Innovative self motivator with over 25 years as a Specialist for Loeb Canada Inc and Metro Ontario in the Bakery Field with product/people management experience and dedicated 2 years in Product Development in creating new products for Loeb in our Fresh Depts. Extensive product knowledge coupled with creative ideas for product applications. Strong analytical and planning skills, combined with the ability to coordinate the efforts of many to meet organizational goals. Productive and efficient work habits without supervision. Strong strategic thinker and team player. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy. Resourceful Specialist offering expertise in problem-solving, data analysis and customer service. Adept at quickly learning new technologies and processes for driving success. Proven track record of successfully managing multiple projects and developing innovative solutions.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Bakery Merchandiser/Specialist
Metro Ontario Inc (formerly Loeb Canada Inc)
06.1998 - Current
Responsible for support and development of Bakery program and Bakery Department Managers at Metro
Responsible for the development / training of all Bakery Managers
Responsible for the hiring and follow up on new Bakery Managers In Training
Responsible for advising Metro Stores Managers in all aspects to Bakery Department
Work closely with outside commercial bread vendors to implement and build programs within our stores to improve sales targets
Creating Power point presentations to present to all Bakery Managers on a weekly basis for training, merchandising, new product review
Completing weekly recaps on sales activity, follow up on new programs/products, warehouse issues, store visits and/or competition visits
Work closely with Procurement in developing new products/programs
Completing action plans for helping under performing Bakery Managers to improve their department managerial skills and to improve bottom line numbers to meet
Educated customers about quality of baked goods to inspire cctiveness, adjusting layout as necessary to optimize product visibility and sales performance.
Monitored competitor activity and adjusted merchandising strategy accordingly, maintaining a competitive edge in the marketplace.
Collaborated with bakery team to develop new product offerings, resulting in increased customer interest and repeat business.
Increased bakery product sales by creating visually appealing and strategic merchandise displays.
Contributed to a positive workplace culture through effective communication skills and a proactive approach towards problemsolving.
Trained new employees on merchandising best practices, fostering a cohesive and efficient team environment.
Enhanced customer satisfaction with personalized bakery recommendations based on specific dietary needs and preferences.
Assisted in the preparation of promotional materials for seasonal or special events, driving increased foot traffic to the bakery department.
Managed ordering process efficiently, preventing overstocks or out-of-stock situations that could negatively impact sales performance or customer satisfaction levels.
Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others.
Demonstrated a high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks.
Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
Helped meet changing demands by recommending improvements to business systems or procedures.
Listened and responded to customer requests and forwarded necessary information to superiors.
Created and delivered presentations to internal and external stakeholders to showcase work.
Category Manager-Loeb Fresh Products
Loeb Procurement
03.2004 - 01.2006
Responsible for the growth and profitability of developing new Instore made Products/Programs that would help increase Loeb’s Fresh Image in our stores
Responsible for new recipes/ cost/ product sourcing/ training of new programs to all stores
Responsible for implementation of all new programs
Development of training manual for all new programs
Responsible to negotiate with suppliers for new products
Helped introduce “Fresh Obsession” cut fruit program in our Produce Department.
Department Manager-Deli/Cheese/Prepared Foods and Bakery
Farmboy Fresh Market
01.1996 - 04.1998
Worked and managed different departments in 4 Farmboy locations from Cornwall to Ottawa
Gained extensive knowledge in working in a speciality stores ie product knowledge, merchandising for both Bakery and Deli/Cheese Depts.
Department Manager- Deli/Cheese/Prepared Foods and Bakery
Loeb Meadowlands
04.1987 - 12.1995
Worked and managed in Deli/Cheese from 1992 to 1995
Worked and managed the Bakery Dept from 1987 to 1992.
Education
Time Management Course -
Cornell University
01.1990
Effective Speaking Course -
Dale Carnegie
01.1988
completed Grade 12 -
Gloucester High School
01.1984
Skills
Decision-Making
Promotional planning
Team Player
Attention to Detail
Display building
References
George Tam, Snelling Paper Ltd, Territory Manager, 647-628-7673
Mike Watson, 613 297 6545
Timeline
Category Manager-Loeb Fresh Products
Loeb Procurement
03.2004 - 01.2006
Bakery Merchandiser/Specialist
Metro Ontario Inc (formerly Loeb Canada Inc)
06.1998 - Current
Department Manager-Deli/Cheese/Prepared Foods and Bakery
Farmboy Fresh Market
01.1996 - 04.1998
Department Manager- Deli/Cheese/Prepared Foods and Bakery