Theodore (Ted) Ross

As Store Manager for Publix Super Markets Inc, I oversee the entire store operation and am responsible for the success of my store in meeting all company performance measures. For the year ending December 28, 2024; I'm pleased to report my store met and exceeding our Sales, Productivity, Gross Profit, and Net Profit goals. My store sales were $36.5 million for 2024 while having our most profitable year. As Store Manager I have instilled in my team that we will operate a well-staffed, highly trained, and effective team. I have one of the highest Associate Voice Survey satisfaction ratings in the district and outpace the divisional average. Some key points of success are:

• Increased sales over three-year tenure through increased customer count by increasing customer satisfaction and service as well as excelled at merchandising items to increase the number of items sold.
• Instacart sales make up roughly 15% of total store sales. we are able to reach customers in remote areas. We have excelled at maintaining in-stock conditions allowing the online shoppers can find and receive the products they are looking for.
• Reduced shrink across all departments through intentional efforts to recognize waste. Reduced deli gap to goal average weekly shrink by $1,000. Bakery increased fill-rate and reduced shrink by over $300 weekly. Meat department recognizing beef best ordering practices and follow through on elevating cuts helped to reduce gap to goa average weekly shrink by over $1,500.
• Improved retention through training department managers how to conduct a better interview as well onboard associates and front load accountability.
• Achieved the lowest General Liability and Worker's Compensation claims by instilling a sense of safety and commitment to providing our associates and customers a safe, clean, and pleasant shopping experience as well as workplace.

As Assistant Store Manager, I oversaw the operations of the entire store and assisted the Store Manager. We were responsible for communicating and implementing direction from upper leadership to store level management. Assistant Store Managers train, coach, and evaluate the performance of their department and assistant department managers. The oversee administrative functions pertaining to all human resources issues at store level; including hiring, setting pay rates, pay reviews, ensuring equal employment opportunities are adhered to. The Assistant Store Manager is responsible for motivating the team, building a culture of safety, and ensuring customer satisfaction.

• Managed the day-to-day operations of the store, including customer service, inventory management and staff scheduling.
• Interviewed and vetted job applicants to make effective hiring decisions and fill vacancies with strong team members.
• Conducted regular performance reviews of staff members in order to identify areas for improvement.
• Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
• Collaborated with other departments within the organization to coordinate promotions, events, and special projects.
• Coached and developed store associates through formal and informal interactions.
• Improved productivity initiatives, managing budgets and accounts, coordinating itinerary and scheduling appointments.
• Monitored sales activities to ensure that customers receive satisfactory service and quality goods.
• Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
• Created effective business plans to focus strategic decisions on long-term objectives.

I managed six produce departments over this 10-year period. I was responsible for the entire operation from hiring, training, ordering, merchandising, scheduling, evaluating associate performance, and building the Publix brand. I managed departments from low volume, $45,000/week, to high volume, $180,000/week, and some with extreme seasonal volume swings, +/- $80,000/week.

• Analyzed sales data to identify trends in customer purchasing habits, optimizing product selection accordingly.
• Lead by example and took responsibility for all actions drive culture of performance excellence.
• Reviewed employee performance and provided ongoing feedback and coaching to drive performance improvement.
• Resolved customer complaints promptly while maintaining a positive attitude towards customers.
• Organized team activities to build camaraderie and foster pleasant workplace culture.
• Conducted performance evaluations and recommended pay increases within department's budget.
• Organized weekly meetings with team members to discuss goals and objectives related to job performance.
• Maximized profit by coordinating efficient team workflows, minimizing waste and controlling shrinkage.
• Implemented strategies for reducing waste such as composting or donating unsellable items.
• Resolved customer inquiries and complaints requiring management-level escalation.
• Coordinated with other departments to ensure proper merchandising of produce items throughout store locations.
• Created promotional displays for seasonal or special occasions, increasing sales volume through marketing efforts.

As Assistant Produce Manager, I worked alongside the Produce Manager to manage the overall operations of the produce and floral departments.

• Participated in quarterly inventory counts and conducted inventories.
• Reviewed employee performance and provided ongoing feedback and coaching to drive performance improvement.
• Planned attractive displays, replenishing purchased items to maintain eye-catching appearance.
• Worked closely with other departments such as marketing and accounting when necessary.
• Demonstrated an understanding of food safety principles related to perishable goods handling.
• Reviewed invoices to verify accuracy of order quantities and prices.
• Analyzed sales data to identify trends and forecast future needs of products.
• Planned and delivered training sessions to improve employee effectiveness and address areas of weakness.