Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
Generic

SONDRA EDWARDS

161 Frederick Drive, Chicago Heights,Illinois

Summary

Dynamic leader with passion for delivering exceptional customer service and driving positive outcomes, with extensive experience in fast paced, high volume/big-ticket Retail and Distribution environments. Multi-faceted background in Management, Sales, Human Resources, Merchandising, Operations and Distribution. Proven ability to deliver exemplary Customer Service, Creative Leadership and complex problem solving, along with exceptional verbal and written Communication. Radiates positivity, cultivating an encouraging and unified workplace environment.

Overview

35
35
years of professional experience

Work History

Engagement Coordinator/ Front End Supervisor

HomeGoods
Tinley Park, Illinois
08.2022 - Current
  • Progressing on Management Fast Track subsequent to starting the position as Merchandise Coordinator for six departments.
  • Supervises Front End, including scheduling breaks, training a team of 8+ cashiers, merchandising Queue line all while promoting TJX credit benefits and positive Customer Engagement.
  • Has inspired staff to meet and exceed TJX credit application goals while ensuring adherence to operational procedures.
  • Operates as Shrink and Safety Mentor to mitigate store’s shrink challenges and curtail Workers’ Compensation incidents.
  • On ATP team to train associates across all domains.
  • Designated to District Manager Store Remodel Team, finalizing projects in advance of timelines and generating major budgetary savings.

Personal Coach/Entertainment Manager

SRE Creative Coaching and Management
04.2016 - 12.2022
  • Motivated and supported chronically ill patients through tele visits to implement lifestyle changes and explore alternative healing treatments based on extensive experience and studies in holistic healthcare and psychological wellbeing.
  • Supported, cultivated, and launched band members/vocalists of notable artists into independent careers.

Interior Designer

Trilogy Design
Jackson, New Jersey
09.2001 - 03.2020
  • Spearheaded custom design and personal shopping service for furniture, accessories, art, flooring, window treatments, wall treatments, and soft goods for home and commercial interiors.
  • Oversaw contractors, installations, and executed renovation projects.
  • Specializes in implementing color schemes for paint and decor.

Office Manager

Sweet Music Academy
Howell, New Jersey
08.2015 - 01.2016
  • Facilitated owner in administration of three satellite retail locations, coordinating openings and closings, arranging schedules for over 100 students and 15 teachers, and handling tuition payments as well as bank deposits.
  • Oversaw inventory, sales, and rentals for six million dollars in equipment and instruments.
  • Instructed coworkers on effective utilization of Jack Rabbit software.

Assistant Manager

Sam Ash Music
Edison, New Jersey
06.2006 - 10.2010
  • Facilitated recruitment, onboarding, training, and scheduling for staff of 75-100 employees.
  • Managed daily operations of twenty-million-dollar retail establishment, exceeding sales objectives.
  • Attained highest sales performance across nation for several consecutive years during busiest annual period.
  • Sourced professional celebrity performers and organized showroom clinics aimed at boosting store visibility.

Sales Manager/ Kitchen-Bath Designer

Standard Tile Supply
Totowa, New Jersey
09.2001 - 03.2006
  • Managed tri-state area domestic wholesale accounts, revitalized dormant accounts and tackled customer service concerns.
  • Interacted directly with President.
  • Developed show floor designs and presentations for all showrooms.
  • Served as Interim Store Manager for six satellite retail locations as necessary.
  • Required sixty percent travel (NJ, PA, CT).

Assistant Manager

W. Berman Decorating
Brunswick, New Jersey
06.1999 - 09.2001
  • Sold luxury custom interior design services and orchestrated client projects until completion of installation.
  • Oversaw merchandising strategy for showroom and storefront windows.
  • Executed all Opening/Closing duties and Human Resource activities for workforce of 30+.

Interior Designer

Ethan Allen Interiors
River Edge, New Jersey
09.1998 - 06.1999
  • Created floor plans, selected and promoted luxury furniture and accessories in a visually appealing presentation format for customers.
  • Optimized show floor presentation daily to enhance customer engagement and sales.
  • Commission compensation framework.

Human Resource Generalist

Star Micronics America
Edison, New Jersey
05.1995 - 09.1998
  • Managed complete Human Resource and Payroll operations for company’s American Division of 350 employees.
  • Collaborated with corporate Labor Attorney regarding personnel legal matters.
  • Counseled President on effective corporate strategies for Labor Relations issues, downsizing, and mergers.

Regional Human Resource Manager

Dole Packaged Foods
Dayton, New Jersey
03.1993 - 04.1995
  • Managed Talent Acquisition, Safety and Training, Payroll Processing, Union Disciplinary Actions, Labor and Employee Relations, Compensation and Benefits, Traffic and Logistics, and Labor Law compliance for two-shift grocery distribution center and satellite Customer Service hub.
  • Partnered with Regional General Manager to address union contract negotiations and plantwide unionization challenges.

HR Operations Assistant

Federated Distribution
Elizabeth, New Jersey
07.1991 - 03.1993
  • Advised VP of Operations on staffing, training, orientation, and union issues for two three-shift, 24-hour distribution centers for Macy’s Northeast and White Rose Foods.
  • Executed payroll processing for all personnel while collaborating on Policy and Procedure manual.
  • Administer disciplinary warnings following union contract compliance.

Human Resource Assistant

United Retail Group
Rochelle Park, New Jersey
05.1990 - 06.1991
  • Administered Workers’ Compensation/Safety and Customer Liability claims for 400 Lerner Woman/Sizes Unlimited retail stores nationwide.
  • Handled organization of all active, term, and new hire files, including thorough employment verifications.
  • Editor for Companywide Newsletter, circulation 4,000+.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Human Resources Management

Upsala College
East Orange, NJ

Certificate in Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship -

New York University
New York, NY

Interior Design

Parsons School of Design
New York

Skills

  • Leadership skills in Team supervision, Empowerment, and Morale building
  • Human Resources expertise in staff development
  • Retail Operations Management proficiency
  • Proficient in Time management strategies
  • Effective and detail-focused communication
  • Strategic project planning and execution abilities
  • Fosters an Inclusive and Supportive Environment
  • Coordination of events effectively managed with precision
  • Analytical thinking for decision-making
  • Safety compliance training

References

Available Upon Request

Timeline

Engagement Coordinator/ Front End Supervisor

HomeGoods
08.2022 - Current

Personal Coach/Entertainment Manager

SRE Creative Coaching and Management
04.2016 - 12.2022

Office Manager

Sweet Music Academy
08.2015 - 01.2016

Assistant Manager

Sam Ash Music
06.2006 - 10.2010

Interior Designer

Trilogy Design
09.2001 - 03.2020

Sales Manager/ Kitchen-Bath Designer

Standard Tile Supply
09.2001 - 03.2006

Assistant Manager

W. Berman Decorating
06.1999 - 09.2001

Interior Designer

Ethan Allen Interiors
09.1998 - 06.1999

Human Resource Generalist

Star Micronics America
05.1995 - 09.1998

Regional Human Resource Manager

Dole Packaged Foods
03.1993 - 04.1995

HR Operations Assistant

Federated Distribution
07.1991 - 03.1993

Human Resource Assistant

United Retail Group
05.1990 - 06.1991

Bachelor of Arts - Human Resources Management

Upsala College

Certificate in Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship -

New York University

Interior Design

Parsons School of Design

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