Greater Chicago Area
Experienced Project, Construction, and Facilities Manager with 15 years of expertise in opening, relocating, renovating, remodeling, and closing retail stores. • Collaborative Leader: Skilled in partnering with senior management, cross functional teams, Franchisees, landlords, contractors, and vendors to implement strategic changes that align business objectives with operational needs while ensuring compliance with regulations. • Efficiency Expert: Proven track record in streamlining processes, reducing store opening times by 50%, and cutting travel expenses by 40% by leveraging local temporary labor over traveling teams. • Strategic Problem-Solver: Employs a positive attitude, creative thinking, business acumen, and analytical skills to deliver successful projects with integrity and precision. Core Skills: Project Management | Process Improvement | Scheduling | Estimating | Contract Negotiation | Safety & Compliance | Team Leadership | Vendor Relations | Conflict Resolution | Business Process Optimization Passionate about driving growth and maintaining operational excellence by ensuring stores and distribution centers are well-prepared and equipped for success.
Project Management: • Developed and executed comprehensive project plans to lead cross-functional teams in meeting objectives for 155 new (Company & Franchise), relocating, and closing stores. • Regularly updated senior management and executive leadership while ensuring timely project completion. • Collaborated with internal and external business partners to ensure successful Grand Openings. New Store Openings: • Oversaw budgets and timelines for new store openings, maintaining high standards through punch list resolutions. • Reduced store opening timelines by 50% and achieved a 40% cost reduction by using local temp agencies to replace most of original Traveling Team of 2 Managers and 12 Warehouse Associates. • Managed the installation and execution of visual merchandising fixtures, displays, and signage in new and remodeled stores. Signage Management: • Directed all aspects of exterior signage installation issuing Request for Proposals (RFPs) to vet vendors - incorporating landlord lease requirements & city code - for new stores, legacy sign upgrades, and debranding of closing locations. • Managed sign repairs for two years, presenting proposals to the Real Estate Committee (REC) & CAPEX team Facilities Management • First two years at American Freight, following merger, vetted, hired and managed vendors for store maintenance projects as needed including Project Management. • Managed and directed special Repairs & Maintenance (R&M) projects to meet quality standards & budget goals. • Reviewed leasing software and lease documentation to clarify ownership responsibilities for HVAC systems, exterior lighting, containers, trash services, and utilities. • Flexible schedule with ability to work nights, weekends, and select holidays. • Resolved a backlog and efficiently set up utilities & waste management services for new stores. Invoice Management: • Processed invoices through Concur for various vendors, fixtures, building supplies, and temporary labor services.
Earned promotions to roles with increasing responsibility (including the transition to Sears Hometown & Outlet Stores when they split from Sears in 2012 and again in 2020 when Sears Outlet and American Freight merged) through accomplishments, natural leadership skills, and the ability to master complex concepts quickly • Managed a team of five Facility Development Specialists, overseeing up to 62 new store openings annually, along with numerous relocations, remodels, closures, and maintenance and repair projects including adding ORDC (Outlet Repair Distribution Center) testing stations • Served as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in retail construction management, overseeing planning, feasibility studies, fixture assembly, low-voltage system design, and implementation of POS and customer kiosk systems • Personally managed up to nine Hometown Store projects concurrently across the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam, and Bermuda | Conducted regular on-site visits to ensure seamless project execution and oversaw the onboarding of international reshippers for supplies, fixtures, and merchandise transport to island locations • Collaborated with the Planning and Business Development teams to design floor plans and merchandise layouts, ensuring optimal readiness for new store openings