Elizabeth Kephart
Chattanooga
Summary
Dynamic General Manager with 26 years of experience in leading diverse teams and driving business growth across retail sectors. Proven track record in strategic planning, operational efficiency, and financial management, with a focus on enhancing customer satisfaction and reducing costs. Skilled in fostering strong client and vendor relationships, implementing effective sales strategies, and promoting a positive work environment. Seeking to leverage expertise in a General Manager or District Manager role
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Store Director
J Crew
Chattanooga
09.2025 - Current
- Directed daily store operations to enhance customer experience and satisfaction.
- Managed inventory levels to ensure product availability and organization.
- Trained and mentored staff on company policies and customer service standards.
General Manager
Petco
05.2024 - 09.2025
- Streamline operations and implement managerial strategies to enhance company efficiency and reduce overhead expenses while maintaining quality and service.
- Develop and execute strategic plans for business growth, resulting in increased market share and consistently exceeding revenue targets.
- Manage a diverse professional team, fostering a positive work environment and ensuring high employee satisfaction through comprehensive training and development.
Executive team lead
Target
08.2023 - 05.2024
- Led and managed a cross-functional team to achieve sales targets and operational goals, while ensuring exceptional customer service and fostering a collaborative work environment.
Store Manager
Pandora Jewelry
08.2021 - 09.2023
- Developed and implemented strategic business plans, contributing to company growth and enhanced operational performance.
- Improved team performance and organizational efficiency by optimizing processes and implementing employee development initiatives.
- Oversaw daily operations with a focus on regulatory compliance, inventory management, and adherence to industry standards.
- Enhanced store performance by tracking departmental metrics and fostering a collaborative and positive work environment.
General Manager and Retail Market Trainer
Ulta Beauty
07.2015 - 08.2021
- Developed and executed effective scheduling strategies, aligning employee capabilities with customer demand to optimize service delivery and operational efficiency.
- Supervised budgetary processes, overseeing scheduling, purchasing, and expenses to consistently meet quarterly financial targets.
- Enhanced profitability by implementing cost-reduction measures, managing delivery schedules, and conducting risk analyses.
- Led district-wide training initiatives, including new manager onboarding, to bolster staff development and operational consistency.
Store Manager
Zales
04.2014 - 07.2015
- Managed inventory, cash control, and store opening/closing procedures, resulting in minimized shrinkage and maximized sales through adherence to standard practices and superior customer service.
- Coached sales associates on product knowledge and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings and effectively setting store schedules based on forecasted customer levels and employee capabilities.
Education Lead
Sephora
10.2012 - 04.2014
- Guided the training and development of staff, organized educational events, and coached new store managers, enhancing team performance and customer satisfaction.
- Oversaw inventory control, cash management, and store operations, including opening and closing procedures, ensuring efficient daily operations and adherence to company standards.
- Led district initiatives in absence of the district manager, facilitated new launches, and played a key role in over 12 store remodels, contributing to improved operational effectiveness and brand consistency.
Store Manager/Acting district manager
Aeropostale
01.2001 - 10.2012
- Managed inventory control, cash management, and store opening and closing procedures to ensure operational efficiency.
- Enhanced employee performance and customer satisfaction through proactive communication and feedback, resulting in maximized sales and minimized shrinkage.
- Maintained optimal product levels and organized stock to support effective ordering and stock rotation.
- Coached sales associates on product knowledge and selling techniques, significantly boosting customer satisfaction ratings.
First Assistant Manager
Express
01.1999 - 01.2001
- Oversaw inventory control, cash management, and store operations to maintain efficient daily functioning, enhancing customer satisfaction through adherence to established protocols.
- Guided and developed store employees by providing coaching on product knowledge and sales techniques, contributing to improved customer satisfaction ratings and effective staff scheduling.
Education
No Degree - Business Administration and Management
Triton Community College
River Grove, IllinoisHigh School Diploma -
Morton West High School
Berwyn, IllinoisSkills
- Time Management
- Promotional Effectiveness
- Review
- Delegation and Supervision
- Management Training
- Inventory Accuracy
- Price Changes
- Recruitment and Training
- Planogram Execution
- Motivational Leadership
- Sales Strategies
- Inventory Control Procedures
- Customer Engagement
- Leadership
- Team Building
- Customer Service
Timeline
Store Director
J Crew
09.2025 - Current
General Manager
Petco
05.2024 - 09.2025
Executive team lead
Target
08.2023 - 05.2024
Store Manager
Pandora Jewelry
08.2021 - 09.2023
General Manager and Retail Market Trainer
Ulta Beauty
07.2015 - 08.2021
Store Manager
Zales
04.2014 - 07.2015
Education Lead
Sephora
10.2012 - 04.2014
Store Manager/Acting district manager
Aeropostale
01.2001 - 10.2012
First Assistant Manager
Express
01.1999 - 01.2001
No Degree - Business Administration and Management
Triton Community College
High School Diploma -
Morton West High School