Chief Operations Officer

Jennifer Ricketts

Email: ********.*********@*****.*** Phone: 518-***-****

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jennifer-ricketts

Executive Summary

Highly accomplished and results-oriented Chief Operations Officer with 15+ years of progressive leadership, consistently driving organizational success and providing critical strategic and operational support directly to the CEO. Proven expertise in strategic planning, operational optimization, financial oversight, technology integration, and serving as a key advisor and facilitator in executive leadership within a luxury fashion house of brands. Effective communicator with a demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams (on-site and remote), implement transformative processes, and achieve measurable results across global operations. Known for applying data-driven, logical approaches and systematic methodology to continuously drive operational improvements and scale the business. Seeking to leverage my extensive leadership, strategic support, and problem-solving skills to deliver exceptional value in a high-growth environment.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Planning & Operational Management

• Global Supply Chain Management, Logistics Management & Inventory Management

• Domestic and Overseas Apparel Manufacturing & Production, Procurement, Warehouse Management

• IT Infrastructure Planning, SaaS, ERP System Implementation & Change Management, Process Optimization

• Financial Oversight, Budgeting & Cost Management, Restructuring

• Wholesale, Retail, Distribution, eCommerce & Fulfillment

• Human Resources Leadership, Full-Cycle Recruitment & Compliance, Payroll and Benefits

• Event Planning & Production, Merchandising, Brand Development & Launch Execution

Professional Experience

Chief Operations Officer JLM Couture New York, NY 2020-Present

• Transformed supply chain, inventory, and warehouse operations, achieving a 45% reduction in inventory costs and 70% decrease in product returns through optimized global production timelines and enhanced quality control measures.

• Transitioned the company from a B2B-only model to a hybrid B2B/B2C platform, including direct-to-consumer (DTC) capabilities, expanding revenue channels and market reach.

• Developed and implemented process improvements that increased operational efficiency by 60%.

• Built and automated reporting functions for KPI measurement across the organization, improving data validation and accuracy by 60% and enabling real-time, data-driven decisions.

• ERP Software System Superuser responsible for complete operational oversight and maintenance—ensuring data integrity, accuracy, and scalable performance.

• Functioned as Chief of Staff to the CEO, managing strategic initiatives, enabling cross-functional alignment, and providing high-level organizational support.

• Navigated the company through the COVID-19 pandemic, securing and managing over $3M in financial resources—including fully forgiven PPP/PPP2 loans, an EIDL loan, and ERC credits—ensuring compliance and financial resilience.

• Streamlined end-to-end payroll processing and administered employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, FSA, and wellness plans, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

• Contributed to successful company audits by preparing documentation and facilitating cross-departmental collaboration with external auditors.

• Modernized legacy telephony infrastructure (POTS to VoIP), achieving $6.5K in monthly savings (90%) while enhancing functionality through internal programming control.

Director of Operations JLM Couture New York, NY 2017-2020

• Orchestrated organization-wide change management in leading the transition to a fully integrated ERP platform—streamlining workflows, enhancing transparency by 80%, and reducing manual labor by 65%, while laying the technological foundation for scalable operational growth.

• Directed all daily operations, driving revenue growth, operational efficiency, and cost-saving solutions (i.e., strategically sourced and negotiated shipping solutions, resulting in an additional 25% net savings, yielding a significant profit center of $1.5M over 5 years, and improved service levels).

• Initiated technology-driven solutions to automate manual processes, reducing errors and improving output and data literacy company-wide.

• Oversaw interdepartmental collaboration and communication effectiveness to align operations with strategic goals and improve productivity.

• Managed operational budgets and monitored Key Performance Indicators to ensure performance targets and financial goals were consistently met

• Established and implemented a comprehensive corporate governance framework aligned with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

• Partnered with legal counsel to mitigate risks, manage contracts, and ensure corporate governance compliance.

• Collaborated with insurance brokers to optimize risk coverage in alignment with evolving business needs.

Operations Supervisor & Sales JLM Couture New York, NY 2009-2017

• Collaborated cross-functionally to shape a B2B2C retail strategy and supervised the successful buildout and launch of a luxury bridal flagship retail store, generating $1.5M-$2M in annual sales through elevated assortments and premium customer experiences, including designer appearance trunk shows, high-touch events, and televised media coverage.

• Played a pivotal role in launching new brands and products within a luxury house of brands, strategically shaping each brand's identity through integrated oversight of Design, Production, Sales, Merchandising, Marketing, PR, and Logistics—driving 60% growth.

• Drove trademark strategy in partnership with legal, securing IP protections for emerging brands, establishing strong ownership foundations and safeguarding long-term brand equity.

• Directed production of high-profile fashion events, including runway shows and advertising campaigns, markets, and tradeshows—aligning creative execution with brand vision and maintaining rigorous budget controls.

• Led cross-functional teams in the development and execution of initiatives designed to scale the business model and adapt to evolving market conditions. Ensured seamless workflow across teams.

• Supervised all daily operations and optimized interdepartmental productivity between Sales, Customer Service, PR, Marketing, Production, and Accounting.

• Orchestrated and unified internal and external communications to strengthen messaging consistency and stakeholder engagement.

• Managed contract negotiations, facilities oversight, and expansion initiatives spanning showroom and warehouse remodels and renovations, retail buildouts, and relocations.

• Implemented comprehensive HR strategies, covering full-cycle recruitment, onboarding, training, and benefits administration for a growing workforce—fostering a high-performing culture of growth, cross-boarding, and development.

Technology

• Microsoft 365 Office Suite (Advanced proficiency in Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Publisher)

• ERP and PLM Software (i.e., Exenta/Aptean), SaaS Solutions, eCommerce Platforms (i.e., Shopify)

• Google Workspace (i.e., Google Sheets, Google Docs, Google Drive etc.), Adobe Acrobat Pro

• Video Conference & File Sharing (i.e., Zoom, Teams, Google Workspace, Dropbox, OneDrive, etc.)

Adept and enthusiastic about learning innovative technologies and software

Education

Bachelor of Science, Business and Fashion Merchandising Management

Fashion Institute of Technology, December 2008

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