Karen Mizzi
Whistler,BC
Summary
Dynamic operations professional leveraging extensive experience in operational management to drive business performance enhancements. Proven expertise in developing and implementing process improvements while fostering a collaborative environment aligned with organizational goals. Recognized as a reliable team player with a strong focus on adaptability and achieving targeted results. Proficient in strategic planning and committed to optimizing operational efficiency for sustained success.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Operations Manager
Whislife
08.2025 - Current
- Consistently exceeded sales targets within a short timeframe, demonstrating rapid adaptability and high performance.
- Streamlined backroom organization to enhance operational efficiency and accelerate store workflows
- Led recruitment and training of a new team, driving operational changes that significantly improved customer response times.
- Redesigned store layout to enhance product visibility and align with customer shopping behaviors, driving immediate business impact.
- Enhanced warehouse efficiency and safety by implementing structured organization and cleanliness protocols.
Sales Agent
Ski and Snow School Sales – Vail Resorts
11.2024 - Current
- Instrumental in driving sales and enhancing Customer experiences.
- Attentive and fast acting in problem solving promptly and an elevated level of importance.
- Assisted in coordinating daily operations to ensure efficient workflow and task completion.
- Supported team members in implementing standard operating procedures for improved process adherence.
- Learned safety protocols and best practices to maintain a secure working environment.
Office Manager/HR
AMJ Campbell Moving
07.2024 - 11.2024
- Efficiently answered and directed phone calls in a timely manner.
- Scheduled appointments and managed reminders for the management team.
- Conducted health and safety inspections where previous protocols were lacking; earned Standard First Aid – CPR A – AED Blended Certification.
- Developed and implemented company policies and procedures.
- Established new training programs to enhance employee development.
- Initiated and produced a monthly company newsletter.
- Launched an Employee of the Month recognition program.
- Installed an updated Health and Safety Board.
- Consistently received positive feedback about outstanding customer service.
- Maintained exterior premises by cleaning and removing debris; introduced a non-smoking policy in customer entry areas.
Independent
Worldwide Pandemic Layoff
04.2020 - 04.2022
- Adapted to change during the pandemic by pursuing further education, earning certificates in English Teaching and Script Writing. Developed a strong passion for writing and creative expression, expanding skill sets beyond retail and into content creation and communication.
Store Manager
Oracle Whistler
09.2019 - 03.2020
- Quickly met and exceeded sales goals, demonstrating strong initiative and market understanding.
- Led the launch of a new apparel collection, contributing to brand growth and increased sales.
- Oversaw daily store operations, ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures.
- Managed inventory levels, optimizing stock availability and reducing excess inventory.
- Developed training programs for new staff, enhancing team performance and customer service skills.
- Implemented visual merchandising standards to improve store presentation and attract customers.
Explorer
Independent - Travel
05.2018 - 09.2019
- Embarked on a two-year journey of self-discovery to deepen personal insight and expand professional knowledge. Traveled internationally, gaining hands-on experience across diverse industries and cultures. Studied specialized trades and returned with a more balanced, enriched perspective—bringing fresh energy and adaptability to my field.
Fashion Sales and Training Manager
Suzy Shier
06.2016 - 05.2018
- Alternated training methods to diversify instruction, strengthen learning opportunities, and enhance program success.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive training program to increase employee productivity and morale.
- Monitored and evaluated training performance to figure out quality and cohesiveness.
- Trained new hires to perform cross-training exercises with experienced workers.
- Top performing Store in Canada with increases of 10% over target. (AA Volume).
- Traveled to each store location Leading and training Managers.
- Put on events and team meetings to improve productivity and daily one-minute meetings on product and quota to achieve with team motivation.
Fashion Sales Manager
Laura/ Laura Petite
01.2010 - 11.2015
- Top Store exceeding numbers of over 33%.
- Upon store takeover, changes changed and developed that increased sales and decreased shrink issues.
- Event Planning: Worked with the Gemini Models for over forty women.
- Monthly Workshops with clients on "How to dress to your Body Shape" resulting in high sales achievements.
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established time limits.
- Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, supporting open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding proper middle ground.
- Maximized performance by watching daily activities and mentoring team members.
- Onboarded new employees with training and new hire documentation.
Fashion Manager
Liz Claiborne
09.2007 - 01.2010
- Assessed competitors' offerings regularly to keep a competitive edge in the marketplace.
- Boosted sales performance by creating targeted marketing strategies and visual merchandising initiatives.
- Coordinated fashion shows highlighting top-selling items, generating buzz around the brand, and driving demand for featured pieces.
- Established strong relationships with key industry influencers to expand brand reach and awareness.
- Created comprehensive training programs for new hires, leading to improved staff performance over time.
- Boosted sales by 5% by upselling products based on customer preferences.
Fashion Assistant Manager
Hugo Boss Women's
02.2006 - 08.2007
- Top Store in Canada High End Fashion Store.
- Trained Associates in high end fashion on being more collaborative.
- Event Planning with Success in Charity events, BMW events and Fashion Shows, Trunk Shows.
- Pinned and sized for alterations with clients.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing personalized styling advice and product recommendations.
- Managed social media accounts to promote new products and engage with customers, driving online traffic and sales.
- Improved visual merchandising by creating eye-catching displays and effectively using store space.
Fashion Assistant and Training Manager
Liz Claiborne
03.2003 - 02.2006
- Number 1 store in Canada. Achieving Targets consistently.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing personalized styling advice and product recommendations.
