Elizabeth Watkins
Knoxville
Summary
Dynamic Operations Manager with a proven track record at Method Lights LLC, enhancing customer satisfaction and reducing operational costs through effective problem-solving and workflow optimization. Skilled in inventory management and team leadership, I excel in driving efficiency and fostering strong client relationships to achieve business goals.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Manager
Method Lights LLC
10.2015 - Current
- Improved customer satisfaction ratings by ensuring prompt resolution of issues and concerns.
- Implemented cost-saving initiatives, reducing overall operational expenses without compromising service quality.
- Optimized inventory control procedures to minimize stockouts and excess inventory levels.
- Streamlined operational processes by implementing efficient workflow management strategies.
Small Business Co-Owner
Liz-Beth Fine Art Inc
09.1998 - Current
- Collaborated with co-owner on critical decision-making regarding business growth opportunities and strategic partnerships.
- Managed day-to-day operations of the small business, overseeing personnel schedules and handling customer inquiries as needed.
- Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, bookkeeping, and tax preparation.
- Established strong relationships with vendors to negotiate favorable pricing, ensuring cost-effective purchasing decisions.
- Optimized store layout for efficient use of space while maintaining an inviting atmosphere that encouraged customer browsing and purchases.
- Implemented inventory management system for better organization and tracking of products, reducing waste and increasing profitability.
- Developed marketing strategies to attract new clients and increase revenue, including social media campaigns and local advertising.
- Expanded product offerings to meet customer demands while maintaining high quality standards.
- Oversaw staff hiring process, selecting candidates who aligned with company values and had relevant skills for each role.
- Enhanced business operations for greater efficiency through streamlining processes and implementing new systems.
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
Buyer
Dales Winning Edge
07.1996 - 09.1998
- Collaborated with internal departments to better understand needs and determine purchasing requirements.
- Developed strong relationships with suppliers to secure favorable pricing terms and conditions for the company''s benefit.
- Maintained complete documentation and records of all purchasing activities.
- Maintained key item stock levels and wrote or expedited purchase orders.
- Forecasted purchasing trends and improved merchandising strategies.
- Ensured timely delivery of products by closely monitoring vendor performance and addressing any issues promptly.
- Participated in trade shows and conferences to stay informed of the latest industry developments and maintain a strong professional network.
- Improved inventory management by conducting regular audits, analyzing usage patterns, and implementing demand forecasts.
Associate Buyer
Goody's Family Clothing
05.1994 - 07.1996
- Maintained timely product deliveries by effectively communicating with vendors, merchants and distribution center.
- Leveraged strong analytical skills to evaluate sales data, driving better-informed buying decisions that maximized profits.
- Enhanced supplier relationships by negotiating contracts and securing advantageous pricing.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery of products, improving overall supply chain performance.
- Analyzed market trends to identify new products and make informed buying decisions.
- Prepared in-depth reports regarding orders, sales and costs and distributed weekly to appropriate management staff.
- Maintained open lines of communication with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment on purchasing initiatives and priorities.
Merchandise Coordinator
Hess's Department Store East Town Mall
01.1990 - 05.1994
- Supervised daily operations on the sales floor, ensuring smooth customer interactions and prompt issue resolution.
- Answered customer questions regarding store merchandise, department information, and pricing.
- Trained new team members on company policies, procedures, and merchandising best practices.
- Educated employees on new merchandise during seasonal workshops.
- Removed damaged, out-of-code, not-in-set and discontinued items from displays.
- Collaborated with store managers to optimize product placement and enhance customer experience.
- Initiated store layout changes based on consumer shopping patterns, resulting in improved navigation for shoppers and increased sales per square foot.
- Increased sales by effectively coordinating merchandise displays and promotional materials.
- Prepared interesting and innovative visual displays to grab customer interest and promote sales.
- Supervised departmental employees.
- Enhanced visual merchandising strategies with creative floor plans and eye-catching displays.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Merchandising
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN12-1989
Skills
- Problem-solving
- Team leadership
- Operations management
- Customer service
- Operations monitoring
- Operational efficiency
- Decision-making
- Employee relations and conflict resolution
- Planning and implementation
- Staff training
- Staff management
- Inventory management
- Management
- Operations oversight
- Project management
- Policies and procedures implementation
- Performance monitoring
- Staff development
- Customer relationship management
- Client relationships
- Inventory control
- Workflow optimization
- Project management abilities
- Schedule management
- Workforce management
- Performance management
- Client relations
- Organizational management
- Superb time management skills
- Project planning and development
- Delegation
- Invoice processing
- Customer retention
- Retail operations management
- Work flow planning
Timeline
Operations Manager
Method Lights LLC
10.2015 - Current
Small Business Co-Owner
Liz-Beth Fine Art Inc
09.1998 - Current
Buyer
Dales Winning Edge
07.1996 - 09.1998
Associate Buyer
Goody's Family Clothing
05.1994 - 07.1996
Merchandise Coordinator
Hess's Department Store East Town Mall
01.1990 - 05.1994
Bachelor of Science - Merchandising
University of Tennessee
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