Open To Work
Petra Gopfert
Executive
NEW YORK,NY
Summary
Performance-driven executive with 20+ years of leadership experience across media, retail, hospitality, and community services. Recognized for bridging operational performance with community impact, navigating politically nuanced environments, and leading organizations through change and turnaround. Known as a trusted negotiator and natural mediator, I specialize in resolving internal friction, aligning competing stakeholders, and protecting both profitability and culture. My leadership style is grounded in listening, fairness, and decisive action—turning complex challenges into measurable results.
Diligent with proven track record in strategic leadership and organizational growth. Expertly managed large-scale projects, driving significant improvements in operational efficiency. Demonstrated excellence in team leadership and financial oversight.
Experienced with strategic planning, operational management, and team leadership. Utilizes comprehensive business acumen to drive organizational success and foster growth. Track record of implementing effective strategies that enhance productivity and profitability.
Senior executive leader with track record of driving strategic initiatives and delivering impactful results. Adept at fostering team collaboration and navigating complex organizational challenges. Skilled in strategic planning, financial management, and operations oversight. Valued for reliability, adaptability, and results-oriented approach.
Corporate executive with robust experience in driving business transformations and operational improvements. Known for delivering strategic initiatives that foster growth and enhance profitability. Exceptional at fostering collaborative environments and adapting to dynamic business needs.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Vice President, Retail & Marketing | Global Sourcing Director
Meltzer Media
New York, NY
01.2015 - Current
- Lead global sourcing, product development, marketing strategy, and cross-functional operations, managing multimillion-dollar budgets across domestic and international markets.
- Negotiate international supplier contracts (China, Germany, Australia, Canada), achieving 15–20% cost savings while maintaining quality standards.
- Direct full product lifecycle from concept to commercialization, including national television campaigns (TV, digital, HSN, QVC).
- Bridge departmental gaps and resolve operational bottlenecks to ensure high-impact, on-time execution.
- Conceptualize and execute large-scale projects ($500K–$1M), including national Medicare client staging, vendor oversight, and creative direction.
- Strengthened relationships with key stakeholders, fostering trust and collaboration across the organization.
- Represented organization at industry conferences and events.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with vendors for reduced costs and improved service quality.
- Fostered partnerships with key stakeholders, enhancing collaboration and expanding service offerings.
- Leveraged professional networks and industry knowledge to strengthen client relationships.
- Secured vital partnerships with industry leaders, enhancing company reputation and expanding market reach.
General Manager / District Manager
Restaurant Group
New York, NY
01.2005 - 01.2015
- Promoted to General Manager in 13 months—the fastest in company history.
- Turned around the lowest-performing location, reducing turnover from 400–500% to 3% while sustaining profitability during corporate bankruptcy restructuring.
- Implemented HR best practices and operational systems later adopted company-wide.
- Built strategic partnerships with shelters, churches, and public health agencies, integrating community engagement into operations.
- Achieved national recognition for 35% beverage sales growth and Top 3 ranking in food cost and profit margins across 650+ locations.
- Implemented cost control measures to optimize budget management across multiple locations.
- Mentored management team, fostering professional development and improving team performance.
- Oversaw inventory management systems to ensure adequate stock levels and reduce waste.
- Enhanced employee engagement through targeted training programs and performance evaluations.
- Developed marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and drive sales growth.
- Established vendor relationships to negotiate favorable terms and improve supply chain efficiency.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
- Established comprehensive employee training programs to develop skills, improve productivity, and maintain compliance with industry regulations.
- Developed and executed strategic plans for business growth and expansion, resulting in increased market share.
- Championed continuous improvement initiatives that enhanced operational performance across all departments.
- Drove the successful execution of numerous large-scale events/promotions while closely managing costs/budgetary constraints associated with event planning/management activities.
- Fostered culture of continuous improvement, introducing regular review sessions that boosted team performance and morale.
- Enhanced team collaboration and communication by introducing new project management tool, leading to more efficient project completions.
- Negotiated with suppliers to secure better pricing, reducing operational costs while maintaining product quality.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction with introduction of customer feedback system, leading to service improvements and repeat business.
- Pioneered corporate social responsibility program, building community engagement and enhancing brand reputation.
