Operations Manager

JOSHUA DIETZ

Milwaukee WI 262-***-**** ********@*****.*** linkedin.com/in/joshua-dietz-operations-executive Operations Executive

Delivering Business Value Through Cross Functional Leadership That Improves Revenue, Efficiency, Margins and Customer Experience Operations Executive who drives change and delivers strong and sustained contributions to revenue, margins, and efficiency through vision, strategy, people skills, and flawless execution of operational initiatives, process improvements, and high-impact growth strategies. Brings a unique perspective gained from experience and understanding across all core operational functions. Experience spans public, private and PE held enterprises. Delivers people skills that are enhanced by BA and MS in Clinical Psychology. Thrives in a fast-paced dynamic environment.

Þ Operating Infrastructures—Built and directed national startup divisions from the ground up including defining policies, procedures, and metrics. Created and launched first-ever Project Management Office (PMO) and Merchandising Operations Division for American Freight, and Commercial Sales Division for Sears Hometown and Outlet. Gained executive and team support and trained cross functional teams, improving efficiencies, reducing costs, and increasing margins.

Þ Business Process Redesign (BPR)—Slashed new store opening process 50% for American Freight by revamping antiquated and inefficient system.

Þ M&A—Navigated multiple acquisitions and divestitures and executed change management on both the buyer and seller sides.

Þ Program Management Revenue Increase—Generated $50M in annual incremental revenue for Sears Hometown and Outlet by expanding operations into the commercial (B2B) market. Þ Cost Reductions Vendor Sourcing Customer Experience—Spearheaded comprehensive RFP process to vet new vendor for consumer product protection plan. Generated $35M in additional profit, increased margins 1200 bps and elevated the customer experience, by optimizing protection plan coverage. Executive Skills That Deliver Company and Stakeholder Value P&L Management Strategic Planning Multi-Site Operations Retail Store Management Budgeting Project and Program Management Change Management Cross Functional Team Building and Leadership Metrics and Analytics Data-Driven Decision Making Cost Reductions Margin/Profit Improvements Business Process Improvement (BPI) Customer Service and Satisfaction Merchandising Inventory Control Go To Market (GTM) Loss Prevention Internal and External Stakeholder Management Interpersonal Skills Written and Verbal Communications Executive Reporting and Presentations B2C, B2B Sales Professional Experience

AMERICAN FREIGHT APPLIANCES & FURNITURE, Delaware OH 2020 - Present Sr. Director, Merchandise Operations & Store Development (2024-Present) Took on additional responsibilities to revamp, streamline, and reduce costs associated with new store openings. Direct team of 12 and report to SVP Operations. Identified to facilitate store portfolio reduction.

• Hold $11M annual budget responsibility ($150K per store) for planning, coordinating and executing new store openings.

• Slashed new store opening timeline 50%, leading, developing, and expanding new store opening team to 25-30 members.

• Consolidated distribution center assets and supplies to optimize resource allocation.

• Transferred select display fixture production from on-site to warehouse to drive efficiency. Sr. Director, Merchandise Operations (2023–2024)

Promoted to establish an internal Merchandise Operations department to coordinate cross-functional communications and activities and close gaps that impacted the merchandising function. Reported to CMO. JOSHUA DIETZ

Milwaukee WI 262-***-**** ********@*****.***

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• Launched, operationalized and held P&L accountability for new department, managing $500K budget for planning, coordinating, and executing merchandising initiatives.

• Standardized timelines, streamlined communications, and established new pricing strategy which elevated alignment with overall organization goals.

• Planned and facilitated annual Vendor Summit attended by 100+ vendors.

• Increased sales conversion 12% by leading cross functional teams (IT, Marketing, Merchandising, Legal, Operations, Finance, etc.) on design, development and rollout of new product signing.

• Created leadership reporting and shared insights to support decision-making. Sr. Director, Project Management (2022–2023)

Hand-picked and promoted to start up and manage organization’s first PMO office, in collaboration with executive leadership. Hired and directed 2 project managers and reported to SVP of Project Management & Global Sourcing.

