Laura Edwards
Nokesville,VA
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record of driving high-volume operations and enhancing team morale. Adept in customer engagement and P&L management, consistently achieving top regional employee satisfaction scores while implementing innovative strategies to boost revenue. Skilled in training and coaching, fostering high-performing teams to consistently exceed business goals.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Store Leader
Whole Foods Market
01.2018 - 01.2023
- Led store teams across multiple $1M+ locations in Fairfax and Loudoun Counties, overseeing sales, staffing, payroll, merchandising, inventory, and vendor relations while fostering high team morale
- Collaborated with Amazon to design a customer delivery program during COVID, scaling it into a multi-million-dollar operation
- Boosted front-end product revenue 5% by restructuring cashier setups
- Achieved top regional employee retention and satisfaction scores through hiring, development, and employee appreciation initiatives
Manager, In-Store Experience
The Vitamin Shoppe
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Directed customer experience for 50 redesigned locations, developing engagement protocols and launching pilot programs to drive sales and loyalty
- Created a company-wide engagement model that increased conversion, basket size, and loyalty sign-ups
- Grew loyalty program enrollment 4% through innovative acquisition strategies and contests
- Piloted in-store workshops and consultations, lifting basket size 7% and trip frequency 3.4%
Market Manager
The Vitamin Shoppe
01.2010 - 01.2015
- Managed six stores in Northern Virginia, overseeing operations, customer service, budgeting, and training to improve key performance metrics
- Elevated two underperforming stores from bottom five to top five in the region within six months
- Consistently improved sales, average transaction value, and loyalty sign-ups across all stores
- Reduced turnover and earned regional recognition for highest internal promotion rate
(ACTING) Regional Operations Manager
H.E.B.
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Selected to lead a pilot operation for 18 business centers in Corpus Christi TX, revamping operations and driving sales growth
- Restructured departments, implemented leadership roles, and achieved the region’s highest internal promotion rate
- Increased Business Center revenue 15% by expanding high-margin categories and fostering a competitive sales culture
- Justified a need for a new corporate Regional Operations Manager position
Assistant Store Director
H.E.B.
01.2007 - 01.2010
- Managed $350K weekly sales and a 40-person team across grocery, merchandise, and front-end operations
- Improved morale and productivity by restructuring overnight crew and adding a night manager
- Reduced out-of-stocks and grew frozen department sales 3% with a new lead position
- Raised employee survey scores 4% through recognition programs and feedback
Education
Linguistics and History
UCLA
Los Angeles, CASkills
- Leadership & Team Building
- Customer Experience & Engagement
- Multi-Unit Operations
- P&L Management
- Training & Coaching
- Inventory & Cost Control
- Merchandising
- Community Relations
Timeline
Associate Store Leader
Whole Foods Market
01.2018 - 01.2023
Manager, In-Store Experience
The Vitamin Shoppe
01.2015 - 01.2018
Market Manager
The Vitamin Shoppe
01.2010 - 01.2015
(ACTING) Regional Operations Manager
H.E.B.
01.2009 - 01.2010
Assistant Store Director
H.E.B.
01.2007 - 01.2010
Linguistics and History
UCLA
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