MICHELLE S. WOODS

OBJECTIVE:To obtain a challenging and rewarding position where I can best apply my excellent leadership, negotiation, organizational and communication skills.

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE:
Store Design and Construction
Managed the construction of new stores, remodels and retrofits of existing stores from design stage through grand opening. 13 franchise buybacks, 40 new stores and remodels, 5 temporary stores.
Provided lead role in evaluating and cost estimating potential new and remodeled store projects
Designed development of store plans partnering with Store Merchandising and Operations
Managed the production of construction document with consulting architects
Established project schedule, outlined and refined project scope and strategized project execution.
Ensured timely completion of projects, partnering with Real Estate and Operations to ensure seamless rollout and transition of all projects
Oversaw project budgeting and cost control
Negotiated and brought on a new national flooring and lighting vendor.
Worked with landlord, architects, contractors and vendors to ensure timely receipt of all required project permits, approvals, work orders and inspections
Prepared and maintain proper records and drawings for all projects
Managed the construction administration and turnover of all construction and equipment of new stores, remodels and expansions
Ensured successful implementation of the design and construction strategy
Oversaw sourcing and securing of resources and vendors required to achieve corporate store program objectives
Served as a back up to the Repairs and Maintenance Department as needed.

Operations
Solicitation, negotiation and procurement of store services for US territories
Managed operations budget and capital expenditures
Monitored supply levels of inventory in Distribution Center
Negotiated national service contracts for window, awning and carpet cleaning.
Negotiated national consumer packaging program
Maintained supply ordering for stores.
Ensured all aspects of the new store opening process are seamless and delivered on time and that budget goals are met in the process.
Negotiated storage contracts for stores.

Communications and Field Initiatives
Supported and managed field workload.
Served as an editor, while partnering with cross-functional teams to ensure the materials each department is producing is written and delivered in a simple to understand verbiage.
Developed policy and procedure, training programs and point of sale manuals and initiatives. Updated manuals and documents accordingly yearly.
Managed communication from corporate office to field
Ensured store resources and training tools are current and exact, allowing team members to spend more time servicing the customer.
Developed tools and resources to enhance field selling behaviors, productivity and retention. Manage development of tools and resources, including production of tools and timeline from beginning to end.
Developed re-branding training materials for corporate and field team members including skill cards, workmats, and various contests.

Management, Supervision & Training
Developed & promoted Assistant, Associate and Head of Store Managers for the district and region. Trained & developed sales associates at district wide level (ten stores)
Formulated business strategies by educating, organizing & motivating employees
Promoted operational excellence; drive results to achieve sales goals; ensured customer satisfaction, maximum productivity, profitability, & compliance with company procedures
Lead and think globally by soliciting ideas & best practices
Ensured scheduling compliance by training and managing StaffWorks systems in the region






EMPLOYMENT HISTORY:
March 2006-PAPYRUS
PresentProject Manager Store Design & ConstructionChicago, IL
2005-2006Manager of Store Communications and Field Initiatives
Store Operations Coordinator (173 Corporate Stores)Fairfield, CA

Gap Inc.
2004-2005Operations Manager (11M Store Volume) Orland Park, IL
2003-2004Head of Store (4M Store Volume)Wheaton, IL
2002-2003Head of Store (2.5M Store Volume)Aurora, IL
2001-2002Associate Manager (7M Store Volume)Oak Brook, IL
1998-2001Assistant Manager Lombard, IL
1994-1997Sales AssociateLombard, IL

1997United Airlines Elk Grove Village, IL
Administrative Assistant to the Director of Corporate Travel
1994Credit Union Clerk

EDUCATION:Bachelor of Arts Marketing & Merchandising Management
University of Illinois - Champaign, IL - 1996 - 1998
Parkland College - Champaign, IL - 1998
International Academy of Merchandising & Design- Chicago, IL -1998-2000

OFFICE SKILLS:Typing 70 w.p.m.;
Proficient in the following: Word for Windows, Excel, PowerPoint, Project Talk