Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Lindsay Minner

St. Louis,MO

Summary

Highly accomplished and results-driven Senior Manager of Business Development with 5+ years of progressive experience in driving revenue growth, building strategic partnerships, and optimizing operational processes within the retail and wholesale sectors. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, cultivate executive-level relationships, and identify and execute innovative business strategies. Adept at navigating complex negotiations, fostering client success, and developing robust infrastructures to support scalable growth. Seeking a Director-level role to leverage expertise in account management and business development to deliver exceptional results.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Manager of Business Development

Build-A-Bear Workshop Corporate Headquarters
08.2007 - Current
  • Reporting directly to the Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), with two direct reports.
  • Spearhead a $25M+ wholesale program, account management, overseeing 50+ key wholesale customers and driving direct sales.
  • Consistently achieved and exceeded quarterly and annual sales targets by developing and executing integrated business plans.
  • Cultivate and strengthen executive-level relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners, ensuring mutual success and continued partnership.
  • Negotiate complex contracts and agreements with clients and internal legal teams, ensuring favorable terms.
  • Champion a new business strategy aligned with overall company objectives, identifying and articulating new revenue streams.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with IT to create a stable infrastructure, streamlining the purchase ordering process for enhanced efficiency.
  • Develop and implement strategic marketing plans in partnership with the Marketing team to drive awareness and engagement for wholesale customers.
  • Provide strategic guidance to existing clients on current market trends and expansion opportunities, fostering long-term growth.

Manager of Wholesale & Real Estate

Build-A-Bear Workshop Corporate Headquarters
05.2021 - 05.2024
  • Reported to the Vice-President of Real Estate and dotted line to the Chief Operations Officer (COO), with three direct reports.
  • Managed a $25M+ wholesale program, responsible for sales targets and leading team performance.
  • Defined and executed project plans, P&Ls, and stakeholder engagement for successful implementation of new business revenue streams.
  • Oversaw relationships with 100+ wholesale clients, ensuring operational needs were met for third-party retailers.
  • Streamlined the ordering process for clients and the warehouse by creating a stable infrastructure.
  • Partnered with the Director of Real Estate to ensure seamless execution of future business opportunities.
  • Managed a multi-million-dollar real estate portfolio of 400+ company-owned locations.
  • Negotiated financial and business terms for lease expirations, new stores, remodels, and closures, presenting terms to Senior Leadership for final approval.
  • Conducted site visits and market analysis, utilizing mapping software and engaging with District Managers to inform real estate strategy.

Manager of Retail Operations

Build-A-Bear Workshop Corporate Headquarters
04.2019 - 04.2021
  • Reported to the Senior Vice-President of Operations & Guest Experience and dotted line to the Chief Operations Officer (COO), with one direct report.
  • Grew the Corporate Events Program revenue from $400,000 to over $1 Million in 2019 by articulating value proposition and implementing strategic marketing efforts.
  • Developed comprehensive program processes, marketing collateral, and company initiatives to drive program success.
  • Initiated and implemented marketing efforts, including webpage creation and email communication, to grow the revenue stream.
  • Defined project plans, milestones, P&Ls, and stakeholders for successful implementation of new business and experiential third-party retail projects.
  • Managed permanent brick-and-mortar store openings, closings, and seasonal pop-up shops, facilitating cross-departmental collaboration and ensuring prompt execution.
  • Led a team of seven New Store Openers (NSO), providing guidance and support to enhance efficiency and manage costs.

Sr. Operations Specialist

Build-A-Bear Workshop Corporate Headquarters
04.2018 - 03.2019
  • Successfully managed end-to-end company store real estate projects, ensuring 100% execution through effective meeting leadership and milestone management.
  • Oversaw the "Build-A-Bear Bakeshop" concept store, optimizing controllable expenses and improving party margins.
  • Coordinated off-site parties and corporate events, partnering with Corporate Sales, Finance, and field teams for seamless execution.

Coordinator of Operations, Real Estate and Design & Construction

Build-A-Bear Workshop Corporate Headquarters
08.2016 - 03.2018
  • Managed company store real estate projects from inception to completion, leading meetings and ensuring timely execution of critical activities.
  • Ensured execution of the operations strategic plan and on-time project completion.
  • Organized Real Estate meetings, lease deals, and managed the lease management system.

Coordinator of Field Communication

Build-A-Bear Workshop Corporate Headquarters
07.2011 - 07.2016
  • Published weekly communications to retail stores on business actions.
  • Maintained and enhanced the retail store corporate intranet, including creating new technical functions and updating business documents.
  • Project managed multiple short-term projects, encompassing planning, procurement, and execution.

Guest Services Representative / Human Resources Associate / Store Operations Support Associate

Build-A-Bear Workshop Corporate Headquarters
08.2007 - 06.2011

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Communications

University of Missouri St. Louis
Saint Louis, MO
08-2007

Skills

    ● Business Development: Strategic Planning, New Business Acquisition, Revenue Growth, Partnership Development, Contract Negotiation, Market Analysis, Competitive Analysis

    ● Account Management: Client Relationship Management, Key Account Retention, Customer Advocacy, Service Improvement, Forecasting & Sales Targets

    ● Leadership & Management: Team Leadership & Development, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Project Management, P&L Management, Operational Optimization, Process Improvement

    ● Technical Proficiency: Microsoft D365 (Wholesale Program), Lucernex (Real Estate Program), Microsoft Office Suite (Publisher, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Word), SharePoint, Corporate Intranets

    ● Core Competencies: Strategic Thinking, Problem Solving, Relationship Building, Communication (Verbal & Written), Business Acumen, Adaptability, Accountability

Timeline

Manager of Wholesale & Real Estate

Build-A-Bear Workshop Corporate Headquarters
05.2021 - 05.2024

Manager of Retail Operations

Build-A-Bear Workshop Corporate Headquarters
04.2019 - 04.2021

Sr. Operations Specialist

Build-A-Bear Workshop Corporate Headquarters
04.2018 - 03.2019

Coordinator of Operations, Real Estate and Design & Construction

Build-A-Bear Workshop Corporate Headquarters
08.2016 - 03.2018

Coordinator of Field Communication

Build-A-Bear Workshop Corporate Headquarters
07.2011 - 07.2016

Senior Manager of Business Development

Build-A-Bear Workshop Corporate Headquarters
08.2007 - Current

Guest Services Representative / Human Resources Associate / Store Operations Support Associate

Build-A-Bear Workshop Corporate Headquarters
08.2007 - 06.2011

Bachelor of Arts - Communications

University of Missouri St. Louis

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Lindsay Minner