Noelle Kawaguchi
Seattle,WA
Summary
Seasoned District Manager with experience driving sales, improving the customer experience and developing team members. Forward-thinking when coaching and cross-training employees for future growth. Successful track record overhauling operations to improve profitability and reduce staff turnover. Network of Specialty Coffee Managers not only in Seattle but across the nation. Thrives in a fast paced environment when priorities can shift at a moments notice.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Manager 2
Nordstrom
Seattle, WA
02.2022 - Current
- Manage all aspects of the eBar business
- Focus on initiatives to drive traffic and build build sales
- Create new tools and systems to improve operational excellence
- Manage supplier partner relationships
- Oversee coffee program with our roaster including buying coffee futures on the C Market and selecting Limited Time Offering Coffee's for each quarter.
- Analyze sales data to assist in strategic decision-making.
Project Manager 2
Nordstrom
Seattle, WA
02.2018 - 01.2021
- Established key issues in need of resolution and project performance metrics to identify priorities
- Updated project plans based on changing objectives
- Prioritize projects that drive sales, improve customer satisfaction and ultimately the profitability of the business. .
- Spearheaded project meetings with team members to discuss ongoing and recently completed projects.
- Recognized by leadership and my peer group for being an Owner at Heart in 2018 and Customer Obsessed in 2020 which are both core values at Nordstrom.
Regional Manager for Washington, Alaska and Canada
Nordstrom
Seattle, WA
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Managed financial results for 16 Specialty Coffee Operations for Nordstrom. This included top line sales, labor, cost of sales, expenses and ultimately bottom line income for each unit.
- Inspired team members by fostering a positive environment and boosting employee confidence and moral.
- Worked closely with the Nordstrom Canada opening team to support opening our 6 Canadian locations. This included hiring and training all team members, finding local vendors in each market and ensuring all construction details were complete prior to move in.
- Devised marketing, sales and customer promotions to work alongside national plans.
- Followed up on customer problems and complaints.
- Handled human resource concerns and completed all performance reviews.
- Minimized turnover through effective training and employee engagement.
- Developed hourly employee and management training programs for the Nordstrom Restaurant Division.
Regional Manager for Washington and Alaska
Nordstrom
Seattle, WA
01.2004 - 12.2015
- Supported, trained and motivated 10 Specialty Coffee Managers to meet daily, monthly, and annual sales and income targets.
- Created budgets for all units to meet sales and income targets given by Nordstrom leadership.
- Managed 10 P&L's on a monthly basis.
- Focused on driving product quality and building relationships with our customers.
- Created relationships with local vendors, store managers, human resource partners and the Restaurant Division leadership team.
- Opened a new concept for Nordstrom, Fruititude which is a fresh juice and smoothie bar. This included creating the menu and all recipes and hiring and training the staff. Many of these recipes are now used at Nordstrom eBars across the company.
- All-Star Recognition from the National Director for the work done on the Fruititude concept development.
- Earned recognition for comp income achievements in 2011 and 2012.
- Earned recognition for Leadership Excellence in 2014 and 2015.
- Reduced turnover at the management level due to strong relationships and supporting my team to be successful at their job. Many of these team members still work for Nordstrom.
Specialty Coffee Manager
Nordstrom
Seattle, WA
01.1995 - 12.2003
- Managed day-to-day operations, including supervision and assignment delegation for 8-15 member teams.
- Collaborated with staff to maximize customer satisfaction, streamline procedures and improve bottom-line profitability.
- Oversaw personnel recruitment, performance and scheduling.
- Greeted and assisted all customers daily in high-traffic retailer.
- Consistently met financial targets with close monitoring of cost of sales and labor.
- Trained new managers using our management training program
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration And Management
University of Washington
Seattle, WA06.1997
Skills
- Leadership
- Specialty Coffee Operations
- Drive sales and financial results
- Identify and mentor talent
- Communication with leadership
- Relationship building both internally and externally with suppliers
Affiliations
- International Women's Coffee Alliance Member at Large
- Normandy Park Swim Club President
Timeline
Program Manager 2
Nordstrom
02.2022 - Current
Project Manager 2
Nordstrom
02.2018 - 01.2021
Regional Manager for Washington, Alaska and Canada
Nordstrom
01.2015 - 01.2018
Regional Manager for Washington and Alaska
Nordstrom
01.2004 - 12.2015
Specialty Coffee Manager
Nordstrom
01.1995 - 12.2003
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration And Management
University of Washington
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