- Oversaw successful launch of new product lines, coordinating between departments to ensure unified approach and timely delivery.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
- Supervised creation of exciting merchandise displays to catch attention of store customers.
- Led training programs for management teams, fostering leadership skills and operational excellence.
- Managed inventory control processes, optimizing supply chain efficiency and reducing waste.
- Supervised various locations, enforcing high-quality standards of operation.
- Boosted employee morale by creating a positive work environment that encouraged teamwork, collaboration, and professional growth opportunities.
- Oversaw successful store openings, coordinating logistics, staffing, training, and promotional efforts to ensure smooth transitions for new locations.
- Championed a culture of continuous improvement by regularly soliciting feedback from employees and implementing changes based on their suggestions.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction, conducting regular store visits to ensure compliance with service standards.
- Achieved significant improvements in customer feedback scores by implementing rigorous service quality standards.
- Managed senior-level personnel working in marketing and sales capacities.
Case Manager, Supported Employment
New Horizons Community Service Board
Georgia
01.1996 - 01.2005
- Led employment readiness and job placement programs for individuals with disabilities.
- Recruited, trained, and supervised job coaches; monitored outcomes to ensure sustainable community employment.
- Negotiated inclusive employment agreements with local businesses, advocating for fair wages and safe conditions.
- Strengthened workforce integration through partnerships serving 200+ clients.
- Coordinated care plans with multidisciplinary teams to address client needs and improve service delivery.
- Developed individualized treatment goals in collaboration with clients, fostering self-advocacy and independence.
- Monitored client progress through regular assessments, ensuring adherence to therapeutic protocols and interventions.
- Facilitated crisis intervention sessions, providing immediate support and resources to stabilize clients in distress.
- Implemented community outreach programs to enhance awareness of available mental health services and resources.
- Advocated for clients' rights within healthcare systems, securing necessary services and benefits to improve quality of life.
- Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements.
- Conducted thorough assessments of clients'' situations, identifying issues, goals, and necessary interventions.
- Monitored ongoing cases closely, adjusting case management strategies as needed based on evolving circumstances or new information.
- Educated clients on available programs, benefits, and services, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care needs.
- Achieved positive client outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive case management plans.
- Advocated for client rights when interacting with external agencies or institutions, ensuring fair treatment at all times.
- Provided crisis intervention support for clients experiencing emergencies, using appropriate techniques to de-escalate situations safely.
- Assisted clients in navigating housing, legal services and public benefits to gain access to valuable resources.
- Participated in regular professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within the field of case management.
- Facilitated workshops on life skills, contributing to improved self-sufficiency of clients.
- Enhanced public awareness of case management services through community outreach events, increasing access for underserved populations.
- Collaborated with mental health professionals to address psychological needs of clients, supporting their holistic recovery.
- Participated in community events to promote services and engage with public.
- Coordinated with community stakeholders for successful implementation of social and community service initiatives.
- Developed and implemented training programs for staff.
- Conducted outreach activities to engage local stakeholders in programs.
- Spearheaded fundraising efforts to support social and community service initiatives.
- Managed volunteer programs focused on providing community services to underserved populations.
Skills
- Executive & Operational Leadership
- Change & Turnaround Management
- Workforce Development & Talent Strategy
- Contract Negotiation & Global Sourcing
- Conflict Resolution & Mediation
- Cross-Functional & Multi-Stakeholder Leadership
- Strategic Planning & Risk Mitigation
- Community & Policy Engagement
- Operational & Financial Performance Optimization
- Strategic Thinking & Systems Analysis
- Negotiation & High-Stakes Mediation
- Workforce & Organizational Development
- Stakeholder & Community Engagement
- Operational Excellence & Process Improvement
- Change Management & Risk Anticipation
- Emotional Intelligence & Executive Communication
- Strategic leadership
- Operational excellence
- Policies and procedures
- Organizational development
- Staff development
- Revenue generation
- Financial management
- Public speaking
- Operations management
- Recruiting and hiring
LANGUAGES
English
German
Timeline
Senior Vice President, Retail & Marketing | Global Sourcing Director
Meltzer Media
01.2015 - Current
General Manager / District Manager
Restaurant Group
01.2005 - 01.2015
Case Manager, Supported Employment
New Horizons Community Service Board
01.1996 - 01.2005