James S. Wilson
North Kingstown, RI *****-****
*******@***.***
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Seasoned General Manager in the development, growth, and leadership of a medium sized family-owned, 71 year old retail store. Wilson's of Wickford, a Rhode Island Institution, was repeatedly selected Best Men's Store in RI by Rhode Island Monthly. Wilson's of Wickford achieved sales of 2 million dollars annually.
Expert Customer Service and Sales
Trend Analysis
Marketing Development
Product Development
Operations Manger
Sales Supervisor
Purchasing/Buyer
Budgeting
Directed display and merchandising on seasonal basis
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Wilsons Inc., 35 Brown Street, North Kingstown, RI 1986 – 2015
Vice President, General Operations Manager
Trend Analysis
Formulated pricing policies, analyzed market trends and forecasted projected sales volumes to maximize profits.
Formulated pricing policies by reviewing merchandising activities, determining additional needed sales promotions and studying trends.
Budgeting
Achieved financial objectives by preparing an annual budget; scheduling expenditures; analyzing variances; initiating corrective actions.
Marketing Development
Marketed merchandise by studying advertising, sales and display plans; analyzed operating and financial statements for profitability ratios.
Determined marketing strategy changes by reviewing operating and financial statements and departmental sales records.
Directed several successful Holiday direct mail marketing campaigns. The usage of the direct mail piece by the customer was in the 15-20% range, significantly higher than the industry average of 1-3%.
Operations Manager/Sales Supervisor
Maintained store staff by recruiting, selecting, orienting, and training employees coaching, counseling, and disciplining employees, planning, monitoring, and appraising job results.
Completed store operational requirements by scheduling and assigning employees; followed up on work results.
Secured merchandise by implementing security systems and measures.
Expert Customer Service and Sales
Identified current and future customer requirements by establishing rapport with potential and actual customers and other persons in a position to understand service requirements.
Purchasing/Buyer
Ensured availability of merchandise and services by approving contracts and maintaining inventories.
Purchased and oversaw the purchase of the store's merchandise
In an industry where an inventory turn of 2.5- 3.0 is considered good, Wilson's of Wickford's inventory turn was consistently 4.0 or better
Product Development
Unique and exclusive product development and strategies
Designed three successive editions of iconic "Rhode Island Tie" a Wilson's exclusive
Designed and introduced the very successful "Rhode Island Rugby Shirt"
U.S. Army, Honorably Discharged 1980 - 1986
Senior Personnel Officer
Senior Personnel Officer (Squadron Adjutant) for 1100 personnel organization
Logistics Manager (Tank Battalion Support Platoon Leader) oversaw logistical operations for food, fuel and ammunition acquisition and delivery for 550 personnel unit
Program Administrator (Tank Company Executive Officer) 2nd in Command over 75 personnel and 20 plus vehicle fleet
Supervisor (Tank Platoon Leader) 19 personnel and 5 vehicle unit
EDUCATION
United States Military Academy at West Point 1980
Bachelors of Science with concentration in International Relations Graduate
Officer Basic Course – 1980 / Officer Advanced Course – 1984 / Personnel School - 1985
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Finance Board Member - South County Hospital
Wakefield, RI 1995-2005
Chairmen/Member - North Kingstown Charter Study Commission
North Kingstown, RI 1987-2007
Founding Member - North Kingstown Chamber of Commerce Charitable Foundation, North Kingstown, RI 2002-2007
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
Consistently attended educational workshops for Leadership, Management, Business Operations, Personnel Management, Sales Management, and Computer and Data Management to maintain professional and technical knowledge. Reviewed professional publications; established personal networks; participated in professional societies. Safeguarded the stability and reputation of the store by complying with all legal requirements of Federal, State and local Laws.