Leah King
Gloucester
Summary
Dynamic retail leader with over 25 years of experience and a proven track record in driving operational excellence, fostering merchandising innovation, and enhancing team engagement. Expertise in spearheading cross-functional initiatives that elevate merchandising standards, enrich customer experiences, and sustain sales growth. Skilled in guiding teams and influencing without direct authority while cultivating collaborative cultures through effective leadership of committees and engagement initiatives. Committed to executing strategies with an unwavering focus on performance and continuous improvement, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and customer satisfaction.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Center Store Merchandising Specialist
Food Lion
Richmond/Norfolk Division
04.2022 - Current
- Developed and executed merchandising strategies to enhance product visibility and drive sales.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to optimize inventory management and product placement.
- Analyzed market trends and consumer behavior to inform merchandising decisions and promotions.
- Trained and mentored new staff on merchandising standards and best practices to ensure consistency.
- Leveraged data analytics tools to assess performance metrics, driving continuous improvement in merchandising efforts.
Center Store Merchandising Specialist
Food Lion
Richmond/Norfolk Division
04.2022 - Current
- Developed and executed merchandising strategies to enhance product visibility and drive sales.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to optimize inventory management and product placement.
- Analyzed market trends and consumer behavior to inform merchandising decisions and promotions.
- Trained and mentored new staff on merchandising standards and best practices to ensure consistency.
- Leveraged data analytics tools to assess performance metrics, driving continuous improvement in merchandising efforts.
Perishable Merchandising Specialist
Food Lion
Richmond/Norfolk Division
09.2020 - 04.2022
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to execute promotional campaigns, ensuring alignment with brand messaging.
- Guided and developed team members in mastering merchandising techniques and product presentation standards.
- Directed implementation and execution of innovative seafood merchandising strategies in full-service seafood stores.
- Collaborated with category teams to integrate local brands into store offerings.
- Planning for resort stores to optimize sales in peak and off season.
SPA-Deli/ Bakery/HMS Specialist
Food Lion
Richmond/Norfolk Division
07.2020 - 09.2020
- Supported the Division through implementation of Deli Delight elements
- Facilitated Deli Delight Immersions meetings
- Oversaw and developed high performing Deli Managers during Deli resets
- Coordinated merchandising initiatives for deli departments, including Ukrop's and sushi bar rollouts, to optimize sales performance and reduce shrink.
- Collaborated with store and deli managers to enhance daily operational efficiency and service quality.
Store Manager
Food Lion
Gloucester , VA
12.2008 - 03.2020
- Oversee, train and encourage department managers, promoting culture of efficiency and performance
- Engage and interact with customers to create positive shopping experiences and drive revenue growth
- Promote team collaboration, performance and efficiency by fostering healthy environments focused on mutual success
- Mentor and train new Store Managers
- Presented fresh and dry communication to Divisional EC team in the absence of the Fresh Merchandising Manger and Center Store Specialist
- Collaborated with Fresh Merchandising Manager and Specialists to create a holiday merchandising video for fresh departments
- Partnered with Fresh Merchandising and EC team throughout the year to present numerous meetings on key initiatives
- Deliverers positive results by controlling monthly operations budget and limiting financial discrepancies
- Upheld and communicated store programs and standards to employees for optimal quality, freshness, safety and cleanliness
- Awarded Richmond/Norfolk Divisional Store Manager of the Year in 2019 for outstanding performance in driving store success and team development.
- Awarded Williamsburg Region Store Manager of the Year in 2015, demonstrating commitment to team development and customer satisfaction.
Earlier Operations Leadership Roles
Food Lion
09.1998 - 12.2008
- Assistant Store Manger I Grocery Sales Manage I Retail Pricing Coordinator
- Implemented effective leadership strategies across store operations, fostering a strong foundation for both operational excellence and team development.
Education
High School Diploma -
Store Manager College
Food Lion2016
High School Diploma -
Gloucester High School
Gloucester, VA1994
Skills
- Strong focus on accuracy
- Performance analysis
- Team development
- Collaborative partnership
- Skilled in resolving conflicts
- Coaching and mentoring leaders
- Data driven decision making
- Influence without authority
- Service excellence
Timeline
Center Store Merchandising Specialist
Food Lion
04.2022 - Current
Center Store Merchandising Specialist
Food Lion
04.2022 - Current
Perishable Merchandising Specialist
Food Lion
09.2020 - 04.2022
SPA-Deli/ Bakery/HMS Specialist
Food Lion
07.2020 - 09.2020
Store Manager
Food Lion
12.2008 - 03.2020
Earlier Operations Leadership Roles
Food Lion
09.1998 - 12.2008
High School Diploma -
Gloucester High School
High School Diploma -
Store Manager College