Sterling Lee
Rosharon,TX
Summary
Asset Protection leader with 10+ years of multi-unit retail experience driving shrink reduction, safety, and profitability across large-scale operations. Proven ability to lead high-performing teams, develop leaders, and execute data-driven asset protection strategies across up to 74 locations. Skilled in internal and external theft mitigation, ORC investigations, and cross-functional partnership with Store, District, and Corporate leadership. Recognized for building strong AP cultures that balance customer experience, safety, and financial performance.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Multi-District Security Manager
H&M Hennes & Mauritz
Houston, TX
09.2022 - Current
- Lead asset protection strategy across 150 stores, driving shrink reduction, safety, and operational compliance across a multi-state region
- Partner with Sales Market, Area, and Store leadership to co-develop and execute shrink reduction strategies aligned with business goals
- Analyze exception reporting, KPI trends, and audit results to identify internal and external theft risks and implement targeted action plans
- Lead and develop store and area leaders through coaching, performance management, and succession planning, building strong leadership pipelines
- Oversee third-party security vendors, ensuring performance accountability, contract compliance, and cost optimization
- Manage security budgets aligned with company strategy, balancing proactive and reactive resource allocation to maximize ROI
- Direct and support internal investigations and external theft incidents, partnering with cross-functional teams to resolve cases and mitigate risk
- Support crisis management and emergency response, including workplace incidents, theft events, and business disruptions
- Drive execution of audit and compliance programs, ensuring strong adoption and consistent execution of company standards
- Lead cross-functional collaboration with HR, Operations, Employee Relations, and Corporate Security to influence district-wide AP awareness and performance
Store Manager
H&M Hennes & Mauritz
Houston, TX
06.2021 - 09.2022
- Led total store operations including sales performance, inventory accuracy, safety, and team development
- Partnered with Asset Protection to reduce shrink while maintaining a strong customer-first environment
- Developed leadership team through coaching, accountability, and performance management
- Ensured execution of operational controls, compliance standards, and safety protocols
Department Manager
H&M Hennes & Mauritz
Houston, TX
08.2019 - 06.2021
- Executed sales strategies and operational processes to uphold inventory accuracy and mitigate shortages.
- Collaborated with store leadership to streamline staffing processes, implement training programs, and manage daily operational tasks.
Store Manager
Tilly's Clothing Store
Houston, TX
11.2018 - 08.2019
- Supported loss prevention execution, audits, and shortage control behaviors
- Reinforced operational compliance and safe selling environments
Assistant Manager
Gap
Houston, TX
02.2018 - 11.2018
- Supported loss prevention execution, audits, and shortage control behaviors
- Reinforced operational compliance and safe selling environments
Store Manager
CVS Pharmacy
Houston, TX
02.2015 - 02.2018
- Managed store operations within a regulated environment, including asset protection, compliance, and safety
- Conducted internal investigations and handled sensitive employee matters
District Asset Protection Manager
Stein Mart
Houston, TX
03.2013 - 02.2015
- Led district-wide AP strategy across multiple stores, driving significant shrink reduction (5.5% → 2.1%)
- Directed ORC investigations and external theft cases, partnering with law enforcement
- Developed store and LP teams to improve execution of shortage reduction programs
Loss Prevention Analyst
HEB Grocery Store
Houston, TX
09.2009 - 03.2013
- Conducted investigations using CCTV, exception reporting, and data analysis
- Identified theft trends and partnered with leadership to implement preventative strategies
Education
No Degree - Business Management
Houston Community College
Houston, TX09-2026
Skills
- Loss Prevention Strategy & Shrink Reduction
- Green Standards & Compliance Execution
- Crisis Mitigation & Risk Management
- Vendor & Budget Management
- Cross-Functional Partnership
- Talent Development & Succession Planning
- Data-Driven Security Programs
- Internal audits
- Crisis management
- Emergency response planning
Certification
- Workplace Investigative Interviewing Techniques — Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates (2023)
- Coaching Skills for Leaders and Managers — LinkedIn (2022)
- Communicating in the Language of Leadership — LinkedIn (2022)
- Speaking Confidently and Effectively — LinkedIn (2022)
- LPC Certification, In Progress — Target 2026
Timeline
Multi-District Security Manager
H&M Hennes & Mauritz
09.2022 - Current
Store Manager
H&M Hennes & Mauritz
06.2021 - 09.2022
Department Manager
H&M Hennes & Mauritz
08.2019 - 06.2021
Store Manager
Tilly's Clothing Store
11.2018 - 08.2019
Assistant Manager
Gap
02.2018 - 11.2018
Store Manager
CVS Pharmacy
02.2015 - 02.2018
District Asset Protection Manager
Stein Mart
03.2013 - 02.2015
Loss Prevention Analyst
HEB Grocery Store
09.2009 - 03.2013
No Degree - Business Management
Houston Community College