Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Systems Experience
Timeline
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PAULA GARCIA

New York,USA

Summary

Dynamic leader with extensive experience in general and operations management, recognized for driving team success and enhancing store performance. Proven ability to identify process inefficiencies and implement strategic solutions that optimize operations and achieve business objectives. Expertise in staff development, operational efficiency, and cost reduction has consistently led to improved workflows. Committed to fostering a high-performance culture through innovative leadership and effective problem-solving.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

Store Manager

COLE HAAN
New York, NY
04.2022 - Current
  • Managed performance effectively to consistently attain high visibility location success in NYC.
  • Create and implement action plans within my location to ensure operational standards are in place to support efficient product movement and sales growth. Year-over-year improvement in shrink results – currently have a 0.07% YTD vs. 0.14% LY. This is achieved through meticulous back-of-house organization, monthly/weekly planning of product movement, and monthly internal auditing.
  • Conversion and UPT growth are consistently in line with company inline results and year-over-year incremental increases; currently, we are holding a 5% increase over last year in UPT and a 2% increase over last year in conversion.
  • Coordinate monthly visual floor sets with corporate partners, which are then shared company-wide. This allows the team to work hand-in-hand with the Corporate Visual team and guide the organization's narrative.

General Manager

b8ta
New York, NY
11.2019 - 02.2022
  • Hired and led a team in a hybrid model of SaaS/RaaS for the NYC market, working effectively with both internal and external stakeholders on a daily basis.
  • Monthly onboarding and launching of partners and product training to the team; some months exceeded 10 new partnerships. This included onboarding, new product and training.
  • White glove service to both partnerships, as well as physical and online clients, and promptly addressing any dissatisfaction from either party.
  • Responsible for 180+ partners, including accounts such as Google, Netgear, ASUS, TUT Fitness, Tempo Fitness, and other partnerships, by managing relationships through touch bases, providing consulting, ongoing mentorship, and customer feedback.
  • Because b8ta was a startup, numerous cross-functional projects, such as b&ta TV, campaign building, and improving the current SaaS/RaaS platform through partner feedback, were initiated.
  • Monthly onboarding and launching of partners and product training to the team; some months exceeded 10 new partnerships. This included onboarding, new product, and training. time, I assisted in the revamping of the b8ta website, supported the launch of Virtual Appointments, and assisted with the Customer Service channel. This enabled me to stay in tune with customer needs and maintain customer relationships during store closures. ,

Store Director

SEPHORA
New York, NY
03.2017 - 06.2019
  • Developed strategies to grow business and client loyalty through people development, driving engagement, and elevated training in a $13M location, with a leadership team that included over 10 members, plus a staff of over 50 employees.
  • Achieved operational excellence and profitability, surpassing regional benchmarks. One of two stores in NYC to drive profit through effective payroll management, supply expenses, and budget controls.
  • During my second year, I drove a 5% comp (the highest in the district), along with overall increases in traffic conversion and ADS.
  • Achieved five leadership promotions in less than one year.
  • Secured one of the highest employee engagement scores in the NY region, consistently reaching 93%.
  • Leveraged partnerships with brands and colleagues to boost business growth. Held in-store events with local businesses to establish partnerships; this led to our studio services and appointments meeting company targets every month.
  • Achieved shrink rate below 1% consecutively for two years by implementing effective control measures.

Store Manager

DSW
New York, NY
10.2012 - 02.2017
  • Held various positions within the organization: Sales Support Manager of Operations, Sales Support Manager of Merchandising, Store Manager, and Acting Store Director of the #1 volume store in the company.
  • As the Support Manager of Operations, I determined staffing requirements, interviewed, hired, and oversaw the training of new personnel for a location of up to 130 associates, and an annual volume of over $20 million. Along with staffing, I oversaw the Loss Prevention Department and front-of-house operations, which included the cash wrap and cash office.
  • As the Support Manager of Merchandising, I managed back-of-house operations and partnered with an off-site warehouse to order products for a flagship store daily, using daily sales, reports, space allocation, and customer feedback.
  • During my time as a Store Manager in my own location, I had a sales comp increase of 5% for two years in a row, an increase in conversion of 8% over last year, and a retention rate of over 85%. Employee engagement survey scores were consistently above the company baseline, with a 90% average.

Education

Google Project Management Professional Certificate -

Coursera
05-2025

Photography / Fine Arts

Parsons School of Design
New York, NY

Skills

  • Conflict Resolution
  • Retail Inventory Management
  • Team Performance Optimization
  • Process Optimization
  • Budgeting and Cost Control
  • Work Planning and Prioritization
  • Merchandise Presentation Strategies
  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Vendor Management
  • Hiring Process Management

Systems Experience

  • Microsoft 365
  • Google Workspace
  • Zoom
  • Slack
  • Rippling
  • Kronos
  • Storeforce
  • Personnel Management Scheduling System
  • ADP
  • Workforce Management
  • Salesforce
  • NetSuite
  • Asana
  • Gantt Charts
  • Kanban Boards

Timeline

Store Manager

COLE HAAN
04.2022 - Current

General Manager

b8ta
11.2019 - 02.2022

Store Director

SEPHORA
03.2017 - 06.2019

Store Manager

DSW
10.2012 - 02.2017

Google Project Management Professional Certificate -

Coursera

Photography / Fine Arts

Parsons School of Design

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PAULA GARCIA