Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Awards
Timeline
Generic

Suzanne Van Der Westhuizen

Nashville,USA

Summary

Award-Winning Retail Store Manager Veteran “Big Box Leader” with verifiable successes in driving company growth, minimizing employee turnover and maximizing customer retention, distinguished by accelerated advancement, awards and goal-surpassing performance-to-plan. Comprehensive background leading all aspects of retail operations (e.g., P&L, merchandising, sales, customer service, inventory, personnel and payroll management) reinforced by extensive retail management training. To seek and maintain full-time position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals. Caring professional prepared to deliver case management and client advocacy. Dedicated to helping others achieve progress toward goals and meet specific needs. Wide-ranging knowledge of applicable services and professionals appropriate for clients.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience

Work History

Home Maker / Volunteer

09.2018 - Current
  • Proudly maintain and provide for 2 kids and a husband
  • Complete home improvements projects
  • Actively engage in community service and volunteer programs
  • Vanderbilt child life assistant - volunteer
  • Nashville Rescue Mission – volunteer
  • WHYBS Board Member -volunteer
  • Sunday School Teacher – volunteer
  • International Missions - volunteer
  • Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital, ALS, Breast Cancer, Alzheimer’s, Suicide awareness fund raising and marathons
  • Self-study and personal development

General Manager

JCPENNEY
03.2015 - 09.2018
  • Promoted to oversee daily operations for JCP Stores in the Nashville Market
  • Managed a $13M, 150-employee, big-box location; direct all departments (hard lines, soft lines, commission, services and specialty business); develop merchandising and loss-control strategies; execute corporate programs, promotions and policies; and drive optimal customer satisfaction, associate productivity and P&L results
  • As a top performer selected to chair JCP corporate committee for strategic growth and future talent
  • Elevated Tullahoma store to #1 in sales out of 24 locations in the district and #25 of 1200 nationally, with 25% gain in profitability
  • Developed and launched an equipment reallocation program that proved so successful that it was rolled out regionally
  • Awarded 'Store Manager of the Year' (2016) as a result of superior sales and customer satisfaction results
  • Excelled at building and motivating management and hourly teams
  • Developed many entry-level associates to leadership positions and quickly became one of the primary trainers of new store managers across the district
  • Recognized for key role in remodeling CEO Home Store
  • Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
  • Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
  • Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
  • Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
  • Managed budget development, forecasting, and financial reporting processes to track progress towards organizational objectives accurately.
  • Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
  • Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
  • Formulated policies and procedures to streamline operations.
  • Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty.
  • Increased overall company efficiency by streamlining operations and implementing innovative managerial strategies.
  • Managed budget implementations, employee evaluations, and contract details.
  • Directed comprehensive sales efforts to exceed revenue targets consistently while maintaining customer satisfaction levels.
  • Developed and executed strategic plans for business growth and expansion, resulting in increased market share.
  • Championed continuous improvement initiatives that enhanced operational performance across all departments.
  • Analyzed market trends/data to identify potential opportunities for business growth within existing or emerging markets successfully.
  • Implemented robust inventory management systems to optimize stock levels and minimize waste/costs associated with excess product storage.
  • Maximized operational excellence mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, and company procedures.
  • Addressed customer complaints and feedback with immediate action, turning dissatisfied customers into loyal patrons.
  • Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
  • Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
  • Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
  • Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
  • Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
  • Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
  • Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
  • Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.

Operations/Merchandise Manager

JCPENNEY
05.2012 - 03.2015

Sales Manager

JCPENNEY
12.2009 - 05.2012

Assistant Manager

KOHLS
10.2005 - 12.2009
  • Quickly promoted to various positions overseeing daily operations for Kohl’s Stores in the Nashville Market
  • Managed a $28M, 150-employee, big-box location; directed all departments (hard lines, soft lines and specialty business); developed merchandising and loss-control strategies; executed corporate programs, promotions and policies; and drove optimal customer satisfaction, associate productivity and P&L results
  • Assisted store management in driving single-year sales growth of 30% (setting a new record company-wide) to achieve #1 in district sales in 2008
  • Excelled at building and motivating teams
  • Developed many entry-level associates to leadership positions and quickly became recognized as a 'rising star' (elevating sales, margins, staff retention and customer satisfaction by as much 30%), resulting in a supporting role when launching stores into new markets

Area Supervisor (Key Holder)

KOHLS
10.2003 - 12.2005

Department Supervisor

KOHLS
10.2002 - 10.2003

Associate

KOHLS
09.2000 - 01.2002

Education

Motlow Community College -

Motlow Community College
01.2003

High School Diploma - General Education Degree

Decatur, IL
01.2000

Skills

  • Positive Attitude
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Organized and Efficient
  • Attention to Detail
  • Leadership Qualities
  • Community Service
  • Adaptability and Dependability
  • Flexible Schedule
  • Team Collaboration
  • Community Engagement
  • Event Setup
  • Event Planning
  • Community Outreach
  • Cross-cultural understanding
  • Operations Support
  • Project Oversight

Accomplishments

  • Supervised team of 150 staff members, successfully developing, retaining associates and performance.
  • Documented and resolved associate performance and behaviors which led to strong teams with promotions up to my level.
  • Achieve Store Manager of The Year by completing superior sales, high customer satisfaction, associate development with accuracy and efficiency.

Awards

  • Top 10% in Profit and Top Store Growth, JCP Corp., Founder Award
  • #1 in Regional Leadership, JCP Corp., Regional Warrior Award
  • Top Performance in District Merchandizing and Store Environment, JCP Corp.
  • Top Regional Performance, Kohl’s Corp., Regional Associate Award

Timeline

Home Maker / Volunteer

09.2018 - Current

General Manager

JCPENNEY
03.2015 - 09.2018

Operations/Merchandise Manager

JCPENNEY
05.2012 - 03.2015

Sales Manager

JCPENNEY
12.2009 - 05.2012

Assistant Manager

KOHLS
10.2005 - 12.2009

Area Supervisor (Key Holder)

KOHLS
10.2003 - 12.2005

Department Supervisor

KOHLS
10.2002 - 10.2003

Associate

KOHLS
09.2000 - 01.2002

High School Diploma - General Education Degree

Motlow Community College -

Motlow Community College

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Suzanne Van Der Westhuizen