MICHELE DEMAREST
Pedricktown,NJ
Summary
People Manager with a passion for engagement and development. Extensive experience in operations, customer service, merchandising and inventory management. Proven ability to drive growth and enhance productivity through strategic planning and effective resource management.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
J.D. Kurtz INC.
2024.10 - Current
- Direct operational strategies to enhance efficiency and productivity across all departments.
- Develop and implement strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Implement process improvements to enhance inventory turnover and reduce stock discrepancies.
- Boost sales performance by implementing strategic merchandising plans, social media and promotional displays.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, mentoring staff to improve team performance and cohesion.
- Cultivate strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
Area Manager – ICQA and Inbound Operations
Walmart
2022.02 - 2024.10
- Manage staffing and scheduling. Assign and coordinate workloads to achieve department and facility goals.
- Planned, trained, and executed the launch of NJ3 WFS Inbound Consolidation Center.
- Communicate with sellers through Seller Support to problem solve non receivable freight.
- Maintain safety standards through monitoring associate and department compliance to policies and procedures.
- Develop, maintain, and audit processes to improve overall building quality to ensure customer satisfaction.
- Implement and manage processes to improve and maintain inventory accuracy.
- Manage Exit Orders, Recalls, Damages and Donation procedures and compliance.
- Supervise and develop associates through feedback, training and development opportunities, communication, and engagement.
Division Buyer
McLane Inc.
2019.09 - 2022.02
- Analyze sales and purchasing trends to identify, plan and execute strategies and maintain inventory levels.
- Manage inventory between various warehouse locations.
- Serve as primary contact and foster positive and beneficial relationships between the customer and suppliers.
- Track and review purchase orders, receiving, inventory adjustments and returns.
- Manage new vendor and new item set-up to ensure smooth transition for receiving and shipping.
- Report daily operational data to cross functional teams.
- Execute promotions, distributions and monthly planogram updates.
Sales Manager
American Eagle Outfitters
2019.04 - 2019.09
- Recruited, trained and developed a sales team of 50 associates.
- Set performance expectations daily to meet weekly and monthly financial goals.
- Executed promotional and visual displays to increase customer traffic and revenue.
- Implemented strong loss prevention strategies to effectively reduce shrinkage through better theft controls.
- Evaluated store associates regularly to develop new leadership talent.
- Scheduled employees and delegated assignments to meet coverage needs and maintain store standards.
- Taught employees how to connect with customers and independently handle routine concerns.
Assistant Buyer
Burlington Stores
2018.01 - 2019.04
- Analyzed sales data and conducted competitor research to efficiently order merchandise according to sales trends.
- Manage department checkbook, liquidity and markdown budgets.
- Guaranteed timely delivery of merchandise through consistent communication with distribution centers and vendors.
- Established and maintained professional relationships with suppliers, resulting in fewer supply chain delays and better operational flow.
- Extracted and analyzed reports to determine appropriate strategies.
- Monitored the market closely to evaluate competitor activities and consumer preferences.
Assistant Manager
Buckle Inc.
2015.09 - 2018.01
- Developed loyal and highly satisfied customer base through proactive management of team customer service strategies.
- Strengthened merchandising and promotional strategies to drive customer engagement and boost sales.
- Reconciled daily sales transactions to balance and log day-to-day revenue.
- Analyzed and interpreted store trends to facilitate planning.
- Supervised and evaluated staff, enabling them to improve skills, achieve daily objectives and attain advancement.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Fashion Merchandising Management
Fashion Institute of Technology
New York City, New York2013-12
Skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications
- Effective Communication and Collaboration
- Performance Management
- Employee Relations
- Vendor Relationship Management
- Inventory Management
- Shipment Coordination
- Data Analysis
- Process improvements
- Problem resolution
Timeline
General Manager
J.D. Kurtz INC.
2024.10 - Current
Area Manager – ICQA and Inbound Operations
Walmart
2022.02 - 2024.10
Division Buyer
McLane Inc.
2019.09 - 2022.02
Sales Manager
American Eagle Outfitters
2019.04 - 2019.09
Assistant Buyer
Burlington Stores
2018.01 - 2019.04
Assistant Manager
Buckle Inc.
2015.09 - 2018.01
Bachelor of Science - Fashion Merchandising Management
Fashion Institute of Technology