Leslie Cook
Warrenton, VA *****
ad7n9i@r.postjobfree.com
Experienced Retail General Manager with a strong interpersonal skill set. I have 20 years experience in Retail Operations, including but not limited to financial, employee relations, leadership, training and development as well as organizational and a self starter. Work Experience
General Manager
La-Z-Boy-Gainesville, VA
January 2022 to Present
Significant Accomplishments: Maintained top five personal sales for the entire Market for Virginia and Maryland.
Reduced store costs by half
Maintained overseeing multiple store locations totaling 16 million in Sales. Drastic improvement in KPI’s over prior year before my management. Responsible for the overall profitability, sales culture, store standards/operations, and customer experience excellence, With a focus on achieving sales targets and meeting budget requirements, you will lead a high-quality team and drive real action to maximize the success of the business Review and act upon financial opportunities for expense management, margin enhancements, and sales drivers
Provide feedback and innovative ideas to enhance profitability Hire, train, and retain high-quality team members who exhibit energy and enthusiasm. Holding staff accountable, disciplinary actions, termination.
Coach associates to follow the Company selling model and drive action Maximize the In-Home Design program, marketing initiatives, store promotions, and grass roots programs Present opportunities for grass roots marketing and community-focused events Coach the store team to deliver excellent customer service aligned with company processes and standards
Hire and develop talent, leverage the capabilities of new and existing talent Keep a detailed succession plan to ensure key positions are always filled Utilize company resources to keep associates up to date on product knowledge, selling skills, and operational efficiencies
Foster diversity in staffing to meet the demands of the community Stay current with HR training and legal requirements Lead all store activities with the highest ethical standards Provide necessary tools for associates to perform their responsibilities effectively Improve store associates' self-knowledge, effectiveness, and efficiency through weekly meetings with an emphasis on customer satisfaction
Coach and counsel the team based on results
Follow company programs to maintain a clean, well-merchandised store Train store team on cycle counts, accounting procedures, RMS procedures, and store line-ups Assist merchandising team in executing line-up changes and sell-through strategies Ensure accurate completion of paperwork, including order entry, delivery schedules, and customer records
Set the highest standard for customer care
Proactively prospect new customers and find ways to delight guests Experienced in: Microsoft Word, Excel, Teams, Digital Comfort Guides, Kronos, KPI’s, Setting Store Goals, RMS, Inventory, Planograms, Scheduling, Payroll, Budgeting, accurate record keeping. Human Resources Manager
JS Carpets-Spotsylvania, VA
2001 to Present
• Developing and implementing HR policies and procedures that align with the organization's goals and objectives.
• Managing the talent management process, including recruitment, selection, onboarding, and determining hiring processes for new hires.
• Designing interview questions, conducting interviews, and creating employment offers and packages for successful candidates.
• Monitoring training needs and developing and managing employee training programs.
• Ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations, including health and safety rules.
• Managing employee compensation and benefits programs, including salary reviews and bonuses.
• Managing employee relations and conducting conflict management and resolution.
• Enforcing company policies and leading disciplinary procedures.
• Developing and managing performance management systems to track employee performance and conduct performance evaluations.
• Developing and implementing employee retention and employee engagement programs to increase employee retention.
• Streamlining the company’s business travel programs, including establishing a travel policy and implementing software that allows employees to self-book trips and produce travel reports
• Conducting employee surveys and analyzing the results to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Engaging in project management to devise new HR strategies.
• Managing employee records and maintaining accurate and up-to-date HR databases.
• Developing and managing employee engagement initiatives to foster a positive work environment.
• Staying up-to-date with changes in labor laws and regulations and updating HR policies and procedures.
• Managing HR budgets and providing reporting HR activities to the HR director and other senior managers.
• Providing guidance and support to managers and employees on HR-related issues. General Manager/Multi Unit Manager
RGI-Orange, VA
July 2020 to December 2022
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Recruits, interviews, hires, and trains new staff in the department.
• Handling and processing confidential paperwork and files.
• Oversees the daily workflow of stores.
• Provides constructive and timely performance evaluations.
• Handles discipline and termination of employees in accordance with company policy.
• Assures adherence to all company policies and procedures.
• Meets production and sales goals on a consistent basis.
• supervising, hiring, firing and monitoring performance of all Retail Employees at multiple assigned locations.
• Protects company assets.
• assuring accurate and timely payroll entry, sales and production reports and scheduling.
• cross training across all store functions.
• Maintain a 90% 5S standard at all times.
• Maintaining ADC centers where applicable.
• Scheduling and pickups of ADC centers when necessary.
• Follow all safety policies and procedures.
• Improve operational management systems, processes and best practices
• Purchase materials, plan inventory and oversee warehouse efficiency
• Help the organization’s processes remain legally compliant
• Formulate strategic and operational objectives
• Examine financial data and use them to improve profitability
• Manage budgets and forecasts
• Perform quality controls and monitor production KPIs
• Recruit, train and supervise staff
• Find ways to increase quality of customer service Store Fixer: Ability to manage multiple stores strong attention to detail and able to quickly and effectively recognize hinders within each store.
District Sales Manager
Linens 'n Things-Fredericksburg, VA
March 2006 to June 2008
• Reviews, tracks, and documents compliance with mandatory and non-mandatory training, continuing education, and work assessments. This may include safety training, anti-harassment training, professional licensure, and aptitude exams and certifications.
• Recruits, interviews, and facilitates the hiring of qualified job applicants for open positions; collaborates with departmental managers to understand skills and competencies required for openings.
• Conducts or acquires background checks and employee eligibility verifications.
• Implements new hire orientation and employee recognition programs.
• Performs routine tasks required to administer and execute human resource programs including but not limited to compensation, benefits, and leave; disciplinary matters; disputes and investigations; performance and talent management; productivity, recognition, and morale; occupational health and safety; and training and development.
• Handles employment-related inquiries from applicants, employees, and supervisors, referring complex and/or sensitive matters to the appropriate staff.
• Attends and participates in employee disciplinary meetings, terminations, and investigations.
• Maintains compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, and recommended best practices; reviews policies and practices to maintain compliance.
• Maintains knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in human resources, talent management, and employment law.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Business
Liberty University
Present
Skills
• License in Real Estate
• Accounting
• Bookkeeping
• Human Resources
• Interviewing
• Payroll
• QuickBooks
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Outlook
• Excel
• POS
• Point of Sale
• Hiring
• Training & Development
• Store Management Experience
• Office Manager Experience
• Sales Management
• Management
• Merchandising
• Retail Management
• English
• Recruiting
• Accounts Receivable
• Account Management
• Pricing
• Conflict Management
• Planograms
• Leadership
• Accounts Payable
• Retail sales
• Supervising experience
• Customer service
• Profit & Loss
• Banking
• Computer skills
• HR sourcing
• Performance management
• FMLA
• Employment & labor law
• Human resources management
• Employee relations
• Workers' compensation
• Employee orientation
• Benefits administration
• Change Management
• Succession Planning
• Forecasting
• Talent Management
• Talent Acquisition
• Financial Report Writing
• Legal Drafting
• Kronos
• Event Planning
• Litigation
• Legal research
• Legal drafting
• Legal case management
• Writing skills
• Paralegal
• Communication skills
• Workers' compensation law
• Kronos (10+ years)
• Expense Management
• 5S
• Operations Management
Certifications and Licenses
AED Certification
First Aid Certification
CPR Certification
Driver's License
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems Certification Present
SHRM Certified Professional
Present
Professional In Human Resources
Present