Melissa Hebeker
Chicago,IL
Summary
Dynamic retail learning leader with a strong record of elevating performance across the Tory Burch full‑price channel, specializing in employee development, training strategy, and client‑centric engagement. Skilled in designing and delivering impactful learning experiences, from blended training programs to leadership development initiatives that strengthen brand culture and drive measurable results. Known for exceptional collaboration, project management, and problem‑solving abilities that bring clarity, alignment, and innovation. Highly adaptable and proactive, consistently implementing forward‑thinking learning strategies that enhance the client experience, improve KPIs, and support year‑over‑year business growth.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Retail Training Manager, Full-Price North America
Tory Burch
Chicago, IL
03.2022 - Current
- Implement a blended learning approach, combining in-person workshops and 1:1 training sessions with online workshops to maximize training reach and impact, resulting increased sales, KPIs and NPS scores across the channel.
- Design and execute engaging workshops and training initiatives focused on optimized selling strategies, client engagement and eventing and leadership development to boost overall sales performance.
- Develop and leverage essential cross-functional partnerships to ensure clear alignment of strategic priorities and consistency across departments with regard to training and development materials.
- Develop monthly all-store meeting content, seasonal product knowledge resources and supplemental in-store training materials to support ongoing learning and development, driving results within key retail pillars.
- Lead a team of five to six high-potential General Manager Trainers annually to further develop and hone their skill set to prepare them for next in their career.
- Lead and develop the Brand Training Influencer program to support development of top talent and drive fashion and product obsession within all stores.
General Manager
Tory Burch
Chicago, IL
08.2014 - 02.2022
- Proactively drove business for the Midwest flagship on Oak Street, increasing sales YOY through clienteling and events, accounting for 25% of the total business in 2021.
- Business strategy and execution drove a YOY increase in conversion for six consecutive years, achieving #1 in the full-price channel for 2019 at 36.1% and ending 2021 at 36.7%.
- Selected for Central Region Leadership Ambassador Program in 2021 and successfully executed an event case study for three stores during Q2, which resulted in $138K in sales, a 221% increase over Q1 event sales for those three doors.
- Appointed as one of three General Managers to spearhead the first Tory Burch Client Experience Committee in 2022, identifying what our client experience should look like, how to train and how to measure progress/ results.
- Selected as General Manager Trainer at the inception of the program in 2016, for three consecutive years, supporting the full-price channel in the on-boarding of new GMs.
District Coordinator, RTW & Men’s
Michael Kors
San Diego, CA
09.2010 - 08.2014
- Recruited, hired, trained and developed Shop Managers to drive business and create the ultimate client experience in high volume Shop-in-Shops within the Southwest territory.
- Ensured brand consistency and effectively drove wholesale results to achieve an average increase in sales of 15% YOY while maintaining a profitable markdown rate in a $13M territory across seven states in the Southwest.
- Partnered with regional, district and store-level retail partners across multiple accounts in the Southwest region to execute business reviews, product knowledge & visual trainings.
- Created “Now-Boarding” protocol and supplemental tools which were leveraged for onboarding the entire Retail Development District Coordinator and Shop Manager population.
- Achieved Jet Set Selling and Service Training Master status and successfully on-boarded all new District Coordinators in the West and Central regions during my tenure.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communication And Rhetorical Studies
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Madison, WI05.2008
Skills
- Development of Training Strategies
- Engaging and Impactful Facilitation
- Leadership Development and Talent Elevation
- Client Engagement and Service Excellence
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- New Store Openings
- Proficient in Mac & PC OS, Outlook & Microsoft Office, Adobe, SAP, Tulip technology
Timeline
Retail Training Manager, Full-Price North America
Tory Burch
03.2022 - Current
General Manager
Tory Burch
08.2014 - 02.2022
District Coordinator, RTW & Men’s
Michael Kors
09.2010 - 08.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Communication And Rhetorical Studies
University of Wisconsin, Madison