Magdalena Gross
Phoenixville,PA
Summary
Strategic senior leader with 19+ years of experience building and scaling business strategies across all retail merchandising, commercial furniture, and omni-channel sales. Proven success driving 117% YoY growth through ground-up initiatives, national programs, and vendor partnerships. Skilled in leading country-level expansion, increasing market share, and enabling scalable growth across diverse markets.
Expert in sales forecasting, sell-in/sell-thru strategies, and design-to-production execution. Known for elevating brand presence, leveraging data to drive decisions, and aligning cross-functional teams to achieve business goals. Trusted by executive leadership for collaboration, coaching, and stakeholder engagement at all levels.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
US Country Key Account Manager, B2B
IKEA
Conshohocken, US
05.2021 - Current
- Directs national B2B commercial industry key account relationship sales, manages new business acquisition and development, and service solution integrations.
- Commercial governance board organizer for C-suite leaders for total strategic decision-making.
- Developed a comprehensive B2B strategy and growth plan for 3 to 5 years, achieving a 17% increase in sales.
- Initiated STEM governance program, securing approval for 100 SKUs with STEM.org accreditation.
- Executed scalable expo and convention campaigns, generating $107 million in new sales and increasing market presence.
- Designed a coaching and development framework for IKEA US sales coworkers to improve B2B interactions across all omni channels.
- Secured innovative online, CRM, and B2B site capabilities for clients.
- Directed strategic merchandising and sales forecasting with a focus on pricing and P&L accountability.
District Area Manager
Shutterfly
San Francisco, US
09.2019 - 04.2021
- Spearheaded collaboration across departments to implement impactful media strategies in response to social media growth.
- Optimized logistics workflows through integration of Salesforce analytics.
- Implemented financial controls to optimize operational efficiency, resulting in a 14% conversion lift and social impressions growth.
- Coached district teams to improve competence programs, resulting in a 22% increase in employee retention.
- Formulated preliminary A/B tests for national media projects and catalogs.
Small Business Market Relationship Manager
Bank of America, SBM
Southern Texas, US
02.2017 - 08.2019
- Enhanced client benefits with personalized solutions, leading to a 24% increase in product adoption during the rollout year.
- Tested market for new small business products in prototype for BoA, aligning with regional trends.
- Created tailored improvement plans using Salesforce CRM tools for individual development based on market and regional analysis.
- Enhanced market presence with high-value, new relationship-selling initiatives, achieving a 26% increase in bank client activations.
General Manager, District Marketing & Events
Michael Kors
DC Metro, DelMarVa, US
09.2014 - 02.2017
- Achieved an 80% increase in district event UPT performance through strategic coaching, in collaboration with new strategies, through the home office.
- Delivered merchandising plans with local market relevancy, addendums for personalization strategies, and visual teams.
- Enhanced report development processes to support senior leadership in analyzing merchandising activities and optimizing profit margins.
- Coordinated all aspects of store operations, from construction and recruitment to merchandising and sales outcomes.
Sr. Merchandising & Sales Manager
Bloomingdale's & Macys
, NJ, VA
07.2010 - 09.2014
- Designed comprehensive strategy for merchandising and product impression in Home and Women's RTW sectors with vendor and buyer partnerships.
- Guided promotional packages and optimized product buys, leading to exceptional performance in home goods, soft lines, and bedding for exclusive and luxury labels.
- Redefined SOPs focused on margin growth, improved product turnover, and new third-party wholesale accounts.
- Delivered innovative virtual experiences that emphasized interactive sales strategies, with immediate results.
- Utilized CRM pipeline, strategic inventory, and transfer cycles with trained sales specialists and private shoppers to identify client spending opportunities.
Education
Bachelors of Science - Interior Design
Philadelphia University
Philadelphia, PA05.2010
Work-Study Interior Certificate -
Nuova Academia di Belle Arti
Milano, Italy01.2009
Skills
- Business development
- Sales forecasting & analysis
- Leadership development & coaching
- Customer relationship management
- Key account management
- Vendor and Brand Partnerships
- Accreditation and Compliance
- Brand Development
- Procurement & negotiations
- CRM systems & analytics
- Revenue growth planning
- B2B sales strategy
- Supply chain and pipeline forecasting
Websites
Accomplishments
- IKEA Board Organizer FY25-26 Member and organizer to IKEA Omni Growth council and governance board delivering 68% of total IKEA US commercial initiatives.
- Keynote Speaker & Brand Host IKEA US corporate office key-note host for clients, new partnerships, and business development sharing the IKEA Brand Identity and History.
- B2B Strategy Leader Co-developed $5800 MUSD industry segment and 5 year strategy advancing sales growth and market share by 14%.
- Launched IKEA's inaugural showroom at Fulton Market Design Days 2025 in Chicago to the contract furniture and design industry growing IKEA's commercial awareness and brand footprint.
- Creative Steering Developed multiple strategies, experiential, STEM, relationship selling, that deliver sales, competence improvement, and achievable scalability.
Languages
English, Native
Timeline
US Country Key Account Manager, B2B
IKEA
05.2021 - Current
District Area Manager
Shutterfly
09.2019 - 04.2021
Small Business Market Relationship Manager
Bank of America, SBM
02.2017 - 08.2019
General Manager, District Marketing & Events
Michael Kors
09.2014 - 02.2017
Sr. Merchandising & Sales Manager
Bloomingdale's & Macys
07.2010 - 09.2014
Bachelors of Science - Interior Design
Philadelphia University
Work-Study Interior Certificate -
Nuova Academia di Belle Arti
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