Sales Manager

Bill Rossi

*******@*****.*** 516-***-****

Executive Profile

Offer numerous years of retail operations and merchandising management experience, with expertise in designing region and store-specific product assortments, purchasing, supplier relations, merchandising, sales and marketing and human resources for upscale retailers

Accurately identify and capitalize on opportunities to penetrate and develop highly competitive markets; design promotional campaigns including local and national advertising, special events, and showrooms/visual displays

Analyze actual performance to goals, develop and implement action plans and process improvements, and work closely with cross-functional store teams and corporate offices to boost bottom-line profitability

Responsible for monthly sales budget creation, P & L statements, and EBITDA.

Develop and implement innovative sourcing, project management and supplier evaluation strategies resulting in superior levels of customer attraction, satisfaction, and retention

Strategically plan and coordinate workflow and human resources for optimal coverage while containing labor costs; demonstrated ability to recruit, train and mentor, and lead top-performing interdisciplinary support teams

Utilize dynamic communication with C-level executives, negotiation, relationship management, and organizational skills to complete major projects on time and within budget

Professional History

Barnes & Noble

Store Operations Manager 2012 - Present

• Cultivated work environment based on trust and dedication.

• Increased sales revenue through product knowledge seminars, loyalty programs and membership.

• Initiated a sense of ownership amongst employees within their departments, taking responsibility for their actions and reward individuals with promotions based on merit.

• Championed merchandise initiatives to increase stores sales and created an expansive gift department within stores

Sears Holdings Corp. 2008 – 2011

District Special Projects Manager (2010 – 2011)

• In recognition of outstanding performance, promoted to position responsible for analyzing individual store performance, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing action plans for store locations throughout the Long Island District

• Monitor weekly performance metrics and partner with store management to address and resolve merchandising, inventory control, staffing levels and employee retention, create and facilitate formal sales training programs, staff development and motivation, payroll and benefits administration, and other issues

• Serve as a mentor for interdepartmental associates, provide special assistance as necessary, and celebrate successes

Store Manager (2008 – 2010)

• Successfully turned around underperforming store with annual volume of $13M; introduced enhancements across all areas of operations, including customer engagement and retention.

• Cultivated work environment based on trust and dedication; removed ineffective employees, recruited and hired new staff members, trained and retrained personnel, and recognized exceptional performance

• Improved overall store appearance from a grade of F to a grade of C within a month, reorganized receiving area and backroom to improve accessibility to merchandise, and streamlined new back office procedures

Bill Rossi page 2

Fortunoff

Buyer, Outdoor Furniture 2004 – 2007

• Oversaw product development, selection, and assortment for upscale outdoor furniture and area rugs

sold at 18 locations of this company with $89M in annual sales

• Sourced product domestically and internationally (China), creating core assortments, developing new product

• Negotiated product costs with vendors and played a key role in developing exclusive collections

• Designed and produced marketing collateral including monthly catalogs, print ads, and broadsheet materials; additionally managed advertising rate negotiations, conception and merchandising of e-commerce store, and development and implementation of sales training materials

Bloomingdale’s 1998 – 2004

Buyer, Area Rugs/Furniture (2000 – 2004)

• Entrusted with new product development in hand made and machine made rugs. New product launches generated volume of $1.5-2mm with support of advertising and vendor partnerships.

• Sourced and selected rug and furniture vendors (Coursitan, Karistan, Century, etc.) implemented drop ship programs, negotiated costs, advertising and markdown dollars and traveled domestically to support product development.

• Created core assortment for 15 locations, generating $60mm in annual sales. Implemented Karistan Gallery and Calvin Klein Gallery with vendor support.

Department Manager, Furniture (1998 – 2000)

• Led 40-member team in providing superior customer engagement/relationship building atmosphere in a 77,000 sq. ft. upscale furniture, rug and accessory gallery responsible for producing $35M in annual sales.

• Increased sales volume through spiff program partnerships with vendors while reducing shortages and expenditures through inventory analysis

CORT Furniture

District Retail Manager 1996 – 1998

• Drove all aspects of showroom design, merchandising, and operations for 10,000sq. ft. clearance centers

• Cultivated relationships with vendors, i.e., HON, Steelcase, Allsteel, American Seating.

• Created sales budget for district region, and negotiated local and national advertising budgets

• Surpassed annual budget by 169% in 1997; reduced idle inventory by 5% over 6-month period

Workbench Furniture

General Merchandising Manager 1988 – 1996

• Restructured branch locations from unprofitable operation to achieve sustainable profitability; oversaw store activity, led HR for the store, developed monthly and annual sales plans, coordinated advertising and promotional events, and played a key role in design and merchandise coordination of showrooms

Scandinavian Gallery

Showroom Manager 1982-1988

• Implemented showroom design and management of 10,00sq. ft. Furniture retail operation.

• Created and managed “Regional Tent Sales” to reduce idle inventory. Sales generated $100,000 per location on a weekend event.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Marketing & Retailing, Adelphi University

Associate of Arts in Marketing & Retailing, Nassau Community College

Retail, Manager, Buyer, Merchandising, Special Projects, Big Box, Furniture, Rugs, Area Rugs

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