Linda Eaton
Byron Center,MI
Summary
Dedicated Management professional with a history of meeting company goals utilizing consistent and organized practices. Skilled in working under pressure and adapting to new situations and challenges to best enhance the organizational brand. Skilled leader and mentor.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Category Manager
SpartanNash
01.2020 - Current
- Create approximately 50 ad offers for Produce and Hardline items to be featured in the ads for both Corporate stores and Independent customers.
- Create an average of 30 new item forms for both fresh products and hardlines on a monthly basis.
- Create sales book for bi-yearly food shows which includes an average of 200 items with descriptions and level pricing.
- Assist category manager with coordination of weekly ad plans for four Independent customer ads and two Corporate Ads. Manage ads from start to print.
- Streamlined product assortment by conducting thorough market research and identifying trends.
- Supported category manager in achieving sales targets through effective inventory management and pricing strategies.
Assistant Store Director
SpartanNash
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Assist the Store Director with management and day-to-day operations and manage store operations in their absence.
- Assist in hiring, evaluating, training and supervise associates.
- Managed daily operations, ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks.
- Developed a positive store culture by fostering open communication and promoting teamwork among employees.
- Collaborated with the Store Director to develop and execute strategic plans for store growth.
- Reduced employee turnover by implementing comprehensive training programs and providing regular feedback on performance.
- Supervised employees and different store departments.
- Improved store sales by implementing creative merchandising strategies and eye-catching product displays.
- Oversaw scheduling, maintaining adequate staff coverage while minimizing labor costs.
- Conducted inventory analysis to determine optimal stock levels.
Merchandising Assistant Store Manager
The Kroger Co.
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Reduced shrink percentage from 12.9% to 7.1% in 90 days.
- Developed and implemented mentorship program, increasing employee retention and internal promotion rate by 25%.
- Reduced shrink percentage from 12.9% to 7.1% in 90 days.
- Assess overall performance, providing coaching and feedback, drafting performance reviews, and initiating corrective actions as necessary.
- Collaborate with District Coordinators to develop and implement merchandising standards; improving KPI's and driving customer traffic to increase sales revenues.
- Reduced average out of stock by 38% within 90 days; streamlined processes and procedures.
- Increased store OSAT (overall satisfaction score) by 6% in first 30 days.
- Reduced store overtime from 7.1% to 3.8% within 60 days; established policies and procedures, streamlining processes to increase efficiency and productivity.
Print and Paper Procurement Buyer
The Kroger Co.
01.2004 - 01.2015
- Managed direct purchase of circular paper to print ads for more than 2,700 retail stores across 31 states.
- Reduced procurement costs with strategic sourcing initiatives, identifying alternative suppliers for cost savings opportunities.
- Managed the Kroger Personal Finance POS Refresh project; monitored KPIs regarding purchasing and inventory replenishment, ensuring compliance with policies and procedures.
- Managed financial reporting for Southwest, Southeast, Midwest and West Circular Ad spending.
- Oversaw inventory of circular paper in 13 printing facilities across 12 states. Managed inventory control both physical inventory and through the paper management program.
- Resolved daily issues by handling invoice discrepancies, replacements for rejected materials and missed and late deliveries.
- Achieved cost savings by negotiating contracts and purchase agreements with vendors.
- Annual company savings by purchasing direct were approximately $1.5 million annually.
Education
Associate of Arts -
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZCoursework in Accounting Management -
Dorsey Business School
Troy, MISkills
- Data-driven decision-making
- Supplier negotiation
- Pricing strategy
- Microsoft Office
- MS Office Suite
- Strategic Planning
- Contract Management
Affiliations
- STAR Store Safety Team Leader (Kroger)
- Cultural Council Team Leader (Kroger)
- Animal Rescue - feral cats
- ALS Foundation
- Cincinnati Women's Bowling Hall of Fame - Member, Inducted 2009
Certification
- Management Development Program Levels I and II, The Kroger Co. - 2015
- Category Management Development Program, SpartanNash - 2020
Timeline
Assistant Category Manager
SpartanNash
01.2020 - Current
Assistant Store Director
SpartanNash
01.2018 - 01.2020
Merchandising Assistant Store Manager
The Kroger Co.
01.2015 - 01.2018
Print and Paper Procurement Buyer
The Kroger Co.
01.2004 - 01.2015
Associate of Arts -
Arizona State University
Coursework in Accounting Management -
Dorsey Business School