Robert Cooper
Elgin,IL
Summary
Results-driven Retail Operations Leader with 8+ years of experience enhancing inventory accuracy, reducing shrink, and executing freight strategies across multiple stores. Expertise in analyzing operational data and validating processes through structured assessments. Committed to strengthening process discipline and cultivating high-performing teams that optimize margins and improve customer experiences.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Asset Protection Specialist
Kroger
Chicago, IL
03.2023 - Current
- Lead operational compliance and inventory integrity across 15+ retail locations, supporting store leadership in protecting margin and improving execution standards.
- Improved incident response time by 30% by standardizing escalation procedures and reinforcing store-level accountability.
- Increased district audit scores by 15% through compliance reviews, structured coaching, and corrective action planning.
- Analyzed order-writing trends and identified shrink drivers using Power BI dashboards and store reporting to enhance inventory productivity.
- Validated rotation standards, replenishment accuracy, and markdown effectiveness through structured operational walks in high-variance departments.
- Partner with Store Managers to address negative inventory trends, backroom flow gaps, and exception-report variances impacting financial results.
- Audited receiving, transfer accuracy, and POS exception processes during quarterly inventory counts to mitigate shrink exposure.
Store Manager
Kroger
Wheaton, IL
08.2022 - 03.2023
- Executed overnight freight process from unload to shelf, achieving on-time completion and ensuring full sales floor readiness.
- Managed overnight freight flow and replenishment standards, ensuring inventory controls and associate development aligned with operational performance goals.
- Held department leaders accountable for financial performance through KPI-driven coaching and structured follow-up plans.
- Leveraged Power BI reporting to evaluate order-writing trends and reduce inventory variance across key departments.
- Reduced asset loss by 5% through strengthened rotation standards, refund auditing, and high-risk transaction monitoring.
- Conducted OBW-aligned department walks to validate merchandising standards, replenishment accuracy, and seasonal transitions.
- Upheld customer-first execution standards while ensuring operational discipline and compliance with policies.
Supply Chain Investigator
Amazon
Remote, Remote
09.2020 - 08.2022
- Investigated 5,000+ high-risk fraud cases, enhancing internal controls and safeguarding large-scale operations.
- Reduced financial losses by 20% through structured case management and escalation practices.
- Collaborated with compliance and operations teams to streamline reporting workflows, minimizing financial exposure.
Fraud Analyst
JP Morgan Chase
Elgin, IL
01.2014 - 08.2019
- Filed 100+ Suspicious Activity Reports, preventing over $500K in potential losses.
- Reviewed 10,000+ financial transactions to identify risk indicators and ensure operational compliance.
- Strengthened internal controls through analysis of findings and collaboration with cross-functional teams.
Education
High School -
Batavia High School
BataviaBatavia
Skills
- Shrink Mitigation
- Audit Standards
- Compliance Standards
- Inventory Flow & Replenishment
- Expense Control
- Financial Awareness
- Process Improvement
- Trend analysis
- Operational Walks
- OBW Execution
- Overnight Freight Execution
- Team Leadership
- Performance Coaching
- KPI Coaching
- Associate Development
- Accountability
- Accountability
Affiliations
Member, Illinois Organized Retail Crime Association (ILORCA)
Certification
- Wicklander-Zulawski Level I – Investigative Interview Techniques
- FEMA Incident Management & Emergency Response (ICS / NIMS Series)
Technology And Platforms
- Power BI
- Everbridge
- Auror
- ThinkLP
- POS & Exception Reporting Systems
Target Role
Overnight Stocking Coach – Retail Operations Leadership
Timeline
Asset Protection Specialist
Kroger
03.2023 - Current
Store Manager
Kroger
08.2022 - 03.2023
Supply Chain Investigator
Amazon
09.2020 - 08.2022
Fraud Analyst
JP Morgan Chase
01.2014 - 08.2019
High School -
Batavia High School