Customer Service Sales

Karen R. Jehl

**** * *********** ****

Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221

Home: 614-***-****

Cell: 614-***-****

E-mail: abnt8y@r.postjobfree.com

________ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ________ ______ ______ ______ ______ ____

Summary of Highly creative and dedicated team player with extensive experience in juggling

multiple projects, management, training and development, marketing, design,

qualifications

financial planning and analysis, and customer service. Exceptional

interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills. Accustomed to

performing in fast-paced deadline-driven environments.

Professional The Jacket M an Columbus, OH

experience Director of Merchandising April 2008–Dec 2008

Hired to lead a new collegiate Greek and High School Team retail division;

define target customer base(s), design and develop trend right

merchandise, manage all strategic, financial analysis and marketing

functions to reduce costs, maximize sales and create a strong brand image

Big Lots Corporate Offi ce Columbus, OH

Merchant in Training (MIT) Manager July 2007-April 2008

HR Training and Development Specialist

Designed, developed and facilitated MIT program and Corporate training

and development initiatives

Facilitated communications between internal teams concerning

performance challenges, opportunities to improve the training and

development process and best practices

Created, designed, and developed marketing materials for training and

development efforts

Anchor T rader Columbus, OH

Director of Merchandising Aug 2001-Jan 2007

Increased volume trend 300% to $1 million for an international non-profit

collegiate Greek organization by defining the target customer and updating

designs, assortment, marketing, pricing and the brand accordingly for the

catalog, internet, store and special events

Managed all operational, strategic, staffing, financial and budgeting, P&L,

creative and administrative functions to ensure customer satisfaction,

reduce costs and maximize sales, profit and brand image

Created and designed the apparel, hardlines and jewelry lines with trend

right merchandise

Designed, developed and executed all marketing and creative efforts –

including web and print materials

Analyzed all financials to determine new sales opportunities, markdowns,

inventory levels, margins and trends

Created and implemented a custom order program to provide unique and

personalized designs for bulk orders

Effectively oriented, trained, motivated and directed staff and volunteers to

meet all project and business goals and objectives

Rai nforest Café Worl d HQ Minneapolis, M N

Buyer, Hardlines Jan 2000-Oct 2000

Managed the combined $35 million jewelry, home accessories, toys,

puppets and plush, glassware and food businesses

Created, designed, developed and tailored all line assortments to meet the

needs of each store’s customer base

Planned, forecasted, and implemented financial budgets to successfully

achieve sales goals

Collaborated with merchandising team to manage company selling and

customer service, optimize and sustain sales performance, profitability and

customer satisfaction

Abercrombi e & Fi tch Corp. Offi ce Col umbus, OH

Allocation Analyst May 1998-July 1999

Managed and developed effective merchandise flow to ensure appropriate

inventory levels and assortments in each store

Trained, developed and mentored new associates

Buyer, Women’s Denim Feb 1997-April 1998

Associate Buyer, Women’s Denim Oct 1996-Jan 1997

Successfully analyzed, identified, and capitalized on new business

opportunities to maximize department sales volume and profitability;

increasing annual volume to $70 million

Managed and coordinated internal team and outside vendor efforts to

promote a harmonious team atmosphere, open communication and

accurate, pro-active development of financial and creative plans

Enforced quality control and developed the product line through extensive

domestic travel to factories and wash houses to inspect and approve fit,

color, handfeel and sewing technique

Analyzed sales and dollar volume; managed promotions, markdowns and

store theft to improve and advance department growth

Assistant Buyer, Women’s Knits April 1995-Sept 1996

Managed product development of each seasonal line; negotiated garment

costs and production/delivery of merchandise with overseas and domestic

factories; ensured color, fit and quality

Analyzed and coordinated financial plans and strategies of $150 million

annual volume to pro-actively address the ever-changing business needs

The Li mited Stores Columbus, OH

Assistant Buyer, Socks and Hosiery Jan 1994-Feb 1995

Collaborated with team to determine design and development of each

seasonal line, plus analyzed sales to maximize volume

Communicated with vendors to track deliveries, negotiate pricing and

ensure quality of merchandise

Education Ohi o University Athens, OH 1988-1992

Bachelor of Science, Organizational Communications

Computer Skills Microsoft Office & Solomon; Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator & Indesign; Macromedia

Freehand

Contact this candidate