- Ensured correct representation of designs in marketing materials through meticulous proofreading and editing of final drafts.
- Optimized retail presentation standards through continuous monitoring of floor layouts, leading to enhanced in-store experience for customers.
- Supported buyers in selecting merchandise for upcoming seasons based on current trends and market research insights.
- Traveled to various store locations to train all associates.
- LP prevention trained.
- Developed strong relationships with fashion influencers, resulting in increased brand exposure and collaboration opportunities.
Fashion Sales Associate Specialist
Sears Canada
05.2002 - 03.2003
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing personalized styling advice and product recommendations.
- Styled mannequins and designed merchandise displays to promote key pieces and shopper engagement.
- Operated cash registers, receiving and processing both cash and card payments.
- Maintained understanding of current inventory, merchandising and in-store placement to inform sales strategy.
- Employed strong sales and communication techniques to help with a 15% increase in sales.
Office Administrator/Director of Human Resources
Morrison Windows Ltd.
12.2023 - 04.2024
- Managed a multi-line phone system, routed calls efficiently, and greeted visitors professionally.
- Maintained strict confidentiality by adhering to privacy policies and implementing secure filing systems.
- Delivered high-quality customer service by promptly responding to client inquiries, resolving concerns effectively, and fostering strong client relationships.
- Ensured accurate data entry and diligent database management for essential company records.
- Promoted a collaborative work environment through effective communication and relationship-building among colleagues.
- Enhanced document organization through systematic file maintenance and timely archiving of outdated records.
- Developed and launched a comprehensive Customer Service Program to train employees in impeccable service standards.
- Designed hiring and recruitment policies tailored for companies with 100+ employees.
- Interacted with customers via phone, email, and in-person to provide detailed information and support.
- Relocated out of province
Independent Contractor
Good Foods Group
04.2022 - 09.2023
- Began working independently, sought out to return to school for Human Resources to combine passion for Fashion and Team Leadership in Human Resources.
- Delivered outstanding service to customers to keep and extend relationships for future business opportunities.
- Developed and supported strong working relationships with clients, leading to repeat business and referrals.
- Communicated effectively with clients throughout the entire project lifecycle, keeping them informed of progress updates or any potential issues that arose.
- Provided exceptional customer service by addressing client concerns promptly and offering solutions that met their needs.
- Aided clients in defining project goals, created a roadmap for success by developing tailored strategies and plans.
- Special note: After the pandemic to return to workforce it
Education
Diploma 2 Year - Human Resources Business Management
Career City College
West Kelowna, BCGraduate Certificate - First Aid
Standard First AIR - CPR
St. Johns AmbulanceTESOL - TESOL
Uni-Prep Institute
San Diego California09.2020
Fashion Management And Marketing
Arts Institute Of Vancouver
Vancouver, BC01-2007
Skills
- Problem-solving
- Team leadership
- Operations management
- MS office
- Decision-making
- Employee relations and conflict resolution
- Planning and implementation
- Staff training
- Inventory management
- Operations oversight
- Policies and procedures implementation
- Customer relationship management
Accomplishments
- Led safety and leadership courses in Canada.
- Trained over 10 hiring managers on behavioral interviewing techniques, hiring processes and onboarding.
- Recognized for 16 years of outstanding sales achievements across Canada, consistently ranking among the top in performance.
- Planned and executed successful in-store events that boosted revenue and drove sales growth. Led a highly attended workshop on “Dressing for Your Body Shape,” attracting over 100 participants in a single session and enhancing customer loyalty through personalized styling guidance.
- Introduced innovative training initiatives that transformed team dynamics, fostering high-performing, motivated groups that consistently delivered exceptional results.
LANGUAGES
English
Native or Bilingual
French
Limited Working
Certification
Blended Certification expires 2027.
Interests
- Mindfulness Practices
- Documenting and sharing travel experiences
- Volunteering
- Outdoor Recreation
- Walking
- Writing and Art
- Zumba
- Adventure Travel
Timeline
Operations Manager
Whislife
08.2025 - Current
Sales Agent
Ski and Snow School Sales – Vail Resorts
11.2024 - Current
Office Manager/HR
AMJ Campbell Moving
07.2024 - 11.2024
Office Administrator/Director of Human Resources
Morrison Windows Ltd.
12.2023 - 04.2024
Independent Contractor
Good Foods Group
04.2022 - 09.2023
Independent
Worldwide Pandemic Layoff
04.2020 - 04.2022
Store Manager
Oracle Whistler
09.2019 - 03.2020
Explorer
Independent - Travel
05.2018 - 09.2019
Fashion Sales and Training Manager
Suzy Shier
06.2016 - 05.2018
Fashion Sales Manager
Laura/ Laura Petite
01.2010 - 11.2015
Fashion Manager
Liz Claiborne
09.2007 - 01.2010
Fashion Assistant Manager
Hugo Boss Women's
02.2006 - 08.2007
Fashion Assistant and Training Manager
Liz Claiborne
03.2003 - 02.2006
Fashion Sales Associate Specialist
Sears Canada
05.2002 - 03.2003
Diploma 2 Year - Human Resources Business Management
Career City College
Graduate Certificate - First Aid
Standard First AIR - CPR
TESOL - TESOL
Uni-Prep Institute
Fashion Management And Marketing
Arts Institute Of Vancouver