Maria Torres

Started as Supervisor for various departments (paints, electrical, kitchen & bath), then to Assistant Store Manager roles in Operations and Specialty Sales & Services

• Maintained positive customer relationships by responding quickly to customer service inquiries.
• Recruited, hired and trained new employees, aimed at building high-functioning team focused on stock management, visual merchandising and general store operations
• Reduced company expenditures and met budget targets by closely monitoring, tracking and controlling expenses
• Responded to customer concerns, working with various teams to significantly raise customer satisfaction ratings
• Assisted the Store Manager in analyzing sales data to identify trends and make informed decisions for improving overall store performance.
• Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.

• Collaborated with department managers to identify workforce needs, develop staffing plans, and create talent pipelines for future growth.
• Increased internal promotions by creating career pathways that showcased opportunities within the organization.
• Supported diversity initiatives within the organization by championing inclusive hiring practices.
• Administered benefits programs effectively, including health insurance, retirement plans, and leave policies for maximum employee satisfaction.
• Developed succession planning strategies to ensure continuity in leadership positions and overall business success.

• Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings
• Managed day-to-day staffing and handled scheduling for all store employees.

• Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings
• Motivated associates to consistently deliver effective selling behaviors through coaching and recognition.

• Owned and operated a special events company
• Established, optimized and enforced business policies to maintain consistency and high-quality standards across industry operations
• Provided elite customer service by resolving escalated problems and calmly responding to shifting priorities
• Coached and mentored employees through effective recruitment, hiring and goal setting methods
• Oversaw business budget planning and administration, accounting functions, purchasing and bi-weekly payroll to handle financial needs.

• Developed and implemented campaigns for domestic and international advertising and promotions such as multi-media advertisements, collateral materials, corporate giveaways, logo branding, aircraft livery, special events, and travel trade promotions
• Performed function of editorial coordinator for airline's inflight magazine.

• Prepared and monitored departmental strategic and operational budgets
• Administered contracts with suppliers, assisted in sourcing cabin crew hotel accommodations and transportation in outlying stations, coordinated meetings for employee and inflight crew union negotiations for collective bargaining agreements, prepared and coordinated staff travel orders.

• Facilitated basic and recurrent domestic and international training courses in aircraft familiarization, safety equipment and emergency procedures, domestic and international routes, catering services and galley loading guide, first/business/economy class food service, inflight sales, bonded handling, ticketing, values and attitudes, company benefits
• Conducted inflight on-the-job training and performance assessments for cabin attendants
• Developed and implemented training process designs and methodologies
• Created, revised, and updated training materials
• Constructed training modules qualifying examinations
• Conducted training needs analyses and post-course evaluations
• Contributed to development and update of cabin attendant safety and service manuals
• Performed flight attendant duties for administrative and special flights.

• Developed, produced, and directed cabin crew audio-visual materials for cabin attendant training courses
• Managed provision of training facilities and training support materials.