Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Lydia Waters

Eugene,OR

Summary

Effective leader with a proven track record at multiple companies, adept in team building and leading, coupled with exceptional customer relations and team collaboration skills.

Excelled in leading teams to success, delivering client satisfaction, and fostering team growth and cohesion. Achieved significant improvements in customer satisfaction, and financial performance, demonstrating a results-oriented approach with a focus on achievements.

In my current position I foster a store culture of communication, teamwork, and bonding through in store events and off work social events.

I have a history of leading through compassion, empathy, firmness where needed and always with company goals in mind. This is demonstrated by than 15 years working in management positions and being committed to providing results for both the company and employees.

Overview

5
5
years of professional experience

Work History

Studio Manager

Glamor Shots
  • Ran a franchise studio in two locations. Both of which were profitable and generating high sales. I was consistently the highest sales person while also running the business and doing a large share of the actual photography work.
  • Dealt with compassion and empathy towards customers as this could be an experience that either improved self worth and mental health or degraded it. We consistently delivered good results and had happy customers.
  • Organized and maintained client databases for accurate communication information.
  • Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
  • Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
  • Set aggressive targets for employees to drive company success and strengthen motivation.
  • Identified and communicated customer needs to supply chain capacity and quality teams.
  • Streamlined studio operations by implementing efficient scheduling and project management systems.
  • Maintained studio equipment, including cameras, microphones and computers, to limit schedule disruptions.
  • Oversaw the design and execution of marketing materials for the studio, increasing brand visibility and attracting new customers.
  • Ensured the highest possible quality product which led to successful sales and a profitable business. I had the choice to be paid by salary or commission and I chose commission because I made more money this way.
  • Established a positive work environment, fostering collaboration among staff members to improve productivity and creativity.
  • Verified that organization maintained open-door policy so employees could openly discuss ideas and make suggestions.
  • Coordinated daily studio operations, including scheduling, staff management and customer service.
  • Supervised studio staff for timely, accurate and high-quality task completion.

Co Owner Self Employed

SoCal Cable Distribution
  • Together with my ex husband we ran a profitable wholesale cable distribution business. He ran the technical side while I focused on client management, hiring, and sales.
  • Cultivated a safe working environment by adhering to workplace safety policies and providing necessary resources for employee wellbeing.
  • Managed day-to-day operations efficiently, ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks.
  • Collaborated with co-owner on strategic planning initiatives for long-term business success.
  • Improved customer satisfaction ratings by consistently delivering high-quality products and services.
  • Oversaw financial management tasks, including budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow optimization.
  • Mentored employees to improve work performance, promoting professional development and growth within the company.
  • Established foundational processes for business operations.
  • Maintained compliance with industry regulations and legal requirements through diligent oversight of business practices.
  • Managed financial operations and investments to maximize profits and minimize costs.

Assistant Project Manager

Aecom
  • Assisted in the successful completion of projects by coordinating tasks, monitoring progress, and maintaining documentation.
  • Ensured client satisfaction through consistent communication, providing updates on progress and addressing concerns promptly.
  • Planned, monitored and analyzed project costs to meet financial goals.
  • Managed subcontractor relationships effectively to ensure quality workmanship within deadlines and budgets.
  • Supported senior managers and department leaders by completing projects and problem resolution under tight budgets and schedule demands.
  • Led team meetings to assess project progress and plan appropriately to meet delivery targets.
  • Generated weekly and monthly status reports for helpful progress tracking.
  • Delivered high level of service to clients to both maintain and extend relationship for future business opportunities.
  • Partnered with project team members to identify and quickly address problems.
  • Tracked project and team member performance closely to quickly intervene in mistakes or delays.
  • Scheduled and facilitated meetings between project stakeholders to discuss deliverables, schedules and conflicts.
  • Analyzed project performance data to identify areas of improvement.
  • Verified quality of deliverables and conformance to specifications before submitting to clients.
  • Reported regularly to managers on project budget, progress, and technical problems.

General Merchandise Manager

Safeway
04.2019 - Current
  • Reduced inventory shrinkage and consistently delivered better than projected results by meticulous tracking, inventory audits, and implementing loss prevention techniques.
  • Supported company initiatives through active participation in storewide marketing campaigns, special events, careful ordering be whether for seasonal products or regular inventory
  • Implemented department scheduling system that optimized productivity while minimizing labor costs
  • Fostered a culture of continuous learning by taking advantage of access to professional development resources tailored to the individual needs of my department lead position.
  • Effectively managed merchandise returns and exchanges, minimizing financial loss while preserving positive customer relationships.
  • Monitored competitor activities to stay informed about industry developments and capitalize on potential opportunities for growth. Particularly with regard to seasonal ordering and displays.
  • Devised strategic plans for visual merchandising updates in alignment with company branding guidelines and current market trends.
  • Facilitated cross-functional collaboration between departments to achieve shared goals related to store performance and customer satisfaction.
  • Boosted employee morale with regular recognition programs, team-building events, and open communication channels.
  • Championed ongoing process improvements aimed at enhancing operational efficiency throughout all aspects of general merchandise management.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by ensuring a well-stocked and organized sales floor, promptly addressing concerns, and providing exceptional service.
  • Motivated and mentored merchandise team to achieve high performance and job satisfaction.
  • Monitored inventory levels and made necessary adjustments to maximize sales and profits.
  • Maintained updated product knowledge to successfully educate and advise customers.
  • Reviewed customer feedback to identify trends and improve product selection.
  • Designed displays to deliver interactive, engaging, and memorable store experiences for shoppers.
  • Interacted with customers to obtain feedback and drive satisfaction.
  • Developed and implemented successful strategies to increase sales and profits.
  • Managed seasonal merchandise budgets to maximize profits, unit sales, and dollars.
  • Monitored inventory levels and avoided shortages with timely replenishment of stock.

Education

Master of Science - Biogeochemical Ecology

University of Louisville
Louisville, KY

Bachelor of Science - Ecology

University of Louisville
Louisville, Ky
05.2005

Skills

  • Team Leadership, Management, and Relationship Building
  • Strong Verbal Communication and Persuasive Abilities
  • Excellent Customer Service and Client Relations
  • Strong Critical Thinking Abilities
  • Works Well Under Pressure
  • Hiring and Firing
  • Meeting Deadlines
  • Project Management and Task Delegation

Timeline

General Merchandise Manager

Safeway
04.2019 - Current

Studio Manager

Glamor Shots

Co Owner Self Employed

SoCal Cable Distribution

Assistant Project Manager

Aecom

Master of Science - Biogeochemical Ecology

University of Louisville

Bachelor of Science - Ecology

University of Louisville
Lydia Waters