Richard Spires
Columbus,OH
Summary
Dynamic Sr. Manager with proven expertise in strategic planning, operations management, and cross-functional collaboration. Focused on enhancing operational efficiency and team performance to drive customer satisfaction and business growth.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr Manager, Retail Experience
Central Ohio Transit Authority
Columbus, OH
11.2021 - 12.2025
- Led cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery.
- Developed strategic initiatives to improve customer satisfaction and transit usage.
- Implemented data-driven decision-making processes for resource allocation and planning.
- Oversaw budget management, ensuring optimal use of financial resources within projects.
- Provided strong leadership to enhance team productivity and morale.
- Collaborated closely with peers from other departments to drive organizational success jointly as one cohesive unit.
- Reduced costs, optimized resource allocation, and improved efficiency in managing projects.
- Consolidated vendors and renegotiated contracts to optimize costs.
- Enhanced team performance with regular coaching sessions, focusing on individual strengths and areas for improvement.
- Led strategic planning sessions to align departmental goals with overall company vision, fostering cohesive growth strategy.
- Utilized Salesforce to optimize client relations and foster loyalty amongst clients and vendors.
- Oversaw the sunset of paper passes. Went from 70% of bus fare being paid with paper passes to 0% by making strategic decisions and leading cross-functional teams for success. Resulted in $500,000 expense reduction annually in goods purchased.
District Manager
Family Dollar
Columbus, OH
09.2020 - 11.2021
- Led district operations to ensure compliance with company standards and policies.
- Developed training programs for store managers to enhance team performance and customer service.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends and optimize merchandising strategies across multiple locations.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive initiatives that improved operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
- Mentored new district managers, providing guidance on best practices and company procedures.
- Conducted regular store audits to assess performance and implement corrective actions as needed.
- Established relationships with local vendors to negotiate favorable terms and improve supply chain logistics.
- Boosted employee morale by creating a positive work environment that encouraged teamwork, collaboration, and professional growth opportunities. Resulted in an 80% reduction in turnover.
- Achieved profitable sales growth by effectively managing profit and loss for ten stores. Drove operational improvements that enhanced revenue generation and customer engagement. Cultivated strong team dynamics to support sales objectives and maximize store performance.
District Manager
Save A Lot
Columbus, OH
07.2019 - 11.2020
- Implemented inventory management strategies that reduced stock discrepancies and improved turnover rates.
- Ensured compliance with company policies and procedures as well as federal/state regulations by conducting regular audits of operational practices at each location within the district.
- Fostered an environment of open communication between management teams across the district to share best practices in operations optimization and problem-solving techniques.
- Evaluated store performance regularly using data analysis tools to identify areas of improvement and implement targeted action plans for continuous growth.
- Collaborated with senior management on strategic planning initiatives aimed at maximizing profitability while maintaining high standards of quality across the district.
- Implemented risk-management protocols for loss prevention, leading to a consistent decrease in shrinkage rates across the district.
- Increased district sales consistently 20% ahead of YOY by implementing effective marketing strategies and fostering strong relationships with key partners.
- Reduced turnover rates by implementing proactive retention strategies designed to address potential employee concerns before they escalated into resignations or terminations.
- Implemented strategic initiatives to enhance monthly sales performance, leading region in year-over-year growth.
Store Director
Fresh Thyme Market
Columbus, OH
01.2016 - 04.2018
- Coordinated logistics and staffing for new store opening in Gahanna, OH, to optimize customer experience.
- Exceeded expense budget by over 50% while establishing a regional standard for expense control.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive training initiative for new store openings.
- Developed and implemented creative community engagement strategies, resulting in increased sales each period over the previous fiscal year.
- Coordinated efforts with staff to refine procedures, focusing on improving customer satisfaction and overall financial performance.
- Conducted thorough perimeter security assessments and applied operational protocols, focusing on enhancing asset protection and reducing theft risks.
- Implemented cost-control measures and identified inefficiencies to ensure adherence to budget targets.
- Analyzed staffing needs and adjusted store schedules to achieve optimal coverage and maintain high service standards.
- Reviewed, updated, and enforced policies to maintain operational flexibility and responsiveness in a changing market landscape.
- Facilitated healthy team interactions, promoting collaboration and increasing productivity.
- Conducted regular assessments to guarantee alignment with quality benchmarks for customer service and health and safety protocols.
- Oversaw promotion accuracy and executed merchandising strategies in accordance with company standards.
- Developed and implemented training programs for seventy-five employees to support effective operations at new store in Gahanna, OH.
- Conducted training sessions, disciplined team members, and assessed on-the-job performance to ensure high standards of employee effectiveness.
- Reviewed financial metrics to prepare annual budget and strategically manage expenditure timelines.
- Executed inventory management strategies, conducting cycle counts and implementing shrinkage control to optimize stock levels.
Store Manager
Kroger
Columbus, OH
01.2004 - 08.2015
- Led daily operations to optimize store performance and enhance customer satisfaction.
- Developed and implemented training programs for staff to improve service quality and efficiency.
- Analyzed sales trends to identify opportunities for inventory management and product placement.
- Managed scheduling and staffing to ensure adequate coverage during peak hours, increasing productivity.
- Oversaw visual merchandising standards, enhancing the shopping experience and promoting brand loyalty.
- Collaborated with vendors to negotiate favorable terms, improving product availability and cost-efficiency.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations to mentor employees and support their career development goals.
- Implemented operational strategies that streamlined processes, resulting in reduced waste and improved profitability.
- Managed daily operations to ensure smooth functioning of the store, maintaining a clean, safe environment for customers and employees.
- Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures allowing for EBITDA growth of nearly 5% each year over the previous year.
- Addressed customer complaints promptly and professionally, resolving issues to maintain positive relationships with clientele.
- Assisted with hiring, training and mentoring new staff members.
- Improved customer satisfaction through staff training in customer service and product knowledge, maintaining a customer satisfaction rating of higher than 85%
- Maintained proper product levels and inventory controls for merchandise and organized backroom to facilitate effective ordering and stock rotation. Consistently had fewer than 100 controllable out of stock items on any given day.
Education
High School Diploma -
Grove City High School
Grove CityNo Degree - Music Performance
Capital University
Columbus, OHSkills
- Strategic planning
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Operations management
- Cross-functional team coordination
- Troubleshooting and problem resolution
- Data-driven decision making
- Data analytics
- Talent development
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Influencing and negotiating
- Process improvement
Timeline
Sr Manager, Retail Experience
Central Ohio Transit Authority
11.2021 - 12.2025
District Manager
Family Dollar
09.2020 - 11.2021
District Manager
Save A Lot
07.2019 - 11.2020
Store Director
Fresh Thyme Market
01.2016 - 04.2018
Store Manager
Kroger
01.2004 - 08.2015
High School Diploma -
Grove City High School
No Degree - Music Performance
Capital University