Maria J. Verdugo

• Lead the largest market globally, overseeing 1,000+ employees, including my area team, to achieve sales and profit objectives.

Key Achievements

• Achieved a remarkable 30% reduction in staff turnover.
• Ranked #5 among commercial stores in North America.
• Exceeded the 85% country goal, landing at an outstanding 92%.
• Improved schedule excellence from 85% to 88%, enhancing the customer experience.
• Developed and implemented strategic plans, aligning them with overall company objectives.
• Regularly analyzed and evaluated sales performance, identifying areas for improvement.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams, ensuring seamless integration of sales strategies. Example: Collaborated closely with the inventory optimization team to support garment levels for stores, ensuring optimal stock levels to maximize sales and enhance the selling environment.
• Played a pivotal role in the recruitment process, acquiring top-tier talent.
• Implemented talent management strategies, nurturing the professional development of team members.
• Prioritized team growth and development, high-performing, and motivated teams by implementing robust quarterly Individual Development Plans (IDPs). Successfully cultivated the professional growth of two Ready Now Global Store Managers, guiding them to advance into roles as sales managers.
• Conducted regular training sessions to underscore business acumen and align team objectives with the company's vision.

• I oversaw the second-highest store volume globally, maximizing sales and profitability.
• Managed a diverse team, emphasizing people, commerciality, and customer service.
• Established and monitored sales goals, plans, and budgets to optimize profit.

Key Achievements

• Strengthened the H&M brand, ensuring the flagship store served as an exemplary representation.
• Actively managed the team through regular performance assessments and goal-setting.
• Developed strategies for profit development, constantly reviewing key business indicators.
• Utilized management information tools, analyzing financial reports to address performance issues.
• Maximized sales through joint operational and commercial focus.
• Enhanced overall results by establishing training programs for our leaders and incorporating continuous workshops.
• Collaborated with individual development plans (IDP) to provide targeted support for ongoing professional development.
• Maintained the store to the highest standard of the shopping experience for customers.

• I played a crucial role in supporting the area manager and area team in the oversight of the West Palm area, encompassing four stores and my own Global Flagship store.
• Sustained the global flagship store's high standards by cultivating the next generation of leaders, ensuring the development of a capable leadership team.
• Successfully executed on commerciality, operations, sales, and KPIs, concurrently delivering a compelling direct and indirect customer experience.

Key Achievements

• Provided valuable assistance to the Puerto Rico store managers and market, with a focus on recruitment, onboarding, and driving sales results through commercial stores.
• Showcased expertise in developing and implementing training programs dedicated to enhancing customer experience and fostering staff development.
• Collaborated effectively with the area manager to drive strategic initiatives and ensure rigorous adherence to company policies.
• Notable achievements include proficiently contributing to the successful execution of strategic initiatives, providing leadership and support, and ultimately leading to the overall success of operational goals.
• Achieved these objectives while actively pursuing personal and professional development.

• I played a pivotal role in driving comprehensive hiring, training, and retention strategies.
• Streamlined the recruitment process by proficiently utilizing Taleo and Smart Recruiter, along with implementing a structured 5-stage hiring assessment for external candidates.
• Hosted classroom trainings, enhancing the onboarding experience for new hires.
• Distinguished as a Train the Trainer for supervisory classroom training, covering company policies and procedures.

Key Achievements:

• Developed and executed strategic talent acquisition initiatives, ensuring the identification and recruitment of top-tier candidates.
• Instituted and maintained high standards throughout the recruitment processes, adhering to legal guidelines and reflecting the company's values.
• Designed and facilitated impactful training workshops, fostering skill development in alignment with broader organizational objectives.
• Successfully implemented retention strategies, contributing significantly to the long-term success and growth of team members.

• I was responsible for sales and profit optimization, consistently surpassing set goals through strategic planning and proactive analysis of sales and profit KPIs.
• During the rollout of North American shop logistics, I effectively oversaw the operations of five stores, ensuring seamless execution.

Key Achievements:

• Built and developed high-performing teams through dedicated talent and leadership development.
• Implemented H&M ROTD best practices in recruitment, training, and succession planning, contributing to the growth and success of the team.
• Played a key role in supporting the budget season and collaborating on strategic planning for the Manhattan region.
• Conducted regular store meetings and leadership gatherings, fostering clear communication and alignment with company culture to ensure a unified vision and mission.

• Developed effective teams through recruitment and growth initiatives, driving sales through training and development plans.

• Maintained optimal product levels, actively driving sales in the department.
• Managed schedules, training, and development, ensuring a cohesive approach aligned with company values.

• Managed daily spa operations, overseeing 50 employees and implementing training protocols. Improved operational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing innovative solutions.
• Developed and executed strategic plans to achieve organizational goals and drive sustainable growth.
• Managed budgets and resources, optimizing allocation for maximum impact on business objectives.

• Hosted training seminars and executed directives from higher authorities.
• I met with vendors once a month to review product lines with the head aesthetician to review products and make buying decisions.
• Led marketing/e-commerce, programming, troubleshooting, and web setup.

• Managed multiple departments, supervised over 300 staff members, and supervised a $30 million kitchen, expo, bar, and serving department.
• Responsible for hiring, training, development, and performance appraisals.
• Streamlined operations for improved efficiency and cost savings by overseeing staff scheduling, inventory, and ordering processes.

Key Achievements

• Created community volunteer and outreach programs, supporting various causes.
• Enhanced customer satisfaction by implementing effective front-of-house management strategies.
• Boosted team morale through regular performance feedback sessions and recognition of exceptional work.
• Developed strong relationships with guests, addressing complaints promptly, and ensuring a positive dining experience.