Raymond Lopez
Massapequa,NY
Summary
Commercial leader with over a decade of experience at IKEA, specializing in retail expansion, merchandising strategy, and operational execution. Combines system expertise with hands-on field implementation to bridge planning and implementation execution. Experienced in leading cross-functional commercial initiatives, developing talent, and improving retail operations at scale.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
US Commercial Superuser (Expansion / Selling Function)
IKEA USA
01.2023 - Current
- Led the country team for MPS (Merchandising Planning Software) and MAA (Merchandising Administrative Application) to drive adoption, governance, and best practices across the U.S.
- Supported expansion planning and execution for new customer meeting points and store transformation projects.
- Coached planners and implementation teams to enhance operational consistency and performance.
- Provided onsite implementation support to align planning strategy with real-world execution.
Realtor (Residential & Commercial)
Keller Williams Legendary
01.2022 - Current
- Advised clients on residential and commercial transactions, including acquisitions, leasing, and investment opportunities to align deals with financial and operational objectives
- Supported end-to-end commercial lease transactions, including tenant requirement analysis, LOI structuring, negotiation, and financial documentation review to ensure successful outcomes
- Guided site selection and deal evaluation through market analysis, enabling clients to secure favorable terms and well-structured agreements
Field / District Sales Advisor (East Coast)
IKEA USA
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Oversaw commercial performance and operational execution across 14 Customer Meeting Points (CMPs) in East Coast region, enhancing overall sales effectiveness
- Partnered with store leadership teams to align sales strategies, execution standards, and business performance, fostering collaborative growth
- Supported implementation of sales strategies and operational initiatives across multiple locations, driving consistency at scale
- Facilitated regional store reviews with commercial partners to identify and implement improvements in customer experience and merchandising execution
- Functioned as a key liaison between store operations and the Service Office, coordinating alignment on commercial priorities and ways of working across the region
Sales Manager
Bed Bath & Beyond
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Led sales floor operations, enhancing revenue performance and customer experience
- Managed and coached team members, improving individual and store performance metrics
- Monitored key performance indicators, including sales, conversion rates, and average ticket size
- Ensured execution of merchandising standards, promotions, and inventory flow
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Marketing, Advertising
York College
Queens, NYSome College (No Degree) - Business Management, Finance
Queensborough Community College
Queens, NYSkills
- Retail Expansion (CMP)
- Sales Optimization
- Retail Planning
- Merchandising Strategy
- Forecasting
- Market Analysis
- Financial Planning
- Contract Management
- MPS / MAA Systems
- Process Improvement
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Training & Development
Languages
- English
- Spanish
Professional Highlights
- Sole U.S. Superuser (IKEA) for MPS (Merchandising Planning Software) & MAA (Merchandising Administrative Application) planning tools.
- Contributor to IKEA’s Breakthrough Expansion Plan, supporting the successful execution of 10 new Customer Meeting Points (CMPs) and future pipeline development
- Led training for planners assigned to new CMP openings and transformation projects, supporting 10+ units with 6–8 planners per location, driving consistency in planning standards and execution
- Improved KPIs across existing Customer Meeting Points (CMPs), achieving a 4–7% average reduction in goods handling
Websites
Timeline
US Commercial Superuser (Expansion / Selling Function)
IKEA USA
01.2023 - Current
Realtor (Residential & Commercial)
Keller Williams Legendary
01.2022 - Current
Field / District Sales Advisor (East Coast)
IKEA USA
01.2021 - 01.2023
Sales Manager
Bed Bath & Beyond
01.2010 - 01.2012
Some College (No Degree) - Marketing, Advertising
York College
Some College (No Degree) - Business Management, Finance
Queensborough Community College