Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Other Relevant Experience
Affiliations
Professional Development
Languages
Timeline
Generic

LAURA STEVENS

Yardley

Summary

Results-driven executive with extensive experience in strategic leadership and operational excellence. Demonstrated success in driving growth, streamlining processes, and fostering a collaborative team environment. Proficient in strategic planning, financial management, and stakeholder engagement. Recognized for adaptability and reliability, consistently delivering impactful results in dynamic and fast-paced environments.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Vice-President – Sales Operations

ASHLEY FURNITURE
07.2023 - Current
  • Managed all facets of business, including sales generation, visual merchandising, training and development, succession planning, operations, and P&L responsibilities for 15 Home Store locations in the Atlanta market
  • in 2024 led Atlanta in achieving #1 ranking in budget and comp performance in all company owned markets
  • Atlanta became profitable for the first time since 2002 due to significant expense control and sales increases
  • Initiated strategy to drive company growth and increase market share and profitability.

Regional Vice-President - Northeast

LESLIE’S
06.2021 - 07.2023
  • Significantly improved the business of a 7-state geography through client file growth, improved sales productivity in an OMNI channel environment, and controlled labor and supply cost
  • Led a team of 7 District Managers and 138 store locations
  • Out of 8 Regions in the organization, the Northeast delivered the highest EBITA in FY2021
  • FY 2021 comp sales growth of 37% (with 2020 fully operational - no COVID store closures)

Regional Director – Philadelphia/Baltimore

H&R BLOCK
12.2019 - 06.2021
  • Directed the tax preparation business for assigned geographic area through the implementation of company policies, procedures, vision, and mission with the goal of increasing the number of clients served and company profitability
  • Led a team of 9 District Managers and 232 office locations
  • Region exceeded both Tax Pro productivity and Client Growth goals for two consecutive years
  • Continuous Top 5 Region ranking while employed with the organization

Eastern U.S. Regional Director

LE CREUSET
03.2016 - 12.2019
  • Led, developed, and supported the sales and operations of 52 Le Creuset stores and 5 District Managers to achieve or exceed regional sales and profitability targets
  • Exceeded sales results each year while operating within budgetary parameters to contribute to the profitability of Le Creuset and ensure direct reports maintain fiscal discipline
  • Liaised with peers in Retail Operations, Product Development, Merchandising, and Marketing to deliver cohesive brand equity and exceptional customer experience; earned highest Secret Shop scores for 4 consecutive years
  • Recruited, developed, and retained a Field Sales team through business acumen training, premium brand representation and sales plan tactics to achieve and exceed financial goals

National Director of Stores

MARBLES: THE BRAIN STORE
01.2014 - 05.2016
  • Led the sales field management team consisting of 4 Regional Directors and 45 specialty retail stores selling brain stimulating games, toys, puzzles, and books to strengthen and foster mental health
  • Collaborated with multiple levels of internal management and private equity owners to maximize sales revenue while meeting fiscal obligations
  • Partnered in real estate scouting, site selection, and lease negotiation for 13 new store locations
  • Grew wholesale business of 'Shop in Shop' concept in Macy's, Toys R Us, and Target big box retailers
  • Developed new sales training tools to transform associate behavior from 'educator' to 'sales generator'

General Manager | Store Director

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
05.2012 - 12.2013
  • Managed 70,000 square foot luxury department store delivering $30M in annual sales volume with over 100 associates
  • Exceeded sales plan in Fall 2012 from $22M to $27M in one year
  • Re-assessed vendor and product assortments to differentiate offering from local competitors
  • Created and developed Saks’ first women’s 'Made to Measure' suiting and dress program instrumental to the Stamford location increased profitability resulting in nationwide implementation across the store chains

Northeast District Manager

KATE SPADE
05.2010 - 06.2012
  • Managed 12 retail luxury boutiques in a 6-state geography including the New York City Flagship store
  • Managed all facets of business, including sales generation, visual merchandising, training and development, succession planning, operations, and P&L responsibilities
  • Lead the Northeast District to become the first district in company history to collectively exceed a sales conversion of over 30% resulting in the ranking of #1 district for overall performance in 2010
  • Achieved a 37% in comp sales in 2011 by streamlining operations and emphasizing a stronger focus on sales techniques and individual accountability

District Manager (Alabama | Tennessee)

BANANA REPUBLIC
08.2008 - 05.2010
  • Directed sales generation, HR function, visual execution, operations, training, and development for district consisting of 12 stores
  • Earned #1 ranking in customer experience survey scores and Banana Republic Credit Card Acquisition by motivating team to achieve a 'trifecta' of sales, service, and credit enrollment
  • Authored Sales Training Guide to streamline operations and development personnel for advancement
  • Grew district sales from a #43 rank (out of 52 in the company) to #2 in sales comp and sales conversion
  • Led the company in KPI metrics; units per transaction, average dollar sale, and conversion in the Southeast Region as well as the entire company

Education

Master of Arts - Communications

Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL

Bachelor of Arts - Communications

John Carroll University
Cleveland, OH

Multi-Store Supervision Course -

The Friedman Group

Salesforce CRM Business Training -

Salesforce
New York, NY

Skills

  • Multi-Unit Management
  • Sales Training Expertise
  • Demonstrated Ability to Surpass Sales Targets
  • Revenue Optimization
  • In-Store Presentation Management
  • Engagement Strategy Development
  • Employee Talent Development
  • Profit and Loss Oversight
  • Client Relationship Building
  • Business Development & Account Analysis
  • Retail Expansion Management

Other Relevant Experience

  • LILLY PULITZER, Palm Beach, FL, Southeast Regional Sales Director, Managed Palm Beach office and 5 account executives selling apparel and accessories to Southeastern wholesale & franchise accounts.
  • ESCADA USA, Miami, FL, Southeast Regional Manager, Directed all company-owned retail stores, wholesale accounts, and trunk show events within entire Southeastern US.

Affiliations

The Saks Fifth Avenue Chairman’s Circle

Professional Development

  • The Friedman Group’s Multi-Store Supervision Course, Ontario, CA
  • Salesforce CRM Business Training, New York, NY

Languages

French
Professional Working

Timeline

Vice-President – Sales Operations

ASHLEY FURNITURE
07.2023 - Current

Regional Vice-President - Northeast

LESLIE’S
06.2021 - 07.2023

Regional Director – Philadelphia/Baltimore

H&R BLOCK
12.2019 - 06.2021

Eastern U.S. Regional Director

LE CREUSET
03.2016 - 12.2019

National Director of Stores

MARBLES: THE BRAIN STORE
01.2014 - 05.2016

General Manager | Store Director

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
05.2012 - 12.2013

Northeast District Manager

KATE SPADE
05.2010 - 06.2012

District Manager (Alabama | Tennessee)

BANANA REPUBLIC
08.2008 - 05.2010

Bachelor of Arts - Communications

John Carroll University

Multi-Store Supervision Course -

The Friedman Group

Salesforce CRM Business Training -

Salesforce

Master of Arts - Communications

Florida Atlantic University

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