SKILLS
8 years of retail sales and operations experience, including 3 years in senior leadership roles.
Highly proficient with Microsoft Office (including Access), intermediate knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Ilustrator, InDesign, and working knowledge of HTML and CSS.
Proven communication skills, including ability to influence decisions and sell ideas, and creating reports for senior management.
Demonstrated ability to solve problems under pressure and within tight deadlines.
WORK EXPERIENCE
CORPORATE SALES EXECUTIVE | TIGER DIRECT | 03/2013 - PRESENT
Handle business-to-business sales for clients across Canada, providing cost-effective solutions for their IT needs. Responsible for growing and maintaining a client base, providing timely and accurate quotes, and providing efficient and thorough follow-up.
PRODUCT ADVISOR | MICROSOFT | 10/2012 - 03/2013
Provided world-class customer service to patrons of Microsoft's first international retail location. Matched customers with complete solutions that met their needs. Responsible for meeting monthly sales goals, conducting personal training sessions for clients, and running workshops.
Results:
- Consistently a top sales performer.
- One of a handful of staff selected to work at Microsoft Surface and Windows 8 launch event.
- MVP during store training, October 2012.
RETAIL SERVICES DIRECTOR | ALMA MATER SOCIETY OF QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY | 05/2011 - 04/2012
Promoted from P&CC General Manager to oversee the operations, management, and finances of 2 retail outlets worth $1.8 million. Developed and implemented budgets and strategic plans for both services, hired and coached 9 peer managers, and 60 staff, and served as a member of the Board of Directors and General Assembly.
Results:
- Inherited a service, Tricolour Outlet, with severe structural deficits. Reduced losses 83% over one year for their best-ever fiscal performance, and enacted structural changes to achieve profitability.
- Developed and implemented a business plan for the Publishing & Copy Centre including major renovations and capital acquisitions worth $60,000.
GENERAL MANAGER | THE PUBLISHING & COPY CENTRE | 05/2010 - 04/2011
Managed all finances and operations of a $500,000 printing and finishing outlet. Responsible for creating the year’s budget and strategic plan, and customer service and marketing strategies, hiring and overseeing 3 managers and 36 staff, and for the day-to-day operations of the service.
Results:
- Achieved record profits $61,000 ahead of previous year by through revenue growth and aggressive cost cutting.
- Streamlined operations and production to cut cost of goods 19% and operational expenses 4%, including analysing staffing and reducing wage costs by 12%.
- Hired, trained, and led 36 staff and fostered high employee moral and job satisfaction, leading to the highest rehire rate in the AMS.
OPERATIONS MANAGER | THE PUBLISHING & COPY CENTRE | 10/2009 - 04/2010
Promoted from staff after the sudden departure of the previous Operations Manager, learning the majority of the role with little training. Responsible for all purchasing and procurement, including predicting customer flow to ensure adequate stock, and liaising with vendors for stock, maintenance, and equipment needs.
Results:
- Implemented an existing strategic plan and budget, performing $20,000 ahead of budget.
MEDIA & EVENT COORDINATOR | EPILEPSY KINGSTON | 06/2009 - 08/2009
Created and executed a comprehensive media strategy, including writing and distributing press releases, liaising with local media outlets, and giving interviews, and planning and executing a charitable fundraiser.
Results:
- Raised over $7,000 for charity by coordinating with more than 50 local businesses and 20 volunteers.
- Media campaign produced a 50% increase in coverage compared to previous year.
RELIEF MANAGER/SALES ASSOCIATE | CANADA TIRE | 12/2001 - 08/2008
Managed all aspects of daily operations of a 20,000 square foot retail environment, including overseeing a staff of 60, proactively responding to customer concerns and complaints, and conducting opening and closing routines.
Promoted from Sales Associate to Manager after returning from first year at university.
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
HEAD OF PUBLICITY | QUEEN'S MUSICAL THEATRE | 11/2009 - 04/2010
Managed all publicity for QMT's sold-out spring show, "Little Shop of Horrors", including creating and implementing advertising strategies, designing promotional material, and overseeing a team of 3 to ensure effective promotion for the show.
SENIOR VOLUNTEER | QUEEN'S TELEVISION | 08/2008 - 11/2009
Worked fluently in all areas of video production for the most-watched campus television program in Canada, including writing, shooting, and editing segments. Led a team of three volunteers to produce an original, 30 minute feature investigating budget cuts at Queen's.
EDUCATION
BACEHLOR OF ARTS (HONOURS) | QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY | 2011
Major: Economics, Minor: English
MARKETING CERTIFICATE | HUMBER COLLEGE | IN PROGRESS
Relevant coursework: MKTG 111 (Marketing), MKTG 211 (Consumer Services)
