Vanessa Ward
Florence
Summary
Detail-oriented professional experienced in strategic planning, cost optimization, and team leadership. Proven track record of developing successful strategies and managing operations to achieve both short-term and long-term goals. Exceptional problem-solving and communication skills, with the ability to motivate and lead teams to success. Highly organized, proactive, and results-oriented, with experience in financial management, organizational development, and operational excellence.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Area Manger
Harbor Freight Distribution Center
Dillon
05.2024 - Current
- Oversaw daily operations ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
- Managed inventory levels to optimize stock availability and reduce delays.
- Coordinated training programs for new hires to improve team performance.
- Implemented process improvements to enhance workflow efficiency in distribution.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline supply chain processes.
- Monitored equipment maintenance to minimize operational disruptions and downtime.
- Conducted performance reviews to provide feedback and support employee development.
- Supervised employees, ensuring optimal productivity.
- Provided guidance on the implementation of new policies and procedures in stores.
- Reviewed staffing needs to ensure adequate coverage at all times in departments.
- Manage multiple departments.
General Manager
Office Depot
08.2023 - Current
- Responsible for all day to day operations
- Growing sales
- Creating and growing culture while developing strong team
- Oversees all cash office duties and deposits
- Scheduling
- Hiring
- Maintain great customer relationships
- Used customer feedback for improving operations and building brand loyalty.
- Managed profit goals against budget and prior year, keeping controllable costs within budget.
- Established and monitored KPIs to optimize company performance.
- Responsible for all day-to-day operations in all departments
- Hiring the correct associates for the correct positions
- Great team building skills, a great team is key to any leaders success
- Maintaining labor and weekly store budgets
- Achieving store district scorecard metric and maintaining throughout the fiscal year KPI
Store Leader
PetSmart
Florence
11.2019 - 01.2023
- Achieving and maintaining a spotless safety record not just in store but also in a fast pace pet Grooming salon.
- Knowledgeable in care and maintenance of almost all small and large animals
- Conducted regular audits of store processes and procedures for efficiency improvement.
- Provided leadership by motivating employees through positive reinforcement
- Monitored inventory levels to ensure adequate stock is available for customers.
- Managed store operations and personnel, including scheduling, training, coaching and counseling staff.
- Maintained high standards of customer service through regular team meetings and evaluations.
- Implemented effective merchandising techniques to optimize product placement in the store.
- Planned special events and promotions that draw customers into the store.
- Recommended, select, and help locate and obtained merchandise based on customer needs and desires.
- Responsible for maintaining labor cost control.
- Winner of the 2018 award for leading with excellence
- Developing strong teams
- Making and maintaining a weekly total store budgets
- Over sees Store Operating Statements
- Maintaining all department scheduling.
- Responsible for all in house HR duties, hiring, drug testing, maintaining all legal documents.
- Responsible for achieving a 1.5 million dollar record week in core sales.
- Maintaining company goals in merchandising and high selling standards
- Maintaining and managing all associates while abiding by their union contract
- Interviewed and hired prospective employees according to team needs.
- Solved problems and resolved conflicts for team members and customers
- Mentored new employees on store policies and procedures while providing guidance and support in their roles.
- Managed inventory levels by ordering stock as needed, tracking sales trends, and adjusting to business needs.
- Demonstrated and supported continuous improvement and growth mindset.
- Established and monitored KPIs to optimize company performance.
Store Manager
Kroger
Charlottesville
08.2011 - 12.2019
Education
Wayne State University
VirginiaVirginia Western
Skills
- Customer Relationship Management
- Effective Communication
- Operations Management
- Human Resources Management
- Team Building
- Budgeting and Forecasting
- Staff Training and Development
- Performance Management
- Decision Making
- Leadership Development
- Project Management
- Supply Chain Management
Awards
- Kroger winner of the 2018 award for leading with excellence
Timeline
Area Manger
Harbor Freight Distribution Center
05.2024 - Current
General Manager
Office Depot
08.2023 - Current
Store Leader
PetSmart
11.2019 - 01.2023
Store Manager
Kroger
08.2011 - 12.2019
Wayne State University
Virginia Western