1. Darla Little-Vann (904)868-9588
Darla.little-vann@hotmail.com
11196 Coldfield Drive Jacksonville, FL 32246
Service Focused and goal oriented professional offering versatile office management skills and proficiency in
Microsoft Office programs; Strong planner and problem solver who readily adapts to change, works independently
and exceeds expectations; Ability to multitask and meet tight deadlines without compromising quality. Proven
ability to learn quickly, assess problems, and initiate corrective action. Analytical and organized; with ability to
identify needs and implement effective solutions.
CAR EE R EN HA NC EM EN TS
Management/Leadership Ability
Excellent Customer Service
Staff Development/Training
Problem Solving Skills
Strategic Planning
Critical Thinking
High Attention to Detail
Organizational Skills
Vendor Management &
Negotiation
P & L Reporting
Inventory Control
Budget Management
Workplace Safety Compliance
Promotional & Upselling Skills
CAR EE R OV ER VI E W
Store Director:
Jacksonville University Bookstore – Jacksonville, FL November 2011 – June 2015
• Directed store operations, and provided oversight for department managers of this $1.6 million bookstore.
• Supervise and evaluate staff; provide training and guidance in work responsibilities; plan, assign, and direct work; reward
and discipline employees; address complaints and resolve problems.
• Continue to develop and enhance the bookstore operations with the JU.
• Assess academic and store needs for all resale and store supply products, including textbooks. Research products and
negotiate pricing, quality and delivery. Generate purchase orders, set pricing for resale, and authorize payment to vendors.
• Establish and maintain policies and procedures to address operational and long-term goals, including cash handling,
pricing standards, loss prevention, book buyback, and customer relations. Establish and maintain controls for sales,
accounts receivables, and payables.
• Research and recommend programs, policies and procedures to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the bookstore
function, including new software, internal controls, new electronic payment technologies, and customer service.
• Coordinate and prepare billings for all third party agencies that use JU Bookstore services. Post student charges into
accounting software.
• Worked to increase profits by implementing strategies to surpass budgeted sales.
• Played a key role in marketing and advertising initiatives for this private college bookstore.
• Coached upcoming managers in the company’s management training program.
• Maintained labor controls by consistently meeting budgeted goals in operating expenses
• Increased customer service secret shop scores from 82% to a 96% and 103% in a fiscal year
• Negotiated a marketing contract with university athletic department for concessions sales, and, as a result increased
clothing and gifts sales by $12,000 (6% increase over prior year)
Assistant Director:
University of North Florida Bookstore – Jacksonville, FL July 2006 – November 2011
• Manage daily operations of this $8.9 million bookstore.
• Prioritize to ensure success for all financial operations, including off-site and satellite sales, accounting systems, point-of-
sale systems, our inventory management systems.
• Recruit, select and supervise day-to-day activities of staff in compliance with Human Resources policies and procedures.
• Plan, organize and coordinate formal and informal orientation and training of employees under direct supervision.
• Conduct performance enhancement process in accordance with standard practice and collective agreements.
• Maintains inventory control for all general merchandise departments.
• Directly supervise Department Managers, Accounts Payable Functions, and Shipping and Receiving Department.
• Recruit, train, and develop store staff, including salaried, hourly waged, temporary, and seasonal employees.
• Reduced payroll to a low 5.6% of sales, the lowest of Follett’s 800+ stores.
• Increased sales volume by 3.88% and gross margin by .75% over previous years.
• Train all associates in CourseTracks Textbook Inventory Management Software and SODA, our on-line order fulfillment
software.
2. Darla Little-Vann (904)868-9588
Darla.little-vann@hotmail.com
11196 Coldfield Drive Jacksonville, FL 32246
Textbook Manager:
University of North Florida Bookstore – Jacksonville, FL December 2006 – February 2007
• Managed sales and operations of the $7.4 million, 2,700-title textbook department.
• Supervises employees engaged in sales and purchasing regarding area of assigned responsibility; determines work
procedures, prepares work schedules, and expedites workflow; assigns duties and examines work for exactness, neatness,
and conformance to policies and procedures; studies and standardizes procedures to improve efficiency of subordinates.
• Formulates pricing policies for product according to requirements for profitability of store operations; coordinates all
activities related to procurement of specific product beginning with intent to purchase through delivery.
• Directing text acquisition, inventory management, and ensuring quality customer service.
• Collaborated with store director to achieve financial and operational success for store.
General Merchandise Manager II:
University of North Florida Bookstore – Jacksonville, FL November 2005 – July 2006
• Supervised daily operations of the $2.5 million general merchandise department, which consisted of apparel, emblematic
gifts, trade books, computer products, school supplies, and convenience items.
• Purchases all non-book merchandise in the bookstore, which includes troubleshooting purchases as necessary.
• Represents the bookstore to vendors; Prices, plans and arranges merchandise for display.
• Responds to inquiries and complaints regarding merchandise.
• Controls inventory and checks records of sales and stock; Assists in developing and implementing departmental policies.
• Determines customer demand for merchandise.
• Oversaw store promotions, sales, and inventory management for the main store and satellite location.
• Increased budgeted sales 11.7% implementing strategies to reach store goals.
Textbook Manager III:
Mississippi State University Bookstore – Starkville, MS November 1999 – November 2005
• Oversaw the daily operations of a $3.5 million, 1,800-title textbook department.
• Responsible for text inventory management, ensure excellent customer and financial success.
• Analyzes the requirements of the product, including preliminary specifications, preferred supplies, and date products is
needed; investigates and interviews potential suppliers to determine if they meet the specified requirements; authorizes
payment of invoices or return of product; orders merchandise or prepares requisitions to replenish merchandise on hand.
• Responsible for oversight of 100-title distance learning program store.
• Increased sales by $254,000 over previous year and by $59,000 for projected budget.
• Helped store accomplish Region 52 Achievement Winner title for largest increase in gross margin in 2005.
• Achieved and maintained a used-to-new ratio of 40% for this on-campus competitive bookstore.
Textbook Manager:
Follett Textbook Exchange – Cookville, TN February 1994 – November 1999
• Oversaw the daily operations of 725-title textbook department.
• Prepares and administers the bookstore budget; recommends, implements, and administers operating policies and
procedures.
• Works with faculty and vendors to acquire and assure availability of new/used texts and class supplies for students.
• Oversees maintenance of stock, displays, signs, and inventory; manages year-end inventory utilizing computer to check for
theft and shrinkage.
• Controlled expenses by maintaining a low payroll budget and monitoring inventory controls.
• Provided supervision for all employees in textbook department.
• Increased sales to $1.2 million from $575k in three years.
CER TI FI CAT IO NS
Arkansas State University – Jonesboro, AR – Small Business Accounting Certificate - 1987
References:
• Will Be Furnished Upon Request