Paula Kennedy
Barrie ,ON
Summary
I am a passionate well recognized leader with over 25 years of Retail industry experience. I am extremely adaptable, passionate about the associate and customer experience, and love to learn and solve organizational problems. My diverse experience ranges from front line hands-on associate and customer engagement, to leading single and multi-unit businesses, sales teams, and facilities. My experience also includes developing Strategy, Tactics and Execution of new and emerging businesses all with a thorough ability to collaborate and partner with key stakeholders while developing leaders to achieve company objectives.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director, Strategic Growth
Staples Canada ULC
Richmond Hill
09.2019 - 05.2022
- Developed and led the Staples Studio Coworking Business
- Collaborated with internal partners and external partners to execute all Studio operational requirements (marketing campaigns, IT development, HR programs, CRM program, Studio Standardization)
- Hired and directed team to achieve daily and long-term operations and business goals.
- Managed daily operations while overseeing multiple locations to foster increased productivity.
- Kept up-to-date with industry trends and identified areas of opportunity to drive improvements.
Director, Regional Human Resources - Ontario
Staples Canada ULC
Richmond Hill, ON
01.2018 - 09.2019
- Partnered with RVP and DMs to develop succession strategies and talent management within the Region
- Led a Team of HR business partners to manage day to day business needs
- Led Change Management Training within the region during early stages of Company Transformation
- Participated, executed and provided insight on new operational structure for retail stores
- Partnered directly with DMs and store leaders to build plans to improve engagement in high risk locations
- Active team member of Staples job description committee
Director, National Operations - Copy and Print
Staples Canada
Richmond Hill, ON
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Oversaw all Sales and Operational programs for the Copy and Print business (workflow processes and training programs for Retail, Production Facility workflow, Inside and Outside C&P Sales teams, Customer Satisfaction Index)
- Analyzed and improved workflow productivity between Retail and Production Facilities
- Increased Inside/Outside C&P Sales by partnering with National Sales Manager to implement pipeline Management
Regional Sales and Services Manager
Staples Canada
Richmond Hill, ON
09.2013 - 12.2016
- Liaison between Corporate and Retail to refine and build programs and process to accelerate sales growth in the Copy, Print and Tech Services business within the Ontario region
- Designed and implemented a "Remarkable Customer Experience" model in Tech Services and improved customer satisfaction index by 1000 bp
- Designed and implemented a "Book of Business Program" for Copy and Print Retail partners
- Executed Operational Programs through RVP, DM and Market Leader support by developing tools to manage Sales, People and Processes
District Manager
Staples Canada
, Manitoba/Saskatchewan/GTA West
12.2011 - 01.2013
- Achieved Corporate sales, profit and KPI objectives through the successful direction and management of up to 21 stores in 2 unique markets.
- Managed total unified sales (retail/online /business to business) to $120M
- Coached and developed a core team ranging over 75 managers/supervisors by setting district and store specific objectives, invested in the competency development of leaders, led succession planning within each market and leveraged internal talent to drive operational programs
- Built a strong culture of communication and team work through specific market collaboration and peer led programs
- Consulted with and directed General Managers on issues pertaining to store Operations, Merchandising Presentation and execution of marketing and advertising programs, and personnel development.
- Trained, supported, and consulted with General Managers to ensure the company’s goals and standards for inventory, shrink, sales, profit, and general presentation was maintained at exceptional levels.
- Diagnosed and shared feedback on all factors impacting the business, including but not limited to, economic, cultural, and legal conditions with directors, VPs and business stakeholders
- Initiated all aspects of store openings and renovations through close liaison with all personnel involved.
Market Manager
Staples Canada
09.2011 - 12.2011
- Partnered with RVP to provide leadership and operational support to 6 retail locations in the absence of the District Manager
Manager, New Store Development
Staples Canada
Richmond Hill, ON
04.2007 - 12.2011
- Led and executed all aspects of the New Store Openings, Renovations and Special Project Program for Staples Canada (300+ projects)
General Manager
Staples Canada
11.2003 - 04.2007
Sales Manager
Staples
05.2002 - 11.2003
Project Coordinator
Staples Canada
Richmond Hill
05.2000 - 05.2002
Assistant Sales Manager
Staples Canada
10.1999 - 05.2000
Assistant Services Manager
Staples Canada
10.1998 - 10.1999
Sales Associate
Staples Canada
10.1997 - 10.1998
Education
Business Administration-Marketing Co-op Program
Mohawk College of Applied Arts And Technology
Hamilton, ONSkills
- Strategic Planning
- Financial Reporting
- Sales and Budget Management
- Program Analysis
- Coaching and Motivational Leadership
- Hiring, Succession Planning and Retention
- Relationship Management
- Team Leadership
- Managing Operations and Efficiency
- Business Growth Opportunities
Certification
Psychometrics- MBTI Certification
Alievo- Change Style indicator Certification
Affiliations
Coworking Ontario Collective
Human Resource Retail Committee
Timeline
Director, Strategic Growth
Staples Canada ULC
09.2019 - 05.2022
Director, Regional Human Resources - Ontario
Staples Canada ULC
01.2018 - 09.2019
Director, National Operations - Copy and Print
Staples Canada
01.2017 - 01.2018
Regional Sales and Services Manager
Staples Canada
09.2013 - 12.2016
District Manager
Staples Canada
12.2011 - 01.2013
Market Manager
Staples Canada
09.2011 - 12.2011
Manager, New Store Development
Staples Canada
04.2007 - 12.2011
General Manager
Staples Canada
11.2003 - 04.2007
Sales Manager
Staples
05.2002 - 11.2003
Project Coordinator
Staples Canada
05.2000 - 05.2002
Assistant Sales Manager
Staples Canada
10.1999 - 05.2000
Assistant Services Manager
Staples Canada
10.1998 - 10.1999
Sales Associate
Staples Canada
10.1997 - 10.1998
Business Administration-Marketing Co-op Program
Mohawk College of Applied Arts And Technology
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