Rachael Smith
Enfield,NS
Summary
Big box experienced District Manager whose career with Designer Brands Canada has been distinguished by accelerated advancement and goal surpassing performance. Multi-unit manager in Atlantic Canada and Northern Ontario, overseeing more than 35 million in business. Successful in hiring, retaining and developing leadership teams, driving operational excellence and delivering outstanding customer experience (both internal and external). Comprehensive background in leading all aspects of operations ie. P&L, Merchandising, Sales, Recruiting and Development, Labour, Inventory and Personnel Management. Founding member and Social Chair for the DBC - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
District Manager
Designer Brands Canada - The Shoe Company and DSW
02.2022 - Current
- Oversee 35 million in business, 17 locations, throughout Atlantic Canada and Northern Ontario
- Took on a stretch district in 2022 overseeing more than 25 locations Ottawa-Atlantic Canada
- Successfully opened 2 NEW locations in 2023 (Corner Brook, NL and Sydney, NS) both of which outperformed Performa expectations
- Working closely with business partners on 2024 new store openings
- Participate on Project Teams for new roll outs ie. Service models, Merchandise sets, Store assessments etc
- Drove record breaking POS donation campaigns ie. Red Cross, Soles 4 Souls, Black Youth Helpline.
Social Chair
Designer Brands Canada - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council
01.2020 - Current
- Founding memeber and leader on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council
- Oversee the DEI Instagram page where the council posts weekly/monthly content as it relates to the DEI space to drive engagement and enhance awareness, share knowledge and support action
- Meet with cross functional partners in Canada and the US to align on DEI initiatives and strategies
- Most recent all associate survey showed a 93% favourability score regarding DEI.
Area Manager
Designer Brands Canada - The Shoe Company and DSW
01.2019 - 02.2022
- Oversee 25 million in business, 10 locations, throughout Atlantic Canada
- Overseeing both banners, DSW and The Shoe Company
- People centric and results driven leader with a passion for development, execution and customer service
- Act as a mentor and trainer to newly promoted Multi-Unit leaders within Eastern Canada
- Consistent top performer regarding all organizational goals resulting in strong credibility and relationships with leaders in all areas of the business.
General Manager
Designer Brands Canada - Designer Shoe Warehouse (DSW)
Halifax, NS
03.2016 - 01.2019
- Successfully hired and trained a leadership team of 7 and associate team of 70
- Built the store from the ground up for a successful grand opening in April 2016
- Lowered shrink in 2016 from -3.6% to -0.3% in 2017 (saving over $60K), drove a conversion lift of 33% year over year and increased loyalty by over 15%
- Hired, developed and promoted 5 leaders to higher roles in the 1.5 years
- Held training seminars for local leaders to better high level planning and operations within their box and have seen a significant return on investment ie
- Increased sales, decreased shrink and turnover as well as increased culture and values.
Recruiter
Designer Shoe Warehouse
Halifax, NS
12.2015 - 06.2016
- Remotely hired leaders for more than 8 locations across Canada through Linked In, Indeed, Local Job banks and cold calling
- Created and maintained a data base for candidates for all hiring cities which included; documentation such as candidates' contact info, current employer, resume and a rating in terms of moving forward
- Continue to be a support to the organization as a recruiter for tough markets while running my business and acting as a mentor to my peers.
District Manager
The Shoe Company
07.2014 - 12.2015
- Oversaw 20 million in business, 8 locations throughout Atlantic Canada
- Successfully re-built leadership teams, culture/values and decreased turnover
- Managed from afar, utilizing email, phone, Skype and Facetime to build relationships with my teams
- Proficiently ran all aspects of the business ie. Operations, P&L, Wage Cost, People management etc.
Store Manager
The Shoe Company
Halifax, NS
02.2011 - 07.2014
- Hired as an Assistant Manager of Operations in February 2011 and was promoted to Store Manager by July 2011
- Learned the business from the ground up through being inquisitive and learning all roles within the store
- Won Store Manager of the year in both 2012 and 2013
- Effectively run all aspects of the business ie
- Recruiting, operations, merchandising, wage cost etc.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration -
MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY OF NEWFOUNDLAND
10.2009
Skills
- Leadership Development
- Operations Management
- Operational Oversight
- Strategic Planning
- Project Management
- Territory Management
- Customer Relations
- Conflict Management
- Recruiting and Hiring
- Interpersonal Communication
- Business and Operations Analysis
- Sales Management
- Training and Coaching
Timeline
District Manager
Designer Brands Canada - The Shoe Company and DSW
02.2022 - Current
Social Chair
Designer Brands Canada - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council
01.2020 - Current
Area Manager
Designer Brands Canada - The Shoe Company and DSW
01.2019 - 02.2022
General Manager
Designer Brands Canada - Designer Shoe Warehouse (DSW)
03.2016 - 01.2019
Recruiter
Designer Shoe Warehouse
12.2015 - 06.2016
District Manager
The Shoe Company
07.2014 - 12.2015
Store Manager
The Shoe Company
02.2011 - 07.2014
Bachelor of Business Administration -
MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY OF NEWFOUNDLAND
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