W Ford Wathen
Studio City
Summary
Experienced retail and education professional adept at building, leading and mentoring highly engaged teams. Strength in strategic thinking and ability to bring the strategies, goals and initiatives to life for employees at all levels, thus motivating them to accomplish challenging objectives. Excellent communication skills and interpersonal savvy.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales & Education Manager
Sephora USA
02.2022 - Current
- Analyze sales reporting continually to highlight successes and pinpoint opportunities that may impact individual store, territory, and regional business strategies
- Partner with store, district, and regional leadership to build in-store strategies that achieve both brand and retailer KPIs
- Managed budgets and resources effectively, ensuring optimal allocation of funds towards educational programs and activities.
- Act as Sephora Collection brand expert delivering multi-channel education that incorporates product knowledge and selling skills while supporting retailer initiatives
- Plan and execute in-store events to generate incremental sales and create excitement around Sephora Collection as a brand for both external and internal clients
Senior Manager, Regional Education
Sephora USA
03.2010 - 08.2020
- Led multi-level, Western Region field team responsible for delivery of learning programs representing all brands, client experience and professional development
- Facilitated creation and implementation of on-boarding and development programs helping to achieve 0% voluntary turn and promotion of 10+ direct reports to next level
- Created and implemented courses of action to drive sales and client experience through training
- Influenced annual organizational strategies and initiatives, ensuring cross functional support
- Aligned field team with organizational priorities, staying ahead of ever changing business and cultural environment
Skincare Brand Manager/Education Manager
Sephora USA
08.2006 - 03.2010
- Selected as 1 of 6 individuals to pilot role, helping to launch entirely new enterprise
- Worked in collaboration with merchants, brand representatives and stores to assess each brand's training needs, ensuring delivery of highly impactful education programs
- Managed production of training videos and live broadcasts including writing/editing scripts, appearing on camera, and coordinating/coaching talent
- Led and developed remote team of field trainers, growing from original head count of 6 to 70+
Asst. Store Manager
Sephora USA
06.2005 - 08.2006
- Implemented and supported all operational initiatives to drive store profit and efficient processes
- Developed strategies to grow business by leveraging client loyalty programs, events, product knowledge and services
- Maintained optimum store staffing levels to deliver exceptional client experience while adhering to budgetary goals
- Recruited, interviewed, and attracted top talent in addition to providing succession and development plans for each team member
Cosmetics Manager
Saks Fifth Avenue
01.1997 - 06.2005
- Led team responsible for achieving and maintaining #1 ranking
- Consistently exceeded yearly sales plans
- Created client centric culture ensuing excellent client experience
- Conducted both in-store and off sight events, growing business through client acquisition
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OHSkills
- Facilitative Leadership
- Strategic Thinking and Decision Making
- Talent Development
- Business Acumen
- Written and Verbal Communication Skills
Professional Development
- FIERCE Conversations modules: Confront and Coaching to Change
- Facilitative Leadership: LVMH/Interaction Associates
- Dare to Lead: Based on the research of Brene' Brown, Ph.D., LMSW
Timeline
Sales & Education Manager
Sephora USA
02.2022 - Current
Senior Manager, Regional Education
Sephora USA
03.2010 - 08.2020
Skincare Brand Manager/Education Manager
Sephora USA
08.2006 - 03.2010
Asst. Store Manager
Sephora USA
06.2005 - 08.2006
Cosmetics Manager
Saks Fifth Avenue
01.1997 - 06.2005
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
University of Cincinnati
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