James Sharpe

*** ******** *** ***.*** Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 Phone

561-***-**** Cell 704-***-****

E-mail abkalp@r.postjobfree.com

[pic]

Merchandising Specialist with expertise in the Foodservice industry eager

to contribute talents toward supporting a progressive organization and

maximizing purchasing operations.

[pic]

Profile

Offer over 25 years' experience in the Foodservice industry, steadily

progressing from Sales and Brand Management to Merchandising and Purchasing

Product Specialist ~ Valuable and dedicated team member, as exhibited by

long-term career with industry leader ~ Possess extensive product knowledge

~ Excel in defining and introducing innovative procurement, product

development and merchandising strategies ~ Dynamic communication,

presentation, negotiation, and relationship building skills

~ Key Achievements ~

> Oversaw up to 46% of company dollar volume as Purchasing Product

Specialist

> Member of team ranked Top Merchandising Department out of over 100+

locations 4 out of 10 years

> Played an instrumental role in launching both fresh-cut steak and fresh

seafood programs

> Attained membership in elite President's Club based on dynamic sales

production

> Promoted to Merchandising Team as a result of superior performance in

both sales and brand management

> In recognition of extensive product knowledge, recruited as Sysco-

Jacksonville's first Brand Manager

> Buyer of the Year, 2 consecutive years

[pic]

Professional Experience

.

Purchasing Product Specialist, Riviera Beach, Fl 9/2009-Present

Product specialist responsible for fresh chicken program, meats and

assorted dry goods

Purchasing Product Specialist, Concord, NC; 1999-Present

. Progressed from center-of-the-plate merchandiser to Product Specialist in

charge of seafood, beef, poultry, pork, and frozen vegetable buying

. Effectively planned, coordinated and facilitated initiatives to maximize

merchandising results, revenue performance and bottom-line profits

. Proactively collaborated in developing and implementing new programs

vital to expanding and diversifying revenue channels

. Actively served on both Ethics and Advisory Boards for 3 years

Merchandising Team, Jacksonville, FL; 1996-1998

Brand Manager, Jacksonville, FL; 1994-1996

Sales Representative, Jacksonville, FL; 1982-1994

. In response to consistent solid performance, steadily progressed to

positions of increasing accountability, allowing opportunities to

continually increase contributions to company in driving sales and

growing market share

[pic]

Education

Graduate, Pinecrest Bible Training Center-Salisbury Center, NY; 3.5 GPA

Undergraduate Studies, East Carolina University-Greenville, NC

Ongoing foodservice training including many foodservice plant tours to

acquire first-hand knowledge of operations

Formal Foodservice product training for 3 years when working as a Sysco

Brand Manager at Sysco Corporate Offices, Houston, TX

Contact this candidate