Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
SteinMart Employee of the Year 2019
Timeline
Generic

Leslie Ellen Mills

Palatine,IL

Summary

Seeking the opportunity to make a continuous contribution to the success of an organization and expanding my knowledge. I want to be part of the organization that appreciates its resources. I am happiest when my achievements directly impact my organization’s success. I have successfully utilized my sills in a variety of venues, Tremendous pride in continuously enhancing my skill set and product knowledge, while maintaining highest Customer Service standards drives my progress. I am a quick study with a sharp memory.

Sales professional with deep expertise in driving revenue growth and developing strong client relationships. Proven success in sales strategy implementation, team leadership, and fostering collaborative environment. Strong negotiation skills, adaptability, and focus on delivering impactful results. Known for reliability, effective communication, and ability to thrive in dynamic markets.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Customer Service/Sales Lead

SteinMart
01.2021 - 03.2023
  • Hired, trained and developed a 15-member team of POS cashiers
  • Motivated staff to assist in doubling store revenue within 60 days
  • Raised credit enrollments above monthly goals
  • Served as back-up for all department associates, streamlined recovery
  • Maintained stock and inventory levels, improved mark-down process
  • Chosen 'Employee of the Year' 2019
  • Trained, coached, and mentored new sales associates for maximum performance.
  • Provided ongoing coaching to team members, fostering a supportive environment that encouraged professional growth and skill development.
  • Used POS system to process sales, returns, online orders, and gift card activations.
  • Organized store merchandise racks and displays to promote and maintain visually appealing environments.
  • Cultivated a high-performance culture within the team by setting clear expectations, providing regular feedback, and recognizing achievements.
  • Exceeded sales targets consistently through proactive prospecting, relationship-building, and closing deals.
  • Boosted sales performance by implementing strategic sales plans and effective team management.
  • Established strong rapport with clients through active listening techniques, understanding their unique needs and proposing tailored solutions.

Assistant Manager, Mens Furnishing Department

Von Maur
01.2015 - 06.2021
  • Promoted to full-time within 6 months of hire
  • Responsible for generation of monthly revenue and maintenance of personal client base
  • 'Go-to' associate for department coverage throughout the entire store
  • Honored frequently as top producer in Mens Furnishings, among 33 stores
  • Repeatedly cited for outstanding Customer Service based on Client testimonials
  • Personal follow-up techniques used in store training classes
  • Trained to execute basic garment alterations
  • Only associate ever awarded perfect score by 'Secret Shopper' Program
  • Supervised day-to-day operations to meet performance, quality and service expectations.
  • Maintained a clean, safe, and organized store environment to enhance the customer experience.
  • Developed strong working relationships with staff, fostering a positive work environment.
  • Monitored cash intake and deposit records, increasing accuracy, and reducing discrepancies.
  • Improved customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving complaints promptly.
  • Offered hands-on assistance to customers, assessing needs, and maintaining current knowledge of consumer preferences.
  • Completed regular inventory counts to verify stock levels, address discrepancies, and forecast future needs.
  • Mentored junior staff members in their professional development by offering guidance/support in their assigned roles.
  • Generated repeat business through exceptional customer service.
  • Promoted teamwork within the workplace by encouraging collaboration among staff members on various project tasks.
  • Increased sales through effective merchandising strategies and targeted promotions.

Account Supervisor

Johnson and Quin
01.2012 - 04.2015
  • Direct Report Director of Account Management
  • Complete control of all phases of production of USPS multimillion dollar government Contract
  • Created cross-functional team with Imagitas Agency in Boston to develop and produce USPS Welcome Kits for all fifty states
  • My team won an award from the Federal Government for the Welcome Kit
  • Responsible for modification and maintenance of intricate advanced Excel spreadsheet reporting system to Imagitas requirements
  • Monitored daily USPS file transmissions to maintain ongoing analysis of on-time percentages
  • Mentored three college trainees to master several in-house printing processes
  • Back-up supervisor for American Home Shield daily mailings
  • Awarded the Northwest Mutual Financial account from departing supervisor
  • Maintained agents' individual databases
  • Managed daily output of premium and letter fulfillment as well as report generation
  • Supervised the rebranding of the NMFN
  • Responsible to proofread and approve all account specific in-house printing for Imagitas and NMFN
  • Organized and hosted quarterly client review conferences
  • Introduced cross-training program for Client Services Department
  • Managed all aspects of one-time mailings for TruGreen ChemLawn, Wachovia Credit Card, and PCAA (Prevent Child Abuse America)
  • Gained experience working with not for profit accounts and their special requirements
  • Tracked expenses with [Software] spreadsheets and reported on client budgets.
  • Collaborated and partnered with creative teams and strategists to lead team to greatness on every at-bat with thinking and creative work constantly exceeding client expectations.
  • Managed high-priority accounts with exceptional attention-to-detail and commitment to achieving desired outcomes.
  • Delivered timely reports on campaign performance, providing actionable insights for improvements.
  • Streamlined internal processes to improve overall efficiency and productivity within the team.
  • Engaged in daily communication with clients to establish and maintain positive working relationships.

Education

High School Diploma -

Mather
Chicago, IL

Bachelor of Arts - European History First Half of Twentieth Century

University of Illinois
Chicago, IL

Skills

  • Cross-selling techniques
  • Customer service
  • Workplace safety
  • Goals and performance
  • Stockroom management
  • Money handling
  • Quality control management
  • Sales planning
  • Customer relations
  • Customer focus
  • Inventory
  • Lead generation
  • Team motivation
  • Deadline management
  • Sales expertise
  • Staff training and development
  • Production scheduling
  • Quality controls
  • Relationship selling
  • Workflow optimization
  • Project coordination
  • Account management
  • Critical thinking
  • Customer retention
  • Key account management
  • Safety procedures
  • Employee scheduling
  • Account growth
  • Delegation skills
  • Flexible schedule
  • Team management
  • Customer relationship management (CRM)
  • Closing techniques
  • Sales closing
  • Staff development
  • Sales growth
  • Complaint resolution
  • CRM management
  • Training and development
  • Team building
  • Quality control
  • Project management
  • MS office
  • Associate coaching
  • Cross-functional collaboration
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Quality assurance
  • Team leadership
  • Relationship building
  • Cash handling
  • Point of sale operation
  • Stock management
  • Multitasking and organization
  • Strategic thinking

Certification

  • [Area of certification]U.S. Postal Service Mailpiece Quality Control Specialist
  • Project Management Institute Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)
  • IL Driver's License

SteinMart Employee of the Year 2019

I was named SteinMart Employee of the ear for the entire company in 2019. I consider this the greatest work-related honor I ever received, the culmination of my constant drive for continuous career improvement.

Timeline

Customer Service/Sales Lead

SteinMart
01.2021 - 03.2023

Assistant Manager, Mens Furnishing Department

Von Maur
01.2015 - 06.2021

Account Supervisor

Johnson and Quin
01.2012 - 04.2015

High School Diploma -

Mather

Bachelor of Arts - European History First Half of Twentieth Century

University of Illinois
Leslie Ellen Mills