MARCIA MCCONNELL
Atlanta,GA
Summary
Dynamic Senior Merchandise Operations Specialist with a proven track record at Acosta Group, driving a 10% sales increase through strategic training and market analysis. Expert in vendor relations and budget management, leveraging strong leadership skills to enhance operational efficiency and achieve corporate objectives.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Merchandise Operations Specialist
Acosta Group / Vine Direct Agency
Atlanta
12.2020 - Current
- Lead training strategy and execution across 17 retail locations within the Atlanta market
- Consult with client leadership to assess workforce needs, compensation alignment, and productivity improvements
- Facilitate corporate training for management and hourly associates
- Analyze KPIs, P&L, shrink, and missed sales opportunities to improve store performance
- Coordinate and deliver all store management training programs
- Ranked #1 market out of 41 nationwide (U.S. & Puerto Rico)
- Increased market sales by 10% year-over-year
Area Sales Manager
The Lemon Perfect Company
12.2019 - 12.2020
- Launched enhanced water brand in the Atlanta market
- Achieved 100% net numeric distribution across 250+ retail stores
- Established go-to-market benchmarks for Southeast expansion
- Built distributor and broker partnerships to drive in-store execution and promotions
Merchandise Operations Consultant
Acosta Group / Vine Direct Agency
12.2018 - 12.2019
- Implemented corporate training standards and operational processes across 17 Georgia locations
- Analyzed budgets and KPIs to support management decision-making
- Developed training schedules, merchandising standards, and shrink reduction strategies
- Food Safety Certified Market Leader
Territory Manager / Sales Specialist
Acosta Sales & Marketing
12.2011 - 12.2017
- Managed CPG vendor relationships across major retail chains
- Trained and led field merchandising teams across Kroger, Publix, and Ingalls
- Improved inventory management, achieving 4.2 inventory turnover rate
- Managed $3.6M annual budget
Territory Manager & Account Manager
Acosta Sales & Marketing • Gourmet Foods International • Performance Food Service
12.2001 - 12.2011
- Consistently exceeded sales targets
- Generated new business in undeveloped territories
- Built long-term retailer and vendor partnerships
Education
Advertising
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MISkills
- Sales growth and strategy
- Merchandising operations
- Training and development
- Market analysis and KPIs
- Vendor and client relations
- Go-to-market execution
- Budget and P&L management
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Salesforce
- POET methodology
Websites
Professional Development
- 3M Performance Sales Training
- PFG Star Performance Sales Training
- Dale Carnegie
- Train to Lead Conference
- Zig Ziglar – Trained to Win
- NRFSP Proctor Training
Executive Quote
Driving growth through disciplined execution, trusted relationships, and operational excellence.
Certification
NRFSP proctor and Food Safety Manager certified
Timeline
Senior Merchandise Operations Specialist
Acosta Group / Vine Direct Agency
12.2020 - Current
Area Sales Manager
The Lemon Perfect Company
12.2019 - 12.2020
Merchandise Operations Consultant
Acosta Group / Vine Direct Agency
12.2018 - 12.2019
Territory Manager / Sales Specialist
Acosta Sales & Marketing
12.2011 - 12.2017
Territory Manager & Account Manager
Acosta Sales & Marketing • Gourmet Foods International • Performance Food Service
12.2001 - 12.2011
Advertising
Ferris State University