Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Timeline
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THOMAS E. KIRKLAND

THOMAS E. KIRKLAND

Renton,WA

Summary

MERCHANDISING MANAGER | BUYER | RETAIL ACCOUNT MANAGER Dynamic leader with extensive expertise assessing market trends, customer feedback, and brand standards to ensure merchandising strategies position products for success in high-volume retail environments. Proven record of delivering on revenue and growth goals, as well as maintaining competitive positioning in diverse market spaces and fields. Passionate team builder and coach committed to cultivating collaborative cultures where all employees feel valued, have the resources they need to succeed, and are retained through effective motivational techniques. Additional background in operational excellence, training and development, schedule and logistics planning, vendor relations, and project management. CORE COMPETENCIES/AREAS OF EXPERTISE Merchandising Strategy | Product Purchasing & Positioning | Trends Analysis | Vendor Relations & Negotiations Operations Management | Recruiting & Staffing | Team Building & Development | Succession Planning | Branding Leadership Coaching | Project Management | Retail Strategy | Competitive Intelligence | Continuous Improvement | Training Program Oversight | Profitability Measures | Change Management | Large-Scale Business Transformation

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience

Work History

Regional Merchandising Manager

Walgreens Boots Alliance
Pacific Northwest
03.2014 - 01.2024
  • Directed regional merchandising, performance management, trends and market analysis, and financial planning for retail stores across nine states
  • Identified specific opportunities for each market, created regional model and SOPs to ensure consistency of quality
  • Aligned operations with corporate brand standards and vision, including during large-scale business transformations and changes
  • Generated reports and recommend changes based on segmentation analysis, consumer insights, & market trends
  • Collaborated with key stakeholders across Store Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Merchandising divisions
  • Negotiated vendor contracts to ensure profitability, as well as create vendor budgets, targets, and SLAs aligned with corporate growth goals
  • Partner with vendors on promotional campaigns
  • Delivered lowest cost of goods on all local products purchased for region, as well as ensured product opportunities were positioned to sell well within each location and met ROI goals
  • Managed Lean Six Sigma project that reduced transportation costs and enabled stores in Alaska to remain competitive by increasing local sourcing, which reduced replenishment lead times by more than 50%
  • Evaluated scorecards to determine viability of products, primarily across local product lines, to assess which products should be expanded into new markets and which should be discontinued based on performance
  • Partnered with distributors and vendors on special projects and campaigns to feature products for grand openings, store- and district-wide events, and seasonal displays
  • Drove YOY sales growth for DSD category with the top 8 national vendors for the company, including Coke, Pepsi
  • Red Bull and Frito-Lay
  • Named Subject Matter Expert (SME) on CBD products and Homegoods, guiding team in capturing emerging market opportunities
  • Acted as Brand Manager for Walgreens, aligning placement of products based on Walgreens brand story
  • Earned Buyer of the Year Award from Greenlight (supplier account).
  • Created purchasing policies and procedures that complied with company standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Developed and tracked metrics to measure supplier performance and cost savings.

Market Implementation Manager, Market Planning Supervisor

WALGREENS
Bellevue, WA
01.2007 - 03.2014
  • Acted as change manager during last-minute restructuring of merchandising plan for first store opening in Alaska
  • Spearheaded front-end merchandising conversion of 64 retail stores after acquisition of USA Drug
  • Increased profitability through strategic space planning, using AutoCAD and Space Optimization Tool
  • Coached and managed third-party teams and Field Merchandisers, ensuring adjustment of training content to align with specific location needs and market expectations
  • Created merchandising guidelines and training programs for third-party teams, which reduced costs and delays while also improving execution and performance across teams.
  • Oversaw implementation lifecycle processes based on organizational needs, regulatory requirements, and customer demand.
  • Researched and resolved barriers to successful system functionality, improving support, and issue resolution.

Area Merchandise Coordinator

Walgreens
Pacific Northwest
01.2004 - 01.2007
  • Oversaw special projects throughout two regions related to new store openings, remodels, merchandising overhauls, and acquisitions of new brands
  • Collaborated with diverse stakeholders to deliver on business objectives while aligning merchandising plan with the specific needs of each location.
  • Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.

Field Merchandiser

WALGREENS
, Western
11.1999 - 01.2004
  • Analyzed customer preferences, brand standards, and market trends to maximize sales and profit margins through merchandising strategy
  • Structured promotional campaigns to deliver on business objectives, including coordinating with warehouses and stockroom.
  • Maintained awareness of product knowledge information, merchandise promotions and advertisements set forth by marketing team.
  • Updated pricing and signage to complete product displays and educate customers.

Operations Manager

LAS VEGAS GOLF & TENNIS
Las Vegas, NV
08.1996 - 10.1999
  • Managed daily operations for nine company owned retail stores, along with 12 franchise locations
  • Maintained full P&L accountability and drove financial, operational, and strategic planning
  • Oversaw employee relations, performance management, training and development, and team coaching.
  • Implemented process improvement to shape organizational culture, optimize procedures for higher efficiency and help company evolve and grow.
  • Established positive and effective communication among unit staff and organization leadership, reducing miscommunications, and missed deadlines.

Education

No Degree - Business Management

Bellevue College, Arizona State University, Glendale Community College
Bellevue, Tempe, Glendale, WA, AZ

Timeline

Regional Merchandising Manager

Walgreens Boots Alliance
03.2014 - 01.2024

Market Implementation Manager, Market Planning Supervisor

WALGREENS
01.2007 - 03.2014

Area Merchandise Coordinator

Walgreens
01.2004 - 01.2007

Field Merchandiser

WALGREENS
11.1999 - 01.2004

Operations Manager

LAS VEGAS GOLF & TENNIS
08.1996 - 10.1999

No Degree - Business Management

Bellevue College, Arizona State University, Glendale Community College

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THOMAS E. KIRKLAND