• Developed strategic portfolio initiatives to drive revenue and gross profit of Other Tobacco Products and General Merchandise categories, which represented $140 million in sales annually.• Delivered 3.7% ($5.2 million) sales growth versus 3.1% industry growth by maximizing product assortment based on rapidly evolving consumer trends in the cigar category and offsetting declines in electronic cigarettes. • Analyzed sales and margin data, IRI/Nielsen data, competitive intelligence data,… Show more • Developed strategic portfolio initiatives to drive revenue and gross profit of Other Tobacco Products and General Merchandise categories, which represented $140 million in sales annually.• Delivered 3.7% ($5.2 million) sales growth versus 3.1% industry growth by maximizing product assortment based on rapidly evolving consumer trends in the cigar category and offsetting declines in electronic cigarettes. • Analyzed sales and margin data, IRI/Nielsen data, competitive intelligence data, and consumer insights to identify new areas of growth within the portfolio.• Led cross-functional teams to implement various category initiatives including a new vendor roll-out that improved gross profit by $1.1 million. • Partnered with product manufacturers to conduct market research including consumer focus groups.• Presented category performance and marketing strategies to all levels of the organization including the CEO.• Reduced inventory over 23% ($3.5 million) by optimizing product assortment and coordinating return process for unproductive SKUs with suppliers, distributors, and store operations team. • Negotiated all buying agreements and contracts for the category and managed numerous RFPs. Show less

• Created marketing and promotional strategies to deliver 12.5% ($2.5 million) sales growth of Fresh Food category, which represented $20 million in sales annually.• Performed in-depth financial analysis to identify, recommend, and implement tactics to improve the Fresh Bakery program’s gross margin from -10% to +15% in less than a year. • Conducted detailed competitive analysis that was used to formulate the chain’s long term food vision and strategy.• Assisted in the launch of a… Show more • Created marketing and promotional strategies to deliver 12.5% ($2.5 million) sales growth of Fresh Food category, which represented $20 million in sales annually.• Performed in-depth financial analysis to identify, recommend, and implement tactics to improve the Fresh Bakery program’s gross margin from -10% to +15% in less than a year. • Conducted detailed competitive analysis that was used to formulate the chain’s long term food vision and strategy.• Assisted in the launch of a new food concept including product development and overall brand positioning. • Partnered with external agencies to create and execute both digital and print advertising media. • Increased fruit category sales over 42% ($1 million) by improving supplier relationships and service levels. Show less

• Implemented protocols to improve store level communication by using an actionable and standardized format.• Collaborated with all corporate departments to write and distribute communications to the store sales teams in various formats including a weekly newsletter to over 14,000 employees.• Led individual training, classroom training, and change management initiatives including a new labor management tool and new point of sale systems.