Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Career Aspirations
Training
References
Timeline
Generic

Karen Christie

Edinburgh

Summary

Dynamic and results-driven retail professional.

Operations Specialist with over 16 years of experience in the retail industry, spanning outlet, concession, and full-price environments. Successfully opened and managed two brand-new stores, ensuring smooth operations, team setup.

Proven track record of exceeding sales targets, optimising store operations, and leading high-performing teams. Passionate about delivering exceptional customer experiences while ensuring operational excellence. Recently transitioned into a Store Operations Specialist role at PVH, utilizing extensive store management expertise to support business-wide operations and efficiency.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Store Operations Specialist

PVH
Edinburgh
05.2024 - Current
  • Transitioned into a head office role, leveraging store management expertise to support and enhance retail operations across multiple locations.
  • Worked closely with cross-functional teams to streamline operational processes and improve efficiency at store level.
  • Supported retail teams in audit preparation, inventory control, and compliance with company policies.
  • Provided training and guidance on best practices, ensuring consistency in execution across stores.
  • Assisted in implementing new operational initiatives, driving improvements in performance and productivity.

Store Manager

Tommy Hilfiger
Edinburgh
05.2021 - 05.2024
  • Successfully launched and established a brand-new store, exceeding sales targets from year one.
  • Led the flagship store in St James Quarter, driving record-breaking sales, and consistently exceeding targets.
  • Led a team of 16 staff, ensuring high performance and motivation through training and mentoring.
  • Developed and motivated a high-performing team, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.
  • Increased store sales year on year by implementing strategic sales initiatives.
  • Managed daily store operations, including inventory control, stock replenishment, and visual merchandising.
  • Spearheaded visual merchandising strategies, ensuring the store aligned with global brand guidelines.
  • Enhanced customer experience, resulting in improvements on customer satisfaction scores.
  • Analyzed financial reports, controlled expenses, and optimized budgets to maximize profitability.
  • Ensured compliance health & safety and company regulations, reducing operational risks

Store Manager

Calvin Klein
Livingston
08.2018 - 05.2021
  • Successfully launched and established a brand-new store, exceeding sales targets from year one.
  • Led the team to achieve a 99% RFID count score, setting a company-wide benchmark for inventory accuracy.
  • Maintained an exceptional audit performance, consistently exceeding company standards.
  • Managed operational efficiency, overseeing stock movements, HR processes, and training programmes.

Assistant Manager

Tommy Hilfiger
Livingston
08.2016 - 08.2018
  • Played a key role in driving record-breaking store performance, contributing to significant sales growth.
  • Managed daily store operations, including team leadership, stock control, and customer engagement.
  • Trained and mentored staff, supporting career progression and enhancing team effectiveness.
  • Attended HR Essentials & People

Management training courses, strengthening leadership capabilities.

Concessions Manager

Tommy Hilfiger
Edinburgh
03.2010 - 08.2016
  • Managed all aspects of the concessions' operations, from sales performance to team leadership.
  • Recruited, trained and developed a strong team, ensuring smooth daily operations.
  • Oversaw visual merchandising and stock management, aligning with brand guidelines.

Concession Supervisor

Tommy Hilfiger
Edinburgh
03.2008 - 03.2010
  • Developed foundational retail management skills, gaining experience in sales, team leadership, and customer service.
  • Ensured high standards of store presentation and consistently met sales targets.

Skills

  • Retail Operations
  • Store Management
  • People, Leadership and Training
  • Process improvement and workflow optimisation
  • Sales and revenue growth
  • Team Leadership and Staff Development
  • Customer Service Excellence and Engagement
  • Inventory and Stock Control
  • Audit Compliance
  • Profit & Loss (P&L) Management
  • Visual Merchandising & Store Presentation
  • Budgeting and Cost Control
  • Marketing & Promotions
  • Health & Safety Compliance
  • Loss Prevention & Risk Management

Career Aspirations

After an accomplished career in store management, I am now looking to transition into a long-term role within retail operations. My recent secondment as a Store Operations Specialist has reinforced my passion for streamlining processes, improving efficiency, and supporting stores at a broader level. I am eager to take on new challenges where I can apply my leadership experience and operational expertise to drive business success at a regional corporate level

Training

  • HR Essentials and People Management-PVH
  • Retail Management and Leadership
    Development - PVH
  • Health & Safety and Audit Compliance -PVH
  • Unconscious Bias - PVH

References

Available on request

Timeline

Store Operations Specialist

PVH
05.2024 - Current

Store Manager

Tommy Hilfiger
05.2021 - 05.2024

Store Manager

Calvin Klein
08.2018 - 05.2021

Assistant Manager

Tommy Hilfiger
08.2016 - 08.2018

Concessions Manager

Tommy Hilfiger
03.2010 - 08.2016

Concession Supervisor

Tommy Hilfiger
03.2008 - 03.2010
Karen Christie