The letter is from Heather Leyden applying for a management position. She has over 10 years of retail management experience, including positions as Assistant Store Manager at Sears for the past 4 years. She believes she can immediately improve the company's sales, customer satisfaction, and drive accountability. She is looking to discuss how her qualifications can meet the needs of this position.

1. Heather Leyden HeatherLeyden1014@gmail.com | M: (860) 916-916-9220
119 George Wood Rd | Somers, CT 06071
April 23, 2016
Please accept this letter of interest and accompanying resume as a formal indication of my desire to fulfill the
management position. I have over 10 years of retail management experience that reflects upon leading
various departmental operations while building teams of associates to achieve optimal performance. I firmly
believe that if chosen, I will make an immediate impact toward improving sales metrics, customer satisfaction
standards and driving accountability measures and results to meet company expectations.
For the past 4 years, I have excelled in the positions of Assistant Store Manager, Softlines and Hardlines, for
Sears. I have a demonstrated track record and proven abilities to successfully lead all facets of the structured
business model. I’m also accustomed to managing multiple priorities while maintaining a professional
approach that is highlighted by my strong work ethic and willingness to learn and grow.
I would welcome an opportunity to discuss in further detail how my qualifications can best be used to meet
your needs. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Heather Leyden

2. Heather Leyden HeatherLeyden1014@gmail.com | M: (860) 916-9220
119 George Wood Rd | Somers, CT 06071
RETAIL & HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT
Store Manager | Multi-Unit Manager | Operations Manager
Capable and dependable leader with 10+ years of retail industry experience highlighted by rapid promotions with each employer
based on ability to energize associates to achieve performance metrics and establish a culture that meets and exceeds consumer
expectations.
Vast knowledge of store merchandising, operations, and retail management practices & procedures with a strong focus on sales,
customer service and fiscal leadership. In-depth understanding of metrics and scorecards.
Identified by regional management as a high potential leader; frequently selected to pilot/implement new corporate initiatives and
technological advancements. Proficient in MS Office and retail computer systems.
Known for taking charge, adapting to challenging situations and inspiring loyalty and high performance from teams as a leader by
example with a disciplined work ethic.
MANAGEMENT SKILLS
Day-to-Day Operations Management ⏐ Staff Hiring, Development & Motivation ⏐ Customer Service & Satisfaction
Sales Forecasting ⏐ Visual Merchandising ⏐ Promotional Events ⏐ Human Resources ⏐ Manpower Planning
Inventory Purchasing & Control ⏐ Loss Prevention/Shrink Reduction ⏐ Performance Reporting & Analysis
Vendor Relations ⏐ Facilities Management/Maintenance ⏐ Compliance
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & RESULTS
SEARS HOLDINGS CORPORATION, Holyoke, MA
Assistant Store Manager Hardlines 2015 -Present
SEARS HOLDINGS CORPORATION, Enfield, CT
Assistant Store Manager, Hardlines 2013 – 2015
Assistant Store Manager, Softlines 2011 – 2013
OVERVIEW: Accountable for execution of business plan and store performance results in all metrics (sales, controllable costs, profit,
shrink, customer service, inventory turns, staff performance & retention).
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: KEY RESULTS AS ASSISTANT MANAGER, HARDLINES
● Recognized by Regional Manager as “Top Talent” and selected for in-depth management training at corporate HQ covering
financial goals & strategies, HR practices, sales techniques and customer service management.
● Reduced “shrink” by supervising and coaching associates on all aspects of loss prevention.
● Improved sales of Master Protection Agreements through associate trainings and acquiring sales talent.
● Effectively executed company’s mattress rollout; sales increased over prior year.
● Drove an increase in refrigerator sales over prior year.

3. DIVERSE SCOPE OF MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
ASSISTANT STORE MANAGER – P&L accountability for a full line Sears retail store; $40+ million in annual sales; 60 employees.
Provide clear goals and expectations to store team and proactively address customer satisfaction, sales, controllable costs,
profit performance, operational processes, and compliance as measured by scorecard/dashboard.
Heather Leyden / Page 2 HeatherLeyden1014@gmail.com| M: (860) 916-9220 |
ASSISTANT STORE MANAGER (continued)
Lead weekly associate sales force effectiveness meetings, establish action plans and follow up with staff to ensure
implementation. Identify and capitalize on local merchandise assortment opportunities and accurately execute national
merchandising directives at store level.
Provide detailed reports to district/regional managers, VPs, buyers and vendors. Ensure compliance with company policies and
standards.
ASSISTANT STORE MANAGER, SOFTLINES – 30+ employees.
Chief merchant for softlines (2011-2013) and now for hardlines (Home Appliances, Home Electronics, Home Improvement,
Lawn/Garden/Fitness) departments. Manage merchandising, customer service and consultative selling across multiple
departments. Drive store metrics and achievement of profitability goals while proactively ensuring high customer satisfaction,
associate morale and productivity.
OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT & HUMAN RESOURCES FUNCTIONS
Oversee facilities management/building maintenance, loss prevention, purchasing, and shipping/receiving.
Perform payroll preparation using PeopleSoft, interviewing and selection, new-hire paperwork and onboarding, compliance,
policy/procedure administration, employee relations, and records/employee file maintenance with accuracy and attention to
detail.
KOHL’S, Enfield, CT 2010 – 2011
Area Supervisor (supervised 20+ employees, 3 departments)
Responsible for all matters related to merchandise management and assisting in areas of store operations as
needed. Maximized sales results through managing associates on the sales, markdown and merchandising
associate teams. Supervised sales performance; provided coaching and guidance to the merchandising team.
BURLINGTON COAT FACTORY (acquired prior employer – Cohoes), East Windsor, CT and Holyoke, MA
Merchandise / Assistant Store Manager (supervised 20+ employees, 3 departments) 2007 – 2010
Area Sales Manager (supervised 10+ employees, 2 departments) 2006 – 2007
Men’s Department Manager (supervised 6 employees) 2004 – 2006
Sales Associate 2003 – 2004
Advanced rapidly to Assistant Store Manager with accountability for hardlines and softlines sales, customer service, staffing
and performance evaluation. Monitored sales performance and guided merchandising associates to expedite merchandise flow
from receiving area to sales floor.
Coordinated sales promotions activities and merchandise sets; ensured accurate pricing. Implemented merchandising best
practices, including comparative shopping analysis, fast and slow selling classifications and styles, planning and adjusting stock
levels, and customer requests.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
● Built a strong bench of talent – coached, developed and trained over 10 associates that were promoted to assistant store
managers and store managers.

4. ● Reduced shrink 20% as Area Sales Manager.
● Selected by regional VP to provide merchandising leadership for opening of flagship store.
EDUCATION Holyoke Community College, Holyoke, MA – Business coursework