• Established project management office (PMO) infrastructure including short and long term strategies and goals; standardized PM processes across all functions nationally.

- Vetted various software options and selected and trained team on Smartsheet.

- Rolled out project management as “one source” across all functional areas.

- Crafted change management strategy to enable rapid adoption, gaining buy-in from internal stakeholders by addressing concerns and demonstrating benefits.

- Enabled senior leadership to make more informed decisions and for projects to be completed on time and on budget.

• Accelerated completion of 100+ stalled IT projects by instituting project management practices. Director, Credit and Warranties Services (2020-2022) Selected by CEO to join Sears’ newly acquired, rebranded, and PE owned division in new role leading consumer credit, product protection, and manufacturer warranty administration across ~370 stores. Directed team of 4 operating service managers and reported to SVP Operating Services and Logistics.

• Spearheaded comprehensive RFP process to evaluate and compare existing and prospective product protection vendors and programs.

- Renegotiated existing and negotiated new programs that reduced costs, increased profits, and elevated customer experience.

- Led cross-functional project to launch new vendor program and sunset previous vendor, including field rollout, IT integration, KPI reporting, and customer service.

- Generated $35M in additional profit, increasing margins 1200 bps, by enhancing protection plan coverage.

• Redesigned warranty handling to include 3rd party administration and repair service.

- Reduced product replacements 32% and warranty expense $2.5M annually.

• Spearheaded comprehensive RFP process to evaluate and compare existing and prospective tertiary consumer lending vendors and programs.

- Delivered $17.5M in annual incremental profits by negotiating rebates and profit sharing with chosen tertiary lender.

- Increased approval rates 450 bps and average amount approved by $250. SEARS HOMETOWN AND OUTLET STORES, INC. 2012 - 2020 Director, Commercial Sales (2016 – 2020)

Tapped to collaborate with executive leadership in creating and launching new B2B commercial appliance sales program to drive incremental sales and capture share of multi-family new home development. Hired new sales reps and leveraged existing store base.

• Created division infrastructure including strategy, goals, training, communication, pricing, product allocation, logistics, and sales incentives, gaining buy in from dealer-owned store base and national sales reps.

• Drove $50M in annual incremental sales within 2 years. Director, Sales & Operations (2012–2016)

Hand-picked for role at newly created publicly held (NASDAQ) enterprise following spin-off of dealer-based appliance division from Sears Holding Company. Held oversight for day-to-day operations and supported executive JOSHUA DIETZ

Milwaukee WI 262-***-**** ********@*****.***

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leadership by driving sales and operating efficiencies across field organization and ~900 stores nationwide. Reported to VP and directed Sales & Operations Manager.

• Increased margins by working cross-functionally across the organization in optimizing communications, executing sales initiatives and product launches, and instituting process and KPI improvements.

• Rolled out new POS system.

SEARS HOLDINGS CORPORATION 2010 - 2012

National Operations Manager (2011–2012)

Project Manager (2010-2011)

Received merit-based promotions from Assistant Store Manager in 1998 through General Store Manager, District Manager, and National Field Trainer, prior to role as Special Project Manager, reporting to President and CEO.

• Awarded Top Performing District as District Manager.

• Consistently placed in top 10% nationally as General Store Manager.

• Recipient of “Top Sales & Profit” Award.

Additional Information

Education

MS in Clinical Psychology, Summa cum Laude—California State University, Fullerton CA BA Clinical Psychology—Hope International University, Fullerton CA Professional Development

Lean Six Sigma Certification – Villanova University (enrolled) Product Management Certification – University of Wisconsin, Madison (enrolled) Talent Management Leadership Program—American Freight Appliances & Furniture Technology Applications

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); MS Project, Smartsheet, Wrike Community / Volunteer Activities

Youth Group Leader at local church

Board member and Coach, Little League (past)

Hobbies/Interests

Golf, fishing, hiking, biking, pickleball, woodworking, home remodeling, small engine repair

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