Tara Norris
Lakewood Ranch,FL
Summary
A results-driven management professional with a strong background in overseeing departmental functions and driving team success. Known for fostering collaborative work environments and adapting to evolving business needs. Highly committed and organized with a hardworking mentality that has shown efficiency in leadership and problem-solving to ensure consistent achievement of company goals.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Adult Beverage/ Liquor Box Department Manager
Walmart
Bradenton, FL
11.2025 - Current
- Directed daily operations to optimize store performance and improve customer satisfaction.
- Implemented inventory management strategies to reduce stock discrepancies and enhance product availability, including stocking freight, slotting overstock, scanning outs, ordering as needed to ensure timely product replenishment, and reclaiming damaged or expired goods.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends, informing strategic merchandising decisions and promotions.
- Collaborated with other departments to ensure seamless coordination in achieving company-wide objectives.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors, creating open communication and ensuring smooth resolution of any issues.
- Monitored workforce productivity, reallocating resources as needed to meet changing business demands.
- Implemented cross-training initiatives for employees, increasing overall departmental knowledge and versatility.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills and increase accountability.
- Improved customer satisfaction rates through attentive service, prompt issue resolution, and continuous process improvements.
Stocking 1 Associate
Walmart
Bradenton, FL
04.2024 - 10.2025
- Enhanced store organization by accurately stocking shelves and maintaining inventory control.
- Transported merchandise to sales floor and replenished out-of-stock and low-stock items.
- Placed overstock items in correct storage locations to keep stock areas organized and inventory counts accurate.
- Operated pallet jacks, manual and electric, for safe inventory movement.
- Maintained cleanliness and safety standards throughout the stocking area to prevent accidents and enable others to easily pass by.
- Maintained proper rotation of perishable items according to expiration dates, reducing waste and ensuring fresh products were available for customers.
- Disposed of damaged or defective items or coordinated returns to vendors for covered items.
- Trained new associates on stocking procedures and safety protocols effectively.
- Participated in regular team meetings to discuss performance metrics, operational improvements, and upcoming initiatives and events.
- Utilized technology tools such as TCs, work phones, and portable printers for efficient inventory management throughout the entire stocking process.
- Improved customer satisfaction by assisting shoppers in locating desired products quickly.
AP Ops Associate
Walmart
Bradenton, FL
05.2023 - 04.2024
- Received and processed incoming freight shipments, ensuring accurate inventory management by diligently monitoring shipments, verifying product details during receiving, and auditing as needed.
- Maintained accurate documentation of received items, including receipts, invoices, and purchase orders, ensuring easy retrieval of information whenever needed.
- Maintained strong vendor relationships through professional communication and swift resolution of shipment discrepancies by promptly communicating concerns to vendors and following up until resolved.
- Rejected damaged items, recorded shortages, and corresponded with shippers to rectify issues.
- Operated handheld scanners for efficient receiving, tracking, and verification of products.
- Processed reclaims and returns to vendors and warehouse for credit.
- Requisitioned weekly supplies and maintained storage areas for smooth department operations.
- Sorted and delivered materials to different work areas and staff.
- Expedited the unloading process from delivery trucks, minimizing delays in product availability on the sales floor.
- Maintained compliance with safety regulations, contributing to a secure working environment.
- Collaborated with team members to keep work areas neat, clean and free from debris.
- Trained new employees on receiving procedures and safety protocols, enhancing team performance.
- Participated in ongoing training opportunities to stay current on industry best practices related to receiving processes and procedures.
- Effectively balanced company objectives and customer expectations, resulting in increased sales while maintaining desired profitability levels through CVP and strategic clearance markdowns.
AP Ops Associate
Walmart
Bellingham, WA
09.2020 - 05.2023
- Received incoming shipments, compared contents against associated records to verify accuracy, and ensured delivery to proper departments.
- Maintained accurate documentation of received items, including receipts, invoices, and purchase orders, ensuring easy retrieval of information whenever needed.
- Streamlined the receiving process for improved efficiency by implementing an organized system for unloading trucks.
- Utilized pallet jacks and forklifts to load and unload goods from trucks and containers.
- Rejected damaged items, recorded shortages, and corresponded with shippers to rectify issues.
- Monitored inventory to maintain sufficient supply levels to meet business and customer needs.
- Process incoming and outgoing MTRs.
- Implemented loss prevention strategies, reducing instances of damaged or misplaced goods. (i.e. Keeping unreceived merchandise or boxes that require extra attention in the claims cage until processed, having designated places for recalls, donations, and disposals to separate from warehouse returns, and delivering items to the appropriate departments after being received.)
- Followed food safety and workplace safety guidelines when receiving fresh produce and unloading other temperature-regulated pallets.
- Processed reclaims and returns to vendors and warehouse for credit.
- Optimized storage space utilization by regularly binning and capping vendor backstock and working down vendor topstock.
- Ensured proper storage of goods, maintaining a clean and well-organized warehouse environment.
- Contributed to a positive work atmosphere through open communication channels with coworkers and fostering a supportive environment that encouraged teamwork.
- Trained new employees on receiving procedures and safety protocols, enhancing team performance.
Department Manager (Jewelry/ Accessories, Infants)
Walmart
Bellingham, WA
05.2016 - 09.2020
- Led daily operations to ensure optimal store performance and customer satisfaction.
- Oversaw inventory management processes, maintaining optimal stock levels while minimizing waste and losses due to shrinkage or obsolescence.
- Verified and binned overstock to ensure items are properly located.
- Promptly set modulars and features to enhance consumer variety.
