MELISSA HELFMAN

248-***-****

E-mail : ad0icd@r.postjobfree.com

OBJECTIVE

To further my professional career with a challenging leadership/sales position, applying creative problem solving and lean management skills with a world class company to play a direct role in the unlimited growth and success of a solid organization. To utilize my management and client relationship skills to benefit mutual growth and success. WORK EXPERIENCE

GARDNER WHITE: Michigan

July 2022 to April 2023

District Manager - Director of Design Studio

The Director of Design Studio is responsible for the continued education of teams across the company to ensure they have the skillset to support the needs of our clients. Partnering with our Design Vendors to ensure consistent training and updates are communicated to the teams. Active support system for all team members with questions regarding design projects, vendors, pricing etc. Acting as a mentor and leader for support at all times to aid in continued growth of the design business. Oversee 10 Design Studio locations in Detroit metro area. THE SUSSMAN AGENCY: Southfield, Michigan

September 2021 to January 2022

Professional advertising account manager. The Account Manager and the team are the bridge between the client and the agency. Responsible for ensuring the agency is meeting the client’s needs, working with all the key functions that go into creating the agency’s advertising output. Skilled in marketing, advertising strategies, campaign development and client relations. In this position, the team communicated daily with clients and received directive regarding their advertising plans. Fulfilled these directives by working with the advertising staff to provide effective and innovative marketing approaches to deliver to the client. WEST ELM: Birmingham, Michigan

August 2014 to August 2021

General Manager

Strong Furniture Design Manager engaging with customers on a daily basis. Adept at ensuring a high level of satisfaction by taking a hands-on approach to customer relations. Specialized in retail management including effective staff training and supervision. Opened new store in the Birmingham in 2014. Recruited, Hired and trained staff with all facets of the store. Lead overall store operations and profitability with responsibility for achieving sales, payroll, and operating contribution results. Hire, develop and inspire a top performing store team who drive the business and exceed customer expectations. Champion company initiatives, ensuring timely execution of short and long term retail strategy and action plans. Hold team accountable for upholding brand values, standards and policies. Birmingham WEST ELM has repeatedly exceeded forecast daily, weekly and monthly on a consistent basis. This location has exceeded annual forecasted Goals, exceeded Comp. Payroll goals are my expertise. Hiring top talent and retention are my strength. Promoted numerous associates to leadership roles. Develop and execute strategy to drive sales and build customer loyalty through store programs. Train and motivate all associates through on-going programs in sales, customer service and product knowledge. Maximize team and individual performance through consistent coaching and feedback. Actively network, interview, select and on-board associates. Forecast and adjust monthly payroll to maximize productivity, achieve sales/payroll goals and complete workload. Assess store metrics and associate behaviors to identify strengths and opportunities to maximize store results.

Support the Grand Rapids store with opening and managed store while lacking leadership. Provided district management support, operational training, product knowledge, payroll analysis to Assistant managers.

Evereve: Birmingham, Michigan

February 2014 to August 2014

Store Manager

Opened new store in the Birmingham area. Worked closely with contractors to ensure timeline for store opening. Recruited and hired new staff. Provided training and development to staff for opening and continued success. Creates an environment where my team grows, develops and truly loves coming to work each day. I am the lead engineer of positivity and am energized by fashion, creating relationships with our customers to ensure they look and feel their best. As Lead Merchandiser for the team I led and was in charge of installation of all merchandising initiatives in the store. Responsible for all Store Operations and reporting of such to Corporate. Darakjian Jewelers: Birmingham, Michigan

August 2013 to February 2014

Manager

Responsible for tripling staff: recruiting, interviewing, pre-screen assessment of candidates, training and development of staff. Merchandising inventory. Developing strong client relationships to ensure loyalty and continued business. Continuous training of staff and product knowledge. Clientele and continuous growth of client/sales assoc. relationship. Marketing in new location to ensure steady traffic and name recognition. Utilizing local organizations for client base: Chamber of Commerce, Birmingham Principle Shopping District. Saks Fifth Avenue, Somerset Collection

Denim Ambassador October 2012– August 2013

Responsible for driving sales of all denim vendors in Women’s Contemporary Department. Provide monthly reports to buying office. Merchandising denim in strategic manner to drive business and sales to ensure positive growth and to exceed plan. We consistently exceeded goal and were driving the denim business.

lululemon athletic, Somerset Collection

Assistant Manager July 2011 – September 2012

Asst Manager is responsible for all store operations and functions. . Manages all projects throughout every aspect of the store. Developing and leading our Leadership Pipeline. Recruiting and Hiring. Excellent decision making and problem resolution skills. Extraordinary guest experience, organizational and time management skills. Number one store in company consistently in volume.

Ruby's Balm West Bloomfield, Michigan

Store Manager March 2009 – July 2011

Responsible for generating sales, client relationships, merchandising, inventory control, buying, Computer input, window displays, etc.

Greis Jewelers Farmington Hills, MI

Sales Associate February 2009 – May 2011

Responsible for sales, merchandising, computer inventory, invoices, stock, buying, displays, marketing, etc.

Zoe's Lace West Bloomfield, MI

Store Manager February 2008 – May 2009

Closed due to poor Mi economy

Provided leadership in store and to staff.

Responsible for generating sales and developing customer relationships. Inventory control, merchandising, computer input, Marketing plans, sales, etc. Linda Dresner Birmingham, MI

Store Manager April 1996 – February 2000

Provided leadership in store and to staff.

Developed strong relationships with clientele that resulted in an increased efficiency in sales and customer satisfaction.

bebe Troy, MI

Store Manager February 1992 – January 1996

Provided leadership in store and to staff.

Managed a team of 16 employees that consistently produced sales that placed in the top three highest producing stores within the company.

Neiman Marcus Troy, MI

Sales Associate September 1990 – January 1992

Reported to department manager with responsiblities for generating sales and developing customer relationships.

West Chester University West Chester, PA Graduated Cum Laude

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