Ryan Chenoweth
Neola
Summary
Dynamic Produce Manager with a proven track record at multiple large volume stores, excelling in operational efficiency and customer service. Expert in merchandising strategies and inventory management, achieving significant sales growth while reducing waste. Committed to developing and mentoring associates, fostering a high-performance team culture that enhances customer satisfaction and drives profitability.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Produce Manager
Hy-Vee, Inc. Store#1535
Omaha, NE
06.2023 - Current
- Supervised daily produce operations, ensuring freshness and quality of products.
- Trained team members on proper handling and storage techniques for produce items.
- Monitored inventory levels, coordinating restocking schedules to minimize waste and ensure profitability.
- Implemented display strategies to enhance product visibility and customer engagement.
- Analyzed sales trends to optimize product selection based on customer preferences.
- Strengthened profits by reducing waste, controlling shrinkage, and increasing team efficiency with optimized workflows.
- Coached and mentored new team members. Resulting in 2 key associates being Certified Produce Associates.
- Implemented effective merchandising techniques, leading to increased visibility of seasonal items and specialty products.
- Outpaced company standards in sales increase and greatly improved sales and gross profit dollars YoY since accepting the position.
- Assisted customers with questions or concerns regarding produce items, providing knowledgeable advice on storage tips and recipe suggestions when needed.
- Evaluated employee performance regularly, providing constructive feedback and implementing development plans as necessary.
- Priced produce to achieve margin and sales goals.
Produce Merchandiser
Coast Produce Company
07.2021 - 05.2023
- Managed product displays to enhance visual appeal and drive customer engagement.
- Analyzed inventory levels to optimize stock availability and reduce spoilage.
- Collaborated with suppliers to ensure quality standards and timely deliveries.
- Coordinated promotional activities to increase sales of seasonal produce items.
- Trained team members on merchandising best practices and product knowledge.
- Developed strategic placement plans for new product launches, improving visibility.
- Inspected products for quality and freshness.
- Planned and executed produce demo programs to increase store profit.
- Increased produce sales by implementing effective merchandising strategies and visually appealing displays.
- Recorded produce as it was received and put on shelves.
- Streamlined ordering processes by leveraging technology tools such as inventory management software, leading to increased efficiency and accuracy.
Forklift Operator
Menards Distribution Center
Shelby, IA
04.2021 - 05.2021
- Operated forklifts to efficiently move and stack materials within warehouse environment.
- Conducted regular safety inspections of equipment to ensure compliance with operational standards.
Produce F/C/D Team Lead
Sam's Club
Council Bluffs, IA
07.2019 - 04.2021
- Led team to achieve operational goals by optimizing workflow processes.
- Trained and mentored staff on inventory management systems and best practices.
- Coordinated scheduling to ensure adequate staffing during peak hours.
- Implemented quality control measures to enhance product availability and presentation.
- Maintained planograms to ensure company driven features were set to plan for each week in a timely, efficient manner, maximizing sales and profit
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends and improve merchandising strategies.
- Facilitated communication between departments to streamline operations and resolve issues.
- Trained new team members by relaying information on company procedures and safety requirements.
- Promoted a positive work environment by fostering teamwork, open communication, and employee recognition initiatives.
- Served as a role model for the team by demonstrating commitment to excellence, professionalism, and adherence to company values at all times.
- Coached team members in techniques necessary to complete job tasks.
- Enhanced overall team performance by providing regular coaching, feedback, and skill development opportunities.
- Collaborated with other department leads to streamline workflows, improve interdepartmental coordination, and achieve business goals collectively.
- Worked different stations to provide optimal coverage and meet production goals.
- Evaluated employee skills and knowledge regularly, training, and mentoring individuals with lagging skills.
- Increased customer satisfaction by ensuring timely completion of projects and adherence to high-quality standards.
- Influenced positive change within the organization through strategic thinking, innovation, problem-solving abilities, and consistent leadership style.
- Managed risks and mitigated potential issues through proactive planning, monitoring, and timely decisionmaking.
- Evaluated staff performance and provided coaching to address inefficiencies.
- Assisted in recruitment to build team of top performers.
- Maintained overall safe work environment with employee training programs and enforcement of safety procedures.
- Optimized customer experience by delivering superior services and effectively troubleshooting issues.
- Educated staff on organizational mission and goals to help employees achieve success.
Education
High School Diploma -
Thomas Jefferson High School
Council Bluffs, IA 05-1994
Skills
- Customer service
- Developing and mentoring associates
- Retail management experience
- Retail inventory management
- Operational efficiency
- Inventory counting
- Merchandising strategies
- Purchasing and planning
- Inventory replenishment
- Waste reduction
- Pricing strategy
- Display production
- Quality control analysis
- Health department standards
- Product merchandising
- Budget development
- Ordering procedures
- Administration and management
- Display creation
- Promotional planning
- Budget adherence
- Vendor liaison
- Produce trimming
- Department supervision
- Personal service
- Department leadership
- Scheduling for sales increase and to hit VPC goals
- Blending gross
- Sales to Purchase
Accomplishments
I mentored two associates to become Produce Certified Experts
I have increased sales by 4.5% YoY since assuming leadership duties at Omaha#6 increasing net profit by $360K in the eleven months that I have run the department.
I have won 7 display contests since coming to Omaha #6 including:
Grand Prize Winner - Colorado Peach Contest
1st Place- Stemilt Cherry Display Contest
1st Place- Stemilt Apple Display Contest
1st Place- Melissa's Freaky Fruit Display Contest
1st Place- Tote Bag display
Languages
Spanish
Elementary
Timeline
Produce Manager
Hy-Vee, Inc. Store#1535
06.2023 - Current
Produce Merchandiser
Coast Produce Company
07.2021 - 05.2023
Forklift Operator
Menards Distribution Center
04.2021 - 05.2021
Produce F/C/D Team Lead
Sam's Club
07.2019 - 04.2021
High School Diploma -
Thomas Jefferson High School