NEAL LINDSAY

22093 Parkview Drive, Taylor, MI 48180

Mobile: 313-282-6268 * nl741168@westpost.net
DISTRICT MANAGER
Operations Management * Merchandising * Training and Development
Maximized sales and profitability for big box, high-volume retail stores. Stream
lined processes for operational efficiency and cost reduction, improved merchand
ising techniques, and recruited, trained, and coached staff to propel sales and
provide exceptional customer service. Traveled extensively to manage up to 50 st
ores in four states and to provide corporate training for 65 stores in 10 states
. Recognized for management development resulting in reduced turnover, local mar
ket analysis to drive sales, and loss prevention programs.
Areas of Expertise
Sales Analysis and Forecasting * Territory Development and Management * Profit B
uilding and Restructuring
Operational Streamlining * Team Leadership * Customer Service * Turnarounds

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
CONTRACT ASSIGNMENT 2009 - Present
* Completed market analysis, found location, developed interior specifications,
and trained owner in retail business skills. Provide ongoing support.
BURLINGTON COAT FACTORY, Burlington, NJ 1998 - 2009
Value priced retailer of designer and name brand products, including designer cl
othing, shoes, accessories, baby products, and home furnishings. Revenue for 200
9 was $3.5B with 394 stores in 44 states and 28,000 employees.
OPERATIONS AND COMPLIANCE DIRECTOR (2008-2009)
Managed performance and compliance to company's policies and procedures for 49 s
tores within six districts (MI, OH, PA, and NY) with a budget of $3.8M. Maximize
d performance and productivity through training programs, hiring practices, and
coaching.
Key Accomplishments
* Developed cost saving and training processes later adopted by the company that
reduced operational costs $760K in the region through reduction of supply waste
, energy management, staffing realignment, training, and coaching.
* Recognized as only region in company in 2008 to exceed last year sales with an
increase of $23M through market analysis and reallocation of merchandise in all
stores.
* Reduced shrinkage from 2.1% to .97% in 2008 through management accountability
and training programs.
* Directed the opening, staffing, and training for four new locations in the fal
l of 2008.
* Led management recruiting, training, and career development resulting in a dro
p in management turnover from 9% to 4.3%.
REGIONAL MANAGER (2007-2008)
Oversaw all operations, merchandising, and P&L for 26 stores within three distri
cts (IL, IN, and MI). Executed long range planning and forecasting to boost sale
s.
Key Accomplishments
* Increased sales by 2.3% through analyzing and maximizing bestselling products
in local markets, merchandising placement, and streamlining store processes from
receiving to the floor to focus staff time on customers to drive business. Shri
nkage decreased from 1.8% to 1.2%.
* Improved customer service scores from 65% to 80% with training initiatives.
* Developed and promoted two store managers to district manager positions, and r
ecruited and interviewed weekly in a constant team building effort.
* Led the opening of two new stores and relocated an existing store.

DISTRICT MANAGER (2005-2007)

Accountable for seven stores in MI with an annual volume of $60M.
Key Accomplishments
* Drove sales increase of 4.3%, opened two new stores, and remodeled one locatio
n.
* Reduced shrinkage from 2.8% to 1.6% through training and staffing changes.
* Groomed and promoted three assistant store managers to store manager positions
.
* Recognized for internal investigations for loss prevention resulting in an 80%
disciplinary rate.
STORE MANAGER (2002-2005)
Managed three stores in MI with revenues of $30M.
Key Accomplishments
* Invested in training associates and management that reduced turnover and shrin
kage while increasing sales by 10% and customer service scores by 20%.
* Advanced recognition and "Back to Basics" atmosphere that propelled results.
CORPORATE OPERATIONAL TRAINER / INVENTORY CONTROL TRAINER (2000-2002)
Trained all levels of store management in 10 states with 65 stores. Focused on i
nventory control, execution of markdowns, receiving procedures, and point of sal
e initiatives. Instructed for all new procedural rollouts. Wrote and tested new
company standards.
Key Accomplishment
* Recognized for training and communications style, analytical abilities, and re
lationship building.
OPERATIONS ASSISTANT MANAGER (1999-2000)
DEPARTMENT MANAGER (1998-1999)
ADDITIONAL EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE
DEPARTMENT MANAGER, SHERIDAN, Dearborn, MI
STORE MANAGER, J. RIGGINGS, Four locations in IL and MI
STORE MANAGER, BENETTON, Novi and Dearborn, MI

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

* Computer Skills: Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint courses
2010
* Interview and Interrogation Techniques, Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates, Down
ers Grove, IL 2005
* College Credits in Architectural Design
Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, GA
Lawrence Technological University, Southfield, MI

AFFILIATIONS
* Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Burlington Coat Factory chosen charity 1999-2009
Recognized in 2009 for stellar fundraising efforts; best in territory for new wa
ys to increase contributions.
* Michigan Council for the Blind, Michigan Public Schools, and Jewish Vocational
Services 2002-2009
Participated in employment training, co-op, and job placement efforts.