John R. Weber

*** ***** ***** ***** ******* Beach, California 92660l 949-***-**** l ad3c54@r.postjobfree.com

SUMMARY

Innovative and reliable store operations, purchasing, and marketing executive with extensive experience in business development, category management, advertising, merchandising, market strategy, sales planning, forecasting, labor scheduling, and brand development. Possesses a strong track record of growing established businesses as well as launching new products. Acts as a key contributor by directing aggressive business growth in competitive environments. Implements quality improvement measures to enhance product performance and enhance market share growth. A forward-thinking leader who combines vision, creativity, and business acumen to optimize profits while maintaining a competitive edge.

EXPERIENCE

WEBER CONSULTING, INC. Newport Beach, California

Freelance Consultant. Consultant in Category Management with both domestic and international

accounts. Contributed to Reliance Hypermarkets receiving “Retailer of the Year” Award of India by implementing Category Management. Trained Buyers in Category Management and implemented Category Management at Panda Markets in Saudi Arabia. Developed new bakery program for 99 cent Only Stores that increased Sales and Profits significantly. Worked with Local Express a start up e-commerce company in entering the Grocery Business.

DR SOY NUTRITION, LLC Irvine, California

President and Chief Operating Officer

Managed profit and loss for operations, sales, marketing, advertising, distribution and accounting functions. Launched successful company with over 24 soy snacks, primarily energy bars. Developed products, managed co-packers and set up distribution network in 10,000 stores which included supermarket and mass market chains such as Wal-Mart.

WILD OATS MARKETS, INC. Boulder, Colorado

Vice President Marketing, Merchandising and Purchasing

Managed profit and loss responsibility for sales, merchandising, purchasing, pricing, marketing and advertising for numerous departments. Managed retail departments including grocery, meat, produce, dairy, food service and natural living as well as advertising and merchandising departments. Increased sales 28% and net income 66% over prior years. Developed and sourced second private label line appealing to mainstream supermarket customers and increased private label share of grocery sales to over 20%. Established and implemented category management in various departments as well as automated pricing system. Consolidated and centralized buying, merchandising, pricing and advertising for acquisitions.

VONS COMPANIES, INC. Arcadia, California

Vice President Purchasing Support and Category Management

Implemented Category Management, Efficient Consumer Response (ECR) initiatives, managing over $100,000,000 in warehouse inventory, pricing for all departments in supermarket, developing merchandising plans and shelf schematics, utilizing Information Resources Inc. data and Nielsen Spaceman Software. Oversaw and executed development of Category Plans. Represented Vons on Food Marketing Institute joint industry ECR Operating Committee.

Implemented ECR initiatives reducing $100,000,000 in warehouse inventory by 25%. Established category management and reorganized traditional buying function and process, which resulted in significant sales increases and improved gross margin by several basis points.

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ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE

Vice President Manufacturing. Managed four manufacturing plants with over 1,000 employees which included the second largest dairy in California. Oversaw warehousing and transportation. Achieved record sales of over $300,000,000 and over $40,000,000 in profit. Utilized idle capacity of unprofitable bakery by acquiring outside customer, which increased wholesale sales by over 50%, turning bakery into profitable operation. Supplied Taco Bell with all meat and sour cream products for Western United States. Developed numerous new products and was recognized by Taco Bell as their best supplier.

Vice President Training and Development, Created and developed training and management development programs for management and retail employees within chain. Developed new training manuals, worked with outside agencies to train and certify food service employees on proper food handling procedures. Obtained employment training panel funds for training inner city employees as well as employees from acquired chains. Updated store training materials and implemented Blanchard Situational Leadership for management throughout chain. Trained new Store Manager candidates in formal course on managing stores. Taught courses at Cerritos College in Management.

Vice President Store Operations Services,. Oversaw profit and loss responsibility for $750,000,000 annual store payroll expense. Implemented best work methods throughout stores. Improved store stock condition and customer service levels. Scheduled deliveries from warehouses to stores. Created labor-scheduling department and budgeting and labor scheduling systems reducing payroll expenses by over 15% while improving store operations.

Vice President Marketing Services,. Created and developed marketing, advertising and sales promotion programs for new stores, remodels and competitive store openings. Participated in Real Estate Committee for selection of sites for new stores and remodels. Contributed to new store format committee developing Pavilions stores. Developed strategic plans by geographic markets in terms of where to open, close or remodel stores. Launched new store openings and responded proactively to competitive openings minimizing their effect on store sales. Managed and interpreted market research studies and market segmentation activities. Instituted Vons Club Check Cashing and Loyalty Shopper Card.

District Manager. Managed the profitable operation of 20 supermarkets and food and drug stores with annual sales of over $400,000,000. Increased sales and profitability. Developed and managed strong management teams. Improved customer service and store conditions.

EDUCATION

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, MARSHALL SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, Los Angeles, California

M.B.A.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, MARSHALL SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, Los Angeles, California

B.S., Management and Marketing

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Food Marketing Institute Executive Management Program

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