Shandese Ward
Fort Lauderdale
Summary
Results-driven luxury retail manager with extensive experience leading high-performing teams, driving multi-million-dollar business growth, and delivering exceptional client experiences. Proven success managing complex retail operations, developing top talent, and executing strategic initiatives that increase revenue, client loyalty, and operational excellence. Skilled in recruiting, training, and mentoring diverse teams while fostering a culture of accountability, service excellence, and performance. Recognized for building strong client relationships, elevating brand standards, and leading cross-functional teams to consistently exceed business objectives in fast-paced luxury environments.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Beauty Manager
Saks Fifth Avenue
Boca Raton, FL
08.2025 - Current
- Led a $5M Beauty department, driving strategic sales initiatives and team performance while contributing 10% of the store's $150M annual revenue, positioning the category as a key driver og overall business growth
- Developed and coached a team of 42 Beauty Advisors, improving individual sales productivity by 20% and elevating overall department performance
- Generated 770K+ in incremental revenue through the execution of exclusive beauty events, brand masterclasses, VIP client experiences
- Successfully turned around 5 underperforming brand counters, achieving a 30% increase in monthly sales within 7 months
- Oversaw merchandising, inventory integrity, and tester compliance for 30+ beauty counters, maintaining operational excellence while delivering a seamless luxury shopping experience for clients
- Recognized by senior leadership for delivering top-tier luxury client experiences while maintaining strong financial performance
Client Development Manager
Saks Fifth Avenue
Boca Raton, FL
04.2024 - 08.2025
- Led a team of 27+ Style Advisors across multiple luxury departments, driving a high-performance culture focused on client acquisition, retention and revenue growth
- Executed 30-60-90 day performance assessments to accelerate onboarding and ensure rapid productivity for new hires
- Spearheaded the recruitment and hiring of top luxury sales talent, building a diverse team of high-performing client advisors
- Increased employee retention by implementing mentorship and career development initiatives that improved engagement and professional growth
- Established individual performance plans that helped advisors consistently exceed personal and departmental sales growth
- Increased advisor client book growth through structured outreach expectations and follow-up strategies
Executive Office Manager
Saks Fifth Avenue
Boca Raton, FL
07.2022 - 04.2024
- Oversaw daily operations for a multimillion-dollar luxury retail location generating 150M annually
- Reduced onboarding time from four weeks to two weeks by training and mentoring new hires which enhanced efficiency and performance
- Led full-cycle recruitment for sales and support roles, sourcing, interviewing, and onboarding top talent to support operational growth
- Devised and implemented in collaboration with the general manager and director of operations a new LMS based learning strategy that sped up retail training by 50%
- Managed payroll for 145 employees ensuring 100%compliance with company polices and labor regulations
Associate Manager
Famous Footwear
Fort Lauderdale, FL
01.2022 - 07.2022
- Analyzed sales reports, KPI's, and performance metrics to identify growth opportunities and implement targeted action plans that improved store results.
- Increased store conversion rate by 15% through targeted coaching, real-time sales floor leadership, and performance accountability
- Developed and mentored a team of 15+ sales professionals, improving individuals sales productivity and generating a 10% increase in average transaction value
- Maintained 98% inventory accuracy by strengthening stockroom organization, cycle counts, and loss prevention procedures
- Supported hiring, onboarding, and development of top talent, help build a high-performing team that consistently ranked in the top 10% of district sales performance
Assistant Store Manager
Donna Karan New York
Sunrise, FL
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Acted as manager on duty, overseeing daily operations, resolving complex client concerns, and maintaining a seamless customer experience
- Coached underperforming team members through structured development plans, improving team-wide performance and reducing turnover by 10%
- Monitored operational compliance, including cash handling, safety standards, and company policies, to protect company assets
- Fostered a high-performance and service-driven culture, motivating the team to consistently exceed sales targets and deliver elevated client experiences
- Coordinated team schedules and floor coverage to optimize staffing levels and maximize selling opportunities during peak business hours
Sales Manager
Van Heusen
Sunrise, FL
10.2017 - 01.2021
- Directed daily floor operations to ensure seamless workflow, strong team coordination, and a consistently elevated client experience
- Supported store leadership in executing strategic business initiatives that increased overall profitability and operational efficiency
- Strengthened client retention by encouraging associates to maintain active client books and consistent follow-up communication
- Assisted in managing payroll to align staffing levels with business demands and operational budgets
- Played key role in preparing the store for corporate visits, audits, and leadership walkthroughs, ensuring all standards were exceeded
Sales Manager
Bebe
Fort Lauderdale, FL
10.2013 - 05.2017
- Strengthened internal communication and leadership alignment through regular performance updates and business recaps
- Increased team morale and engagement through recognition programs and performance incentives
- Monitored sales performance and KPI's implementing strategies to exceed daily, weekly, and monthly sales goals
- Resolved complex client concerns with professionalism, reinforcing the store's commitment to luxury service
- Improved operational efficiency by implementing process improvements that streamlined daily workflows
Education
High School Diploma -
Dillard High School
Fort Lauderdale, FLHuman Resources
Broward College
Coconut Creek, FLSkills
Strategic Leadership
Financial Management & P&L Oversight
Talent Development & Succession Planning
Operational Excellence
Client Relationship Management
Business Development
Cross-Functional Leadership
Timeline
Beauty Manager
Saks Fifth Avenue
08.2025 - Current
Client Development Manager
Saks Fifth Avenue
04.2024 - 08.2025
Executive Office Manager
Saks Fifth Avenue
07.2022 - 04.2024
Associate Manager
Famous Footwear
01.2022 - 07.2022
Assistant Store Manager
Donna Karan New York
01.2021 - 01.2022
Sales Manager
Van Heusen
10.2017 - 01.2021
Sales Manager
Bebe
10.2013 - 05.2017
Human Resources
Broward College
High School Diploma -
Dillard High School