Julie M. Smith H: 440-259-5448 C: 440-251-0577 js1167674@westpost.net www.linkedin.

com/in/jusmith CAREER SUMMARY Senior management experience, working closely with executive staff to best recruit, train, and promote those employees whose contributions can make a profitable difference. Self-motivated with high level of drive, initiative, and "whatever it takes" attitude. Clear, analytical, and objective approach to training. Focuses on immediate personnel needs while maintaining clear vision of long-term personnel goals. Computer literate. Specific expertise in the following: * * * * * * * * * * Employee Relations High Level Investigations Policy and Procedures Recruiting Customer Service Written / Verbal Communication Special Events Training Merchandising Fundraising

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Things Remembered, Highland Heights, OH 2008 - 2010 Things Remembered is the nation's largest and most prominent retailer of personalized gifts. Human Resources Generalist / Associate Relations Supported the Manager of Employee Relations. Responsible for addressing all questions, concerns, and employee relations issues from the "Field Team." Headed up all home office events and activities. * Ensured consistent execution of policies and practices, as well as compliance with all state and federal laws. * Conducted high level investigations involving harassment and discrimination for 4,500 employees. * Provided coaching and guidance to management of all levels, including three Regional Directors, 38 District Managers, and 600+ stores, regarding development, training, corrective action, and all other human resource matters pertaining to their team. * Acted as a consultant to the Field Leadership Team in order to ensure decisions were sound, legal, and informed. * Ensured proper job posting from Filed Teammates through HR Smart. * Managed the recruitment process for ASM and SM levels, including background checks. * Took charge of all fundraising activities at the Home Office, as well as Make-A-Wish fundraiser for both Home Office and Field Teammates. * Executed miscellaneous administrative duties for the Human Resource department, including relocation, vending, and meetings,

both in-house and outside. Kohl's, Highland Heights, OH 2005 - 2007 Kohl's is the leading family-focused, value-oriented, specialty department store offering quality exclusive and national brand merchandise to customers in a convenient, friendly and exciting environment. Personnel / Operations Manager Controlled both freight flow and cash flow for store as well as hiring and training all associates. Executed merchandise directive issued from cooperate to optimize sales. Provided outstanding customer service and ensured associates did as well. * Sought out and hired best candidates who understood team concept and individual contribution to business. * Maintained professional relationships with employees. * Provided additional training, including mentoring, to fully develop employees' careers. * Trained new employees to understand business and intense competition in retail market. * Reviewed data and reports with District Sales Manager, including daily sales, P&L, and general ledgers on a daily basis. * Used and sought out executive staff for better perspective. * Ensured point of sale, customer service, and freight flow operated seamlessly. * In line with corporate goals, wrote, reviewed, and administered training. * Reviewed results of training, including interviews with employees to refine process and make training productive and goal-specific. Kaufmann's Department Store, North Olmsted, Columbus, and Mentor, OH 2000 - 2005 Kaufmann's (currently Macy's) Department Store is a big box retailer offering a wide variety of apparel and home goods. Human Resources Manager - North Olmsted, OH 2004 - 2005 Hired and trained staff during both peak and non-peak times. Worked closely with Operations Manager to maintain payroll expenses. Directly addressed performance issues with employees, including corrective action and termination. * Promoted in 2004 to assume major HR responsibilities for $42 million store, including hiring, employee reviews and assistance, benefits, and payroll. * Completed special projects which included hiring over 100 employees for holiday sales season; created program to minimize difficulties with temporary retail employees while ensuring their experience was helpful, profitable, and rewarding. * Acted as a trainer for executives and associates; taught "Matter of Respect" course throughout district. Divisional Sales Manager - North Olmsted, OH 2003 - 2004 Full charge P&L responsibility for sales and merchandising operations of division; annual sales of $20 million. (Women's and Children's ready-to-wear apparel and accessories.) * Led team of seven Area Sales Managers and 150 Sales Associates.

* Scheduled monthly meetings with General Manager and Operations Manager. * Remained current on all aspects of store operations: budgeting and forecasting, strategic planning, store hours, cuts, additions, and HR issues. * Performed ongoing analysis of sales reports and developed plans to reduce expenses and maximize productivity and profitability. * Promoted three times in four years based on knowledge of operations, proven leadership, and exceptional overall performance. Area Sales Manager, Cosmetics - Columbus,, OH 2002 - 2003 Provided clear, focused leadership of area cosmetics sales with 27 full and part-time Sales Associates. * Ensured staff productivity levels through ongoing performance monitoring and coaching in product knowledge and selling techniques. * Exceeded plan by 82%, highest in company. * Coordinated all aspects of seven major cosmetic events and five major product launches. * Ranked #1 out of 97 ASMs in region based on productivity. Area Sales Manager, Better Sportswear - Columbus, OH 2001 - 2002 Selected to lead a 30-member ASM team in new store installation in Columbus. * Hired and trained my own staff to optimize on the potential of the department. * Exceeded sales plan within first 60 days. * Achieved 38% increase to plan for Fall Quarter, 2001. Area Sales Manager, Dresses, Coats, Suits, Swimwear - Mentor, OH 2000 - 2001 Managed all sales and merchandising efforts of area with six staff members, generating $3.5 million annually. * Executed multiple floor plans, provided ongoing training and development, and motivated staff during seasonal sales. * Named "Area Sales Manager-of-the-Month" consistently. EDUCATION Bachelor of Science (BS) in Human Ecology, 2000 Major: Fashion Merchandising Mercyhurst College, Erie, PA Relevant Business Coursework: Accounting, Marketing Principles, Management Principles, Merchandising Planning Control, Apparel Design Product Analysis, and Fashion Business Practices Associate of Arts Degree (AA) in Applied Science, 2000 Major: Fashion Merchandising Management Fashion Institute Of Technology, New York, NY TRAINING SHRM Seminars and Legal Update Conferences Littler and Mendelson Law Firm, Cleveland, OH