Paul James Mena
Turlock,CA
Summary
Accomplished, effective, and efficient Professional with 15+ years of leadership experience in General Management, Visual Presentation, Sales, Communication, Team Development, Guest Service, Operations and Project Management. Recognized for exceptional ability to motivate and train team members to improve performance and productivity. Demonstrated superb skills in implementing strategic floor plans for stores that generated millions of dollars in revenue growth.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
District Visual Manager
Cotton ON USA
Northern CA/PNW
08.2022 - 06.2026
- Developed visual merchandising plans that enriched the shopping experience and fostered customer engagement through effective storytelling, space planning, and product presentation.
- Executed visual brand standards across the Pacific Northwest and Northern California for Cotton On, Cotton On Body, and Cotton On Kids stores, while enhancing brand presence.
- Trained and guided store teams and visual merchandisers to ensure consistent execution of visual standards and alignment with current industry trends.
- Led training sessions for store team visual merchandisers, enhancing their skills in visual merchandising. My passion for innovative visual merchandising and ability to stay ahead of industry trends has earned me a reputation as a trusted expert in my field.
Multi-Unit Senior Store Team Leader
American Eagle & Aerie
North Bay Area, CA
06.2018 - 06.2022
- Enhanced sales growth through improved store productivity and increased guest loyalty via exceptional guest service.
- Recruited, hired, and retained a high-performing team to drive operational success.
- Built, managed, and maintained a store business plan to support KPI goals.
- Monitored store P&L elements and used daily sales trends and reporting to guide timely business decisions.
- Managed workforce schedules by reviewing traffic patterns, calendars, and payroll reports.
- Maintained audit readiness and shrink control to meet asset protection standards.
- Coordinated and executed hiring events across multiple locations to attract qualified candidates.
- Supported recruitment process for leadership positions at 10 locations by screening candidates and coordinating interviews.
- Supported market talent efforts as a hiring contact for market needs.
Retail Store Manager
Skechers
Turlock, CA
01.2017 - 06.2018
- Leading a high volume location to achieve 30% COMP growth by operational excellence, discipline, and a committed team that executes flawlessly.
- Increased store loyalty by 20% while executing new store strategies in support of District Manager.
- Surpassed regional sales targets for work wear each year through effective team coordination and strategy implementation.
- Managed business-to-business program for direct buyers, enhancing customer relationships and sales opportunities.
Senior Merchandise Manager
Old Navy/Gap, INC
San Francisco, CA
10.2014 - 01.2017
- Drove profitable sales growth through strategic planning and execution of company merchandising direction.
- Led the department generating a significant portion of total store sales.
- Subject matter expert for all brand merchandising training, tools and resources.
- Merchandising flexing based on our brand's merchandising principles and financial analysis.
- Execute all company product knowledge and the strategy.
- Developed direct reports and fostered a culture of engagement and high performance.
- Ensured adherence to standard operating procedures within the department.
- Directed leadership team during General Manager's absence to maintain operational continuity.
Service and Operations Manager
Old Navy/Gap, INC
San Francisco, CA
06.2011 - 10.2014
- Supported the store leadership team by executing strategies to uphold service standards.
- Contributed to selection and training of Brand Associates to enhance team capabilities.
- Executed company-defined practices and processes to ensure operational consistency.
- Trained and certified Brand Associates while modeling customer service standards.
- Build relationships at multiple levels to support a great working and shopping environment.
Education
University of Merced
Merced, CA06-2015
Kaplan / Real Estate Education
San Francisco, CASkills
- Sales and account management
- Brand presentation
- Merchandise display
- Visual Merchandising
- Profitability growth
- Inventory management
- Project management
- Customer service and relations
- Team development
- Talent management
- Organization and time management
- Team collaboration
- Time management
Personal Information
Title: Professional Experienced Leader
Accomplishments
- Leadership Award Q2 2024
- Love what you do Award 2023
Affiliations
- Cotton On Foundation - Uganda 2025
Timeline
District Visual Manager
Cotton ON USA
08.2022 - 06.2026
Multi-Unit Senior Store Team Leader
American Eagle & Aerie
06.2018 - 06.2022
Retail Store Manager
Skechers
01.2017 - 06.2018
Senior Merchandise Manager
Old Navy/Gap, INC
10.2014 - 01.2017
Service and Operations Manager
Old Navy/Gap, INC
06.2011 - 10.2014
University of Merced
Kaplan / Real Estate Education