Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Vanessa Kotrulja

Lake Jackson,TX

Summary

Practical Night Manager skilled in hiring, recruiting and training applicants for various store positions. Outstanding sales and product knowledge with success managing all floor presentations and flow of goods to sales floor. Motivational, goal-oriented and focused at all times.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Financial Services Professional

GFI
Remote
02.2025 - Current
  • Analyzed financial data to identify trends and inform strategic decision-making.
  • Developed and implemented financial strategies to optimize portfolio performance.
  • Cultivated client relationships, enhancing customer satisfaction and retention rates.
  • Led cross-functional teams in executing complex financial projects, ensuring timely delivery.
  • Provided mentorship to junior staff, fostering professional development and knowledge sharing.
  • Worked closely with management to strategize sales techniques to increase branch production and customer service.
  • Delivered informative presentations on various financial topics, educating clients on sound investment practices.

In Home Consultant

Lowes Corporate
Missouri City, TX
04.2024 - 06.2025
  • Consulted with up to five clients per day to assess home improvement needs and provide tailored solutions.
  • Developed and presented detailed project proposals to homeowners, enhancing sales opportunities.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline installation processes and improve customer satisfaction.
  • Trained new consultants on product offerings and effective sales techniques for optimal performance.
  • Assisted clients in making informed decisions by providing expert advice on product features, benefits, and comparisons.
  • Identified clients'' needs through active listening and comprehensive assessments, resulting in targeted recommendations.
  • Facilitated smooth transactions by guiding clients through paperwork processes and liaising with internal departments for timely execution of contracts.
  • Resolved customer issues promptly, ensuring satisfaction while adhering to company guidelines and maintaining professionalism at all times.
  • Demonstrated adaptability when faced with last-minute schedule changes, maintaining a high level of productivity and customer satisfaction.

Night Shift Manager

Target
Lake Jackson, TX
06.2023 - 01.2024
  • Advised new employees on company procedures and policies to facilitate daily tasks and responsibilities.
  • Guided and motivated approximately 50 night team associates by establishing and communicating responsibilities and duties to each team member.
  • Cooperated with coworkers to improve customer experience and manage storefront.
  • Oversaw restocking of supplies and other functions to prepare for daytime business.
  • Provided first-rate service to all customers regardless of time or concern.
  • Delegated tasks and oversaw performance to accomplish all required objectives.
  • Walked around facility frequently to check activities.
  • Secured building for closing by completing run-through of sales floor, turning off electronic systems and turning on alarms.
  • Submitted orders for new inventory.
  • Modernized and improved operational procedures to increase productivity and profitability while tightly controlling costs.

Store Manager

Victoria Secret
Lake Jackson, TX
09.2022 - 02.2023
  • Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures.
  • Managed store employees successfully in fast-paced environment through proactive communication and positive feedback.
  • Completed point of sale opening and closing procedures.
  • Rotated merchandise and displays to feature new products and promotions.
  • Assisted with hiring, training and mentoring new staff members.
  • Maximized sales and minimized shrinkage through excellent customer service and adherence to standard practices.
  • Set effective store schedules based on forecasted customer levels, individual employee knowledge, and service requirements.
  • Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
  • Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
  • Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.

Specialty Assistant Store Manager

Home Depot
6517/Lake Jackson
12.2011 - 12.2022
  • Compiled sales and sales reports to help senior leaders effectively plan business direction and operational strategies.
  • Interviewed, hired, and trained staff associates and equipped to comply with company policies and procedures.
  • Managed opening and closing procedures and recommended changes to enhance efficiency of daily activities.
  • Walked through store areas to identify and proactively resolve issues negatively impacting operations.
  • Maintained positive customer relationships by responding quickly to customer service inquiries.
  • Supervised and evaluated staff of over 150 associates to help improve skills, achieve daily objectives, and attain advancement.
  • Responded to customer concerns, working with manager to significantly raise customer satisfaction ratings.
  • Created and maintained safe and secure work environments for employees.
  • Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives, and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings.
  • Developed and maintained strong relationships with vendors to facilitate timely product delivery.
  • Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
  • Improved staffing during busy periods by creating employee schedules and monitoring call-outs.
  • Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
  • Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
  • Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
  • Set aggressive targets for employees to drive company success and strengthen motivation.

Specialist

Lowes Home Improvment
Lake Jackson, TX
10.2005 - 12.2011
  • Followed all company policies and procedures to deliver quality work.
  • Listened and responded to customer requests and forwarded necessary information to superiors.
  • Interpreted clients' needs and introduced services to fit specific requirements.
  • Assisted with staff training to enforce quality, safety and sanitation guidelines.
  • Attended training programs to deepen professional skillset and assisted in training fellow store associates on existing and new training programs.
  • Developed and managed relationships with key clients and partners to drive growth.
  • Monitored industry trends to adapt strategies accordingly.
  • Optimized customer experience by delivering superior services and effectively troubleshooting issues.
  • Created and managed project plans, timelines and budgets.
  • Supported creation of detailed, technical financial models to value potential acquisition targets.

Regional Sales Manager

One Source Wireless
Lake Jackson, TX
10.1999 - 10.2005
  • Achieved regional sales objectives by coordinating sales team, developing successful strategies, and servicing accounts to strengthen business relationships.
  • Developed and maintained positive relationships with clients in assigned sales territories.
  • Participated in sales calls with direct reports to strengthen customer relationships and uncover possible opportunities for growth.
  • Generated detailed sales reports and forecasts to analyze performance and track progress.
  • Finalized sales contracts with high-value customers.
  • Developed sales strategy based on research of consumer buying trends and market conditions.

Education

Associate Of Applied Science - Pharmacology

Brazosport College
Lake Jackson, TX

Skills

  • Reporting Skills
  • Stock Management
  • Cleaning Procedures
  • Customer Service
  • Assignment Delegation
  • Workflow Management
  • Schedule Management
  • Team Supervision
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Property Security
  • People Management
  • Vendor Relations
  • Guest Assistance
  • Visual Merchandising
  • Sales Leadership

Certification

I

  • First Aid/CPR Certified
  • Food & safety Management certified

Languages

Croatian
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Elementary

Timeline

Financial Services Professional

GFI
02.2025 - Current

In Home Consultant

Lowes Corporate
04.2024 - 06.2025

Night Shift Manager

Target
06.2023 - 01.2024

Store Manager

Victoria Secret
09.2022 - 02.2023

Specialty Assistant Store Manager

Home Depot
12.2011 - 12.2022

Specialist

Lowes Home Improvment
10.2005 - 12.2011

Regional Sales Manager

One Source Wireless
10.1999 - 10.2005

Associate Of Applied Science - Pharmacology

Brazosport College