
  • Updated and resolved incidents and managed accessorial charges objectively while maximizing profit.
  • Reduced financial inconsistencies while assessing and verifying billing invoices and expense reports.
  • Tracked trends and suggested enhancements to both challenge and refine company's product offerings.
  • Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue, and effectively targeting new markets.
  • Reduced operational risks while organizing data to forecast performance trends.
  • Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
  • Identified and qualified customer needs and negotiated and closed profitable projects with high success rate.
  • Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
  • Launched staff engagement, gender diversity and cultural programs in addition to robust reporting tool that increased operational quality.
  • Raised property accuracy and accountability by creating new automated tracking method.
  • Reduced budgetary expenditures by effectively negotiating contracts for more advantageous terms.
  • Managed cash registers efficiently, ensuring accurate transactions, balancing drawers daily, and minimizing discrepancies.
  • Managed opening and closing procedures and recommended changes to enhance efficiency of daily activities.

Department Manager

Jos. A. Bank
01.2013 - 05.2014
  • Department Manager consisting of 7 employees ensuring each one is delivering excellent guest service and meeting each customer's needs.
  • Oversaw inventory management processes, maintaining optimal stock levels while minimizing waste and losses due to shrinkage or obsolescence.
  • Improved customer satisfaction rates through attentive service, prompt issue resolution, and continuous process improvements.
  • Maintained a professional work environment by addressing conflicts proactively and fostering open communication among staff members.
  • Established clear performance expectations for staff members which led to increased accountability.
  • Evaluated employee performance fairly and accurately, rewarding hard work while addressing areas needing improvement.
  • Implemented cross-training initiatives for employees, increasing overall departmental knowledge and versatility.
  • Enhanced department efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing time-saving strategies.
  • Optimized scheduling practices to ensure adequate staffing during peak business hours without sacrificing employee satisfaction or budgetary constraints.
  • Led a team of professionals to consistently achieve or exceed performance targets.
  • Developed strong relationships with suppliers, securing better deals and ensuring timely deliveries.
  • Advised upper management on key decisions based on thorough analysis of sales trends, market conditions, and competitor activities.
  • Contributed to the creation of long-term strategic plans that aligned with the company''s overall vision and goals.
  • Increased productivity by identifying bottlenecks and implementing targeted solutions.
  • Increased customer satisfaction with proactive issue resolution strategies.
  • Fostered culture of continuous improvement, leading to notable enhancements in staff performance and morale.
  • Championed customer-first approach, significantly enhancing customer experience and loyalty.
  • Developed and executed innovative promotions, driving increased foot traffic and sales.
  • Streamlined inventory management processes, resulting in more efficient replenishment system and reduced stock shortages.
  • Analyzed sales data to identify opportunities for growth and areas for improvement, informing strategic direction.
  • Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
  • Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.

Clerical Assistant

Kelly Temporary Agency
07.2012 - 11.2012
  • Performed temporary clerical for a variety of companies.
  • Typed correspondence
  • Processed mail
  • Sent e-mails
  • Filed documents
  • Faxed documents
  • Managed Calendars
  • Prioritized daily tasks effectively to meet deadlines consistently without compromising quality or detail.
  • Responded to inquiries from callers seeking information.
  • Provided clerical support to company employees by copying, faxing, and filing documents.
  • Ensured accuracy in data entry tasks, resulting in improved record-keeping and reduced errors.

Manager of Guest Experience

Target
07.2006 - 07.2012
  • Manager of Guest Experience, which consists of 60 employees spread out between the areas of Guest Service, Cashiers, Cart Attendants and Target Cafe.
  • Played an active role in resolving guest complaints, leading to increased satisfaction scores and positive feedback from guests.
  • Trained new team members on best practices in delivering outstanding customer service in a fast-paced environment.
  • Enhanced guest satisfaction by attentively addressing their needs and promptly resolving any issues.
  • Remedied issues quickly and effectively through active listening, conflict resolution, and dynamic communication skills.
  • Conducted regular inspections of public areas to ensure cleanliness, safety, and overall guest satisfaction.
  • Complied with all company policies and procedures related to guest privacy, security, and overall comfort.
  • Investigated guest challenges and sources of dissatisfaction to offer timely resolution.
  • Maintained focus during busy times and delegated tasks to employees to keep business running smoothly.
  • Implemented daily operating procedures to keep store clean, adequately stocked, and well-organized.
  • Volunteered for extra shifts during holidays and other busy periods to alleviate staffing shortages.
  • Effectively allocated tasks during high-traffic times to keep operations running smoothly and employees focused.
  • Educated staff on strategies for handling difficult customers and challenging situations.
  • Marked-down clearance items and relocated merchandise to proper store areas.
  • Trained newly hired sales team in upselling techniques.
  • Examined incoming inventory, merchandised shelves and prevented shrinkage.
  • Mentored new sales associates to contribute to store's positive culture.
  • Researched issues to obtain appropriate answers to customer inquiries.
  • Kept close eye on department employees and customers to assess theft risks and maintain loss prevention goals.
  • Decreased inventory shrinkage, drive-off and daily cash discrepancies by closely monitoring daily operations.
  • Submitted reports to senior management to aid in business decision-making and planning.
  • Set and updated weekly work schedules to meet coverage demands by considering factors like expected customer levels, planned promotions and individual employee strengths.

Manager of Table Linens, Domestics, and Furniture

Fortunoff
01.2002 - 01.2006
  • Manager of Table Linens, Domestics, and Furniture which included floor displays for each of these departments.
  • Assisted also with extensive consultation in bridal department. This included the development and production of bridal shows in my primary store as well as other venues in New Jersey and New York City.
  • Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
  • Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
  • Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
  • Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
  • Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
  • Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
  • Developed a strong company culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities.
  • Improved safety procedures to create safe working conditions for workers.
  • Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics.
  • Built high-performing teams through effective recruitment, onboarding, and talent development initiatives.
  • Improved marketing to attract new customers and promote business.
  • Mentored junior team members for career advancement, fostering a pipeline of future leaders within the organization.
  • Oversaw inventory management, optimizing stock levels, and reducing waste.
  • Boosted employee morale and reduced turnover through development and implementation of comprehensive rewards and recognition program.
  • Improved customer satisfaction scores by overhauling customer service protocols and training staff in customer engagement techniques.
  • Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
  • Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
  • Improved staffing during busy periods by creating employee schedules and monitoring call-outs.

Education

Graphic Design

duCret School of Art
01.2011

Skills

  • Food and beverage operations
  • Cost control
  • Ordering supplies
  • Customer service
  • Inventory management
  • Employee performance evaluations
  • Scheduling
  • Team leadership
  • Coaching and mentoring
  • Customer satisfaction
  • Delegating assignments and tasks
  • Recruitment and hiring
  • Time management

Timeline

Food & Beverage Manager (FBM)

WaWa
09.2021 - 02.2025

Store Manager

FYE
03.2018 - 09.2021

Assistant Store Manager

New York & Company
04.2017 - 03.2018

Assistant Store Manager

Wilsons Leather
05.2014 - 01.2017

Department Manager

Jos. A. Bank
01.2013 - 05.2014

Clerical Assistant

Kelly Temporary Agency
07.2012 - 11.2012

Manager of Guest Experience

Target
07.2006 - 07.2012

Manager of Table Linens, Domestics, and Furniture

Fortunoff
01.2002 - 01.2006

Graphic Design

duCret School of Art
Kristen Karwan