- Maintained accurate pricing through price changes, markdowns, and CVP.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback to enhance team capabilities.
- Trained new associates on product knowledge, customer engagement techniques, and store policies to promote consistency
- Implemented cross-training initiatives for employees, increasing overall departmental knowledge and versatility.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing personalized and knowledgeable assistance in selecting fine jewelry pieces.
- Conducted daily diamond audits and restocked sold items efficiently.
- Educated customers on proper care and maintenance of their fine jewelry purchases, enhancing product longevity.
- Maintained high standards of visual merchandising, ensuring the presentation of an attractive and organized jewelry display.
- Partnered with external vendors for repairs or customizations when necessary, ensuring timely completion of customer requests.
- Performed cash, card, and check transactions to complete customer purchases.
- Improved customer satisfaction rates through attentive service, prompt issue resolution, and continuous process improvements.
- Maintained a professional work environment by addressing conflicts proactively and fostering open communication among associates.
- Improved staffing during busy periods by creating employee schedules and monitoring call-outs.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
Sales Associate (Jewelry/ Apparel)
Walmart
Bellingham, WA
10.2014 - 05.2016
- Assisted customers with product selection and inquiries, including sizing, accessories, and merchandise care, to enhance the shopping experience.
- Managed a multi-line phone, appropriately directed incoming calls, and assisted in resolving customer needs.
- Provided area-specific services such as ear piercing, watch band adjustments, and changing watch batteries.
- Processed transactions efficiently, ensuring accuracy in cash handling and register operations.
- Managed returns, exchanges and refunds in accordance with store policy.
- Maintained organized merchandise displays to optimize store presentation and accessibility.
- Conducted inventory checks and restocked shelves to ensure product availability for customers.
Sales Associate (Domestics)
Kmart
Bellingham, WA
10.2014 - 08.2015
- Rotated stock and restocked shelves to maintain product availability and store appearance.
- Boosted customer satisfaction levels through exceptional service, addressing concerns promptly, offering relevant products and services, and providing a welcoming store environment.
- Managed efficient cash register operations.
Seasonal Sales Associate (Jewelry)
Walmart
Bellingham, WA
11.2013 - 12.2013
- Provided exceptional customer service to enhance shopping experiences and drive customer loyalty.
- Assisted in inventory management, ensuring stock levels met demand efficiently.
- Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers, and promote specific merchandise.
- Handled cash transactions efficiently while adhering to company cash handling policies, ensuring accuracy in all financial exchanges.
- Managed returns, exchanges and refunds in accordance with store policy.
- Prepared merchandise for sales floor by pricing or tagging.
- Answered customer questions about sizing, accessories, and merchandise care.
Assistant Graphic Designer
Henderson State University Multimedia Learning Center
Arkadelphia, AR
09.2012 - 08.2013
- Conceptualized creative layout designs for promotional materials, prints, banners, and signs, ensuring alignment with university standards.
- Incorporated strong typography skills to create compelling layouts for print materials such as brochures, posters, and flyers.
- Utilized Adobe Creative Suite to produce graphics and multimedia assets for various platforms.
- Coordinated project timelines and deliverables, facilitating smooth communication among team members and efficiently managing tasks and adhering to strict deadlines.
- Conducted quality checks on design outputs, ensuring accuracy and adherence to specifications.
- Continually updated skills and software proficiency to stay ahead of industry trends, ensuring high-quality output for all projects.
- Mentored junior interns in graphic design principles, fostering skill development and creativity.
Office Assistant
Autoferret
Bellingham, WA
05.2012 - 08.2012
- Achieved high levels of accuracy in data entry tasks while adhering to strict deadlines.
- Contributed to project success by assisting with research and data compilation, allowing for more informed strategy development.
- Enhanced workplace cleanliness by diligently performing daily cleaning tasks such as vacuuming, mopping, and dusting.
- Sanitized office spaces, bathrooms, and kitchens to maintain hygienic work environment for employees and visitors.
- Boosted employee productivity by maintaining a clutter-free office space through efficient organization and waste disposal.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - General Studies in Business/Art
Henderson State University
Arkadelphia, AR01-2013
AAS - Arts and Sciences
Whatcom Community College
Bellingham, WA01-2009
Skills
- Customer service
- Retail management
- Task delegation and resource allocation
- Employee training and development
- Supply and inventory management
- Regulatory compliance
- Strong work ethic
- Organized and detail-oriented
- Computer skills
- Adapts quickly to new technology and applications
Certification
- Certified Food Safety Manager, National Registry of Food Safety Professionals - Issue Date: March 9, 2026, Expiration Date: March 9, 2031
Timeline
Adult Beverage/ Liquor Box Department Manager
Walmart
11.2025 - Current
Stocking 1 Associate
Walmart
04.2024 - 10.2025
AP Ops Associate
Walmart
05.2023 - 04.2024
AP Ops Associate
Walmart
09.2020 - 05.2023
Department Manager (Jewelry/ Accessories, Infants)
Walmart
05.2016 - 09.2020
Sales Associate (Jewelry/ Apparel)
Walmart
10.2014 - 05.2016
Sales Associate (Domestics)
Kmart
10.2014 - 08.2015
Seasonal Sales Associate (Jewelry)
Walmart
11.2013 - 12.2013
Assistant Graphic Designer
Henderson State University Multimedia Learning Center
09.2012 - 08.2013
Office Assistant
Autoferret
05.2012 - 08.2012
AAS - Arts and Sciences
Whatcom Community College
Bachelor of Arts - General Studies in Business/Art
Henderson State University