Manager Project Coordinator

JESSICA WHITEFORD

************@*****.*** 408-***-**** https://linkedin.com/in/jessicadesmetwhiteford

Team Leader and Project Coordinator

~ Committed to providing superior service and ensuring professional integrity ~

Decisive and accomplished team leader and project coordinator with a passion for solving complex business issues, while exceeding operational objectives. Highly innovative communicator with 17-years of managing high-volume and high-traffic merchandise departments at a premier Fortune 500 corporation. Well-versed in discerning work flow, employee development and creating and implementing process improvements. Leader of strategic action plans to address business needs. Excellent leadership in high-pressure, challenging, and deadline-driven environments.

Ready to impact organizations, “Lead by Example,” and to develop world-class teams.

Expertise

Merchandising Hiring, Training & Mentoring Communication Process Improvements Conflict-Resolution Project Management Best Practices Quality Assurance Customer Relationship Management Developing Customer Outreach Initiatives Selling Skills Solution-Driven Leadership Teaching

Executive Progression

NORDSTROM Honolulu, HI & San Jose, CA

Department Manager, Nordstrom Rack Ward Village Shops May 2014 – Jul 2018

Managed an $8MM retail department, consisting of 15+ direct reports. Overall functions included merchandising for peak volume, collaborating with regional managers, hiring and training teams and implemented process improvements.

Key Accomplishments:

Inherited a department which was ranked last in the company and within 6 months increased ranking by 14% by improving the quality of the team through consistent coaching and better communication systems with the buying teams

Hired and trained two separate All-Star teams.

Won many awards, including Department Manager of the Quarter, and Cash Calls.

Completely reworked both departments merchandising standards to ensure best product placements for key merchandise. Saw an immediate lift in sales due to new standards while making the store more aesthetically pleasing.

Department Manager, Nordstrom Ala Moana Jan 2007 – May 2014

Relocated to manage the first Hawaii location, which included hiring and training an entirely new sales staff, merchandising for peak volume and ensuring all departmental goals were met and exceeded. Additionally, created and implemented process improvements to ensure both designers’ visions and Nordstrom’s standards were met.

Key Accomplishments:

Earned the #1 Volume title for the Women’s department during opening year.

Recipient of Manager of the Month, Anniversary Cup, and Cash Call awards numerous times.

Designed and launched a customer outreach program that connected customers with top sales people, resulting in a 15% lift in repeat business.

Recruited to teach multiple seminars to salespeople to develop their trade.

Created a team of personal stylists, which generated $5 million in volume for the store.

Department Manager, Nordstrom Valley Fair Jan 2001 – Jan 2007

Recruited to the role to train and develop a team of employees and to maintain a positive work environment. General daily activities included establishing volume goals, coordinating team assignments, conducting training initiatives and prepping stock. Likewise, cross-collaborated with Buying teams regarding product assortment.

Key Accomplishments:

Utilized coaching and training skill-set to build positive relationships cross-functionally, which improved both employee and customer experience.

Due to communication and negotiation attributes, performed conflict-resolution best practices and successfully resolved any escalated situations involving employees and customers.

Education

UNIVERSITY OF SAN FRANCISCO – San Francisco, CA

Bachelor of Arts, Organizational Behavior

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