Celeste Cook Email & Phone Number

Walnut Creek, California, United States

Hercules, California, United States

Developed Performance Management program based on the team member experience cycle from initial selection through the talent review process; designed and facilitated subsequent skill-oriented workshops to address each component of the cycle.Created an internal 1:1 Coaching Program to improve skills/capabilities, change behavior patterns and/or prepare team members to fill future organizational roles.Partnered with cross-functional business leaders to identify individual department/unit needs and provide solutions.Developed and facilitated a series of impact skill workshops: Time Management, Communication Skills, Conflict, Motivation Styles, Talent Coaching and Performance Management.Consistently recognized for creating a fun, engaging learning experience.

Led and provide strategic guidance to a team of training specialists and instructional designer; designed and facilitated a "professional development" program for the training and development team.Streamlined the New Hire Orientation process and Affordable Housing Compliance training programs.Identify performance gaps and propose training solutions that align with identified business priorities and performance needs.Serve as internal consultant to staff and management on issues related to leadership development and performance management.Collaborated on a project team to create, deploy and manage a consultative sales training program.

Managed the Leadership Assessment Center on a company-wide basis designed to evaluate the readiness of 100+ high potential Assistant Managers per year for promotion: increased candidate readiness by 20%, and redesigned certification program for evaluators by transforming process from vendor driven to in-house driven - saving $35,000/year.Provided strategic learning and development consultation to Vice Presidents, District Managers and Store Managers, aligning training initiatives with business expectations for the field operations of a 20,000+ employee Fortune 500 Company.Streamlined process for implementation of yearly compliance training (AB1825 – Sexual Harassment Prevention) and ensured timely execution of program to all leaders at corporate and field level, resulting in ongoing compliance rate of 99%.Designed, developed and deployed chain-wide Financial Acumen course.Created and managed a “Learning Academy” to support succession planning for high potential department managers (junior level), enhancing both their operational and leadership skills.Facilitated classroom training and certified other internal trainers on a variety of subjects: Sexual Harassment Prevention, Leadership Development, Financial Acumen, Pharmacy Operations, Sales, New Hire On-boarding, Software/POS Systems and Operations.

Managed overall operation of 30+ corporate owned stores, annual sales volume $24 million, 300 employees, 4 district managers with full P&L responsibility.Mentored and promoted one district manager and four store managers to support unit growth and strategic employee replacements.Developed and implemented training programs company-wide to reduce employee turnover and increase store productivity, resulting in an 8% reduction of labor costsIncreased sales volume by improving average dollar transaction, increasing personalized printing business and elevating service standard through consultative selling skills.

Provided ongoing support for 90+ franchise locations to ensure consistency in corporate standards and help the franchise owners improve their business results.Coached and directed three Field Consultants in their efforts to analyze each assigned franchise location and provide the owner with feedback, tools, and training to improve their business results.Created and executed company-wide customer service program for 150+ stores including service standards/behaviors, selling techniques, training, and measurement, which resulted in a 13% increase in shopper satisfaction.

Managed overall operation of 60+ corporate-owned stores, annual sales volume $30 million, 450 employees, 4 District Mangers and 2 Area Managers with full P&L accountability.Opened 20+ new stores, overseeing all operational components through grand opening activities.Mentored and promoted 3 District Managers and 18 Store Managers to support unit growth and strategic personnel replacements through accountability based leadership methodology and effective succession planning.Improved margins 4% and net income 11% by establishing and administering operational policies and best practices.

Led the strategic direction and support to a team of 3 field consultants in their responsibilities to help franchise owners acquire, develop, and continue to improve their abilities to become successful using the company’s operating systems in 125+ locationsRecognized for using strong consulting and relationship building skills to improve franchisor/franchisee relations.