Rob Klement
Bradford,ON
Summary
Strategic and results-oriented business leader with extensive cross-functional experience in the retail industry, specifically in small and large format food, drug, and general merchandise stores. Proven expertise in driving sales and profitability through effective retail operations, merchandising strategies, and team leadership. Skilled in fostering open communication channels to ensure efficient management of people and processes, resulting in best-in-class shrink and labor results. Thrives in high-pressure environments, adept at mobilizing and motivating teams to achieve exceptional outcomes. Committed to a progressive approach in selecting, coaching, and developing key individuals, unlocking their full potential, and fostering their career growth.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Store Manager/Owner Operator
Nofrills
11.2002 - 03.2025
- Managed daily operations to ensure smooth functioning of the store, maintaining a clean, safe environment for customers and employees.
- Manage all aspects of store budget including store cost controls, inventory, shrink, labor and profit margins
- Train, recruit,manage work force of 200 plus staff members
- Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions
- Studied market to determine optimal pricing of goods and services and to capitalize on emerging opportunities
- Conducted target market research to scope out industry competition and identify advantageous trends
- Oversaw business budget planning and administration, accounting functions, purchasing and weekly payroll to handle financial needs
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions
- Remained up-to-date on current trends and attended industry trade shows and markets to view and order inventory
- Capitalized on social media platforms to increase market awareness and recruit sales agents
- Built and deployed operational procedures, training programs and administrative systems to handle needs
- Optimized team hiring, training and performance
- Kept all building areas and equipment functional and well-organized to promote business performance
- Maintained updated knowledge of regulatory changes to adjust business operations accordingly
- Learned and remained updated on statutory requirements and regulations
- Achieved sales goals and increased revenue and profits through productive strategy development and organizational leadership
- Set, enforced and optimized internal policies to maintain responsiveness to demands
- Created and monitored promotional approaches to increase sales and profit levels
- Provided outstanding coaching to employees to boost productivity.
Store Manager
Loblaws
01.1999 - 11.2002
- Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings
- Applied performance data to evaluate and improve operations, target current business conditions and forecast needs
- Reviewed and monitored scheduling, purchases and other expenses to maintain quarterly budget
- Rotated stock to achieve optimum appeal and minimize shrinkage
- Bolstered sales volume by implementing incentive program and initiating advanced employee training
- Set effective store schedules based on forecasted customer levels, individual employee knowledge and service requirements
- Scheduled and led weekly store meetings for all employees to discuss sales promotions and new inventory while providing platform for all to voice concerns
- Approved regular payroll submissions for employees
- Managed store employees successfully in fast-paced environment through proactive communication and positive feedback
- Maintained proper product levels and inventory controls for merchandise and organized backroom to facilitate effective ordering and stock rotation
- Rotated merchandise and displays to feature new products and promotions
- Coached sales associates on product knowledge by using wide variety of training tools
- Set, enforced and optimized internal policies to maintain responsiveness to demands
- Assessed supplier quality to maintain tight cost controls and maximize business operational performance
- Delivered positive results by controlling monthly operations budget and limiting financial discrepancies
- Maximized sales and minimized shrinkage through excellent customer service and adherence to standard practices
- Promoted team collaboration, performance and efficiency by fostering healthy environments focused on mutual success
Assistant Store Manager
Loblaws
01.1995 - 01.1999
- Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings
- Managed opening and closing procedures and recommended changes to enhance efficiency of daily activities
- Verified inventory counts remained within monthly tolerance levels and compiled financial data in compliance with budget
- Directed merchandising, promotion and brand loyalty efforts for business segment with greatest sales volume
- Supervised and evaluated staff, enabling them to improve skills, achieve daily objectives and attain advancement
- Maintained positive customer relationships by responding quickly to customer service inquiries
- Provided weekly work schedules to employees to accommodate business demands and vacation requests
- Walked through store areas to identify and proactively resolve issues negatively impacting operations
- Rotated merchandise and displays to feature new products and promotions
- Assessed supplier quality to maintain tight cost controls and maximize business operational performance
Department Manager
Loblaws
01.1987 - 01.1995
- Developed empowering employee culture focused on equipping employees to independently meet customer needs
- Prepared weekly merchandising plans for the department and executed to maximize sales growth
- Kept employee workloads fair and balanced to achieve objectives while maintaining high job satisfaction
- Managed inventory and receiving operations to maintain optimal stock levels and meet expected demands
Education
Associate of Arts - Economics
University of Toronto
Toronto, ONSkills
- Sales Performance Improvement
- Profit and Loss Oversight
- Change Process Optimization
- Collaborative Team Development
- Team Leadership
- Employee Engagement
- Coaching Expertise
- Industry Knowledge
- Effective Relationship Builder
- Analytical Problem Solving
- Streamlined Retail Operations
- Competitive Standards Adherence
- Strategic Business Planning
- Efficient Schedule Management
- Budgeting Expertise
- Efficient Operations Oversight
- Financial Budgeting
- Strategic Business Development
- Innovative Merchandising Strategies
Certification
Business Training, Ryerson University
Awards
Awards achieved in Loblaws and Nofrills in the following categories:
-Greatest Improvement in Shrink Perishables
-Best Improvement in Shrink Performance Total store
-Outstanding profit turnaround
-Best growth in Controlled label Sales
Timeline
Store Manager/Owner Operator
Nofrills
11.2002 - 03.2025
Store Manager
Loblaws
01.1999 - 11.2002
Assistant Store Manager
Loblaws
01.1995 - 01.1999
Department Manager
Loblaws
01.1987 - 01.1995
Associate of Arts - Economics
University of Toronto
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