Stephen Sowders
Woodway,Texas
Summary
Enthusiastic Senior Operations Manager offering 30-year background overseeing production of goods and provision of services in Retail. Polished in chalking out operational systems and processes, examining financial data and conducting quality control checks. Cost-conscious and communicative professional familiar with business principles and operational management and budget development practices.
Collaborative leader with dedication to partnering with coworkers to promote engaged, empowering work culture. Documented strengths in building and maintaining relationships with diverse range of stakeholders in dynamic, fast-paced settings.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Operations Manager
Wal-Mart Stores Inc.
Bentonville, AR
8 1998 - Current
- Built strong relationships with key stakeholders through consistent engagement, collaboration, and transparent communication practices.
- Managed complex projects from concept to completion, ensuring on-time delivery within budget constraints.
- Allocated resources to planned programs according to business objectives.
- Served as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on matters related to operational performance, strategic planning, and organizational development.
- Improved operational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing innovative strategies.
- Effectively managed departmental budgets, identifying opportunities for cost reduction and resource optimization.
- Established robust performance metrics to track progress against objectives regularly and adjust strategies as needed for success.
- Identified and qualified customer needs and negotiated and closed profitable projects with high success rate.
Store Manager/Training Manager
Dollar General Co.
Waco, TX
01.1997 - 08.1998
- 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.
- Completed point of sale opening and closing procedures.
- Improved customer satisfaction through staff training in customer service and product knowledge.
- Managed store employees successfully in fast-paced environment through proactive communication and positive feedback.
- Increased store profitability by implementing cost-saving measures and efficient inventory management strategies.
- Managed financial aspects of store operations, including budget planning, expense tracking, and accurate record-keeping to maintain fiscal responsibility.
- Developed strategies for attracting new customers by analyzing demographic data and conducting targeted marketing initiatives.
- Conducted regular performance reviews for staff members, providing constructive feedback and opportunities for growth.
- Developed a successful employee retention plan, reducing staff turnover rates significantly.
Assistant Store Manager
Eckerd Drug Stores Inc.
Waco, TX
05.1996 - 01.1997
- Managed cash registers efficiently, ensuring accurate transactions, balancing drawers daily, and minimizing discrepancies.
- Managed opening and closing procedures and recommended changes to enhance efficiency of daily activities.
- Responded to customer concerns, working with manager to significantly raise customer satisfaction ratings.
- Resolved escalated customer issues effectively leading to improved customer satisfaction rates.
- Analyzed customer feedback and implemented strategies to improve customer experience.
- Supervised and evaluated staff to help improve skills, achieve daily objectives, and attain advancement.
- Enhanced store appearance for increased sales by maintaining cleanliness and implementing strategic merchandise displays.
- Created and maintained safe and secure work environments for employees.
- Improved store operations by establishing clear communication channels between team members and implementing efficient scheduling practices.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations of team members while providing constructive feedback resulting in enhanced productivity levels.
- Increased employee retention, training staff in effective customer service techniques and product knowledge.
Education
General Studies -
Morgan High School
Morgan, TXSkills
Customer Service/business relationships
Operations management
Employee engagement/associate relations
All phases of HR management
Leadership development
Budget planning/Financial acumen
Team building/training
Microsoft Office- Word/Excel/PowerPoint
Operations Management
KPI Tracking
Strategic Planning
Employee Coaching
References
- Josh Allen, Sr Director-Global Talent & Learning, Wal-Mart, 479-579-4995
- Todd Siron, Regional Director of Operations, Wal-Mart, 806-252-3231
- Justin Barrick, Director of Operations, Wal-Mart, 516-554-1787
Timeline
Store Manager/Training Manager
Dollar General Co.
01.1997 - 08.1998
Assistant Store Manager
Eckerd Drug Stores Inc.
05.1996 - 01.1997
Senior Operations Manager
Wal-Mart Stores Inc.
8 1998 - Current
General Studies -
Morgan High School
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