Candice Schlegel
Rocklin,CA
Summary
Dynamic Category Manager with over 20 years of progressive leadership in grocery and retail operations, specializing in category management, vendor negotiations, and merchandising strategy across multi-location environments. Proven track record of driving sales growth and optimizing category performance while leading cross-functional teams to consistently exceed business objectives. Expertise in leveraging data-driven insights and advanced retail technology to enhance profitability and elevate the customer experience. Committed to fostering collaborative relationships with stakeholders to deliver innovative solutions that significantly improve operational efficiency.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Category Manager
RL Liquidators
03.2025 - Current
- Managed 200+ SKUs in various grocery categories, resulting in 18% annual growth.
- Led store resets, planograms, and layout redesigns to enhance traffic flow and sales.
- Optimized inventory management through new ordering system.
- Oversaw diverse product portfolio, maintaining equilibrium between profitability and customer value.
- Coordinated vendor relations and product procurement for diverse locations.
- Achieved cost efficiency through sourcing of short-coded, liquidation, and overstock items from various suppliers.
- Enhanced sales performance by crafting and executing store layouts focused on strategic fixture setup and product placement.
- Developed and standardized SOPs for invoice verification, receiving, and store resets to maintain operational consistency.
- Monitored sell-through performance to ensure optimal results.
- Executed operational strategies to drive increased profitability.
- Managed customer issues from inception to successful resolution.
District Manager
RL Liquidators
05.2024 - 03.2025
- Managed operations across multiple stores, ensuring optimal sales performance.
- Opened two new retail locations ahead of schedule and below budget, boosting regional sales by 22%.
- Oversaw comprehensive store opening processes, encompassing planning, staffing, and merchandising.
- Developed SOPs to ensure uniformity across multiple locations.
- Directed teams and managers, delivering leadership and coaching to improve execution.
- Maximized sales by expanding product categories.
- Executed periodic audits to assess compliance with organizational standards, legal mandates, and quality protocols.
- Refined financial plans and implemented strategies to drive district-level expansion.
- Earned 'Rising Star' recognition in under a year for exemplary leadership and achievements.
- Ensured compliance with company policies and procedures as well as federal/state regulations by conducting regular audits of operational practices at each location within the district.
Store Director
Safeway
01.2019 - 05.2024
- Managed daily operations of a $40M+ annual revenue store, surpassing sales and profitability goals.
- Oversaw team of over 150 employees, emphasizing training and coaching.
- Executed shrink reduction initiatives leading to a 7% decrease in controllable expenses.
- Managed staffing, scheduling, and inventory control to maintain operational excellence.
- Executed corporate merchandising initiatives to enhance product availability.
- Analyzed financial reports to uncover opportunities and enhance profitability.
- Ensured adherence to corporate policies, labor standards, and food safety regulations.
- Implemented structured reviews to promote employee advancement and streamline processes.
- Elevated customer satisfaction by balancing operational efficiency with delivering a superior in-store shopping experience.
- Exceeded company targets consistently through proactive monitoring of KPIs and execution of corrective action plans when needed.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations for staff members, identifying areas for growth and development.
Assistant Store Director
Safeway
06.2006 - 01.2019
- Supported the Store Manager in overseeing daily operations for a high-volume grocery store, including sales, staffing, merchandising, and customer service.
- Supervised and coached 13 department managers and staff, driving accountability, productivity, and operational consistency.
- Managed front-end operations, scheduling, and labor planning to ensure efficiency and compliance with labor standards.
- Directed inventory management, including monitoring stock levels, placing orders, and maintaining vendor relationships to ensure product availability.
- Executed corporate merchandising programs, seasonal resets, and regional promotional campaigns to maximize sales and customer engagement.
- Ensured compliance with food safety, sanitation, and loss prevention policies, maintaining high operational standards.
- Analyzed sales reports and KPIs to identify performance gaps, implement corrective actions, and improve profitability.
- Acted as Store Manager in their absence, overseeing all aspects of store performance and team leadership.
- Empowered employees through ongoing training, coaching, and development, resulting in improved productivity and engagement.
- Assisted in recruiting new team members, conducting interviews, and facilitating onboarding processes for new hires.
- Managed daily operations, ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks.
Customer Service Manager / Bookkeeper
Safeway
09.2000 - 06.2006
- Managed daily financial reporting, cash handling, and loss prevention documentation.
- Supervised scheduling and operations for 30+ front-line employees.
- Resolved customer complaints while prioritizing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Took ownership of customer issues and followed problems through to resolution.
Education
No Degree - Mathematics, Psychology, Criminal Justice
California State University, Sacramento
Sacramento, CASkills
- Strategic product category oversight
- Store layout optimization
- Strategic partnership development
- P&L management oversight
- Inventory management
- Sales data analysis
- Visual merchandising strategy
- Collaborative leadership and team growth
- Budget management
- Market-driven category planning
Certification
- Retail Leadership Development – Safeway
- Advanced Retail Career Development – Safeway
- Food Safety Level 2 Certification
Timeline
Category Manager
RL Liquidators
03.2025 - Current
District Manager
RL Liquidators
05.2024 - 03.2025
Store Director
Safeway
01.2019 - 05.2024
Assistant Store Director
Safeway
06.2006 - 01.2019
Customer Service Manager / Bookkeeper
Safeway
09.2000 - 06.2006
No Degree - Mathematics, Psychology, Criminal Justice
California State University, Sacramento
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