1. DEBRA L. PAPANIA
17W714 Butterfield Road, #316
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181
(630) 542-0215
deb.papania@gmail.com
Experienced, self-motivated and highly-skilled management professional with a proven
track record in maintaining efficiency of daily operations while providing insightful vision
for optimization, seeking a management position within a progressive organization.
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS:
Successful managerial experience and leadership expertise within a variety of retail
environments; demonstrated success in staff leadership, issue resolution, project
management and operational enhancement.
Clearly demonstrate analytical talents as well as the ability to audit operations and
implement results-oriented plans for operational enhancement.
Recognize new opportunities, research strategies assess needs, analyze/manage risk
and contribute to the development of realistic strategies, which meet both short and long
term operational and business unit objectives.
Strategic thinker with the unique ability to translate big picture vision into detailed action
plans; streamline daily business operations while providing creative and insightful vision
for growth.
Serve as driver/idea generator of innovative business enhancement strategies that
provide a competitive edge resulting in profitability and long-term revenue generation.
MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES:
• Innovative Leadership
• Staff Training & Development
• Performance Management
• Operational Enhancement
• Inventory & Purchasing
• Process Improvement
• Project Management
• Channel Development
• Strategic Planning
• Team Building

2. • Customer Service & Retention
• Brand Development
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
GODIVA CHOCOLATIER, Oakbrook, Illinois
2012 to 2016
Store Business Manager
Responsible for all store and customer service operations in a high-volume retail
location for this international chain location. Completed accurate and efficient analyses
of operations/sales trends and execute all managerial reporting; expeditiously resolved
issues and increased profitability through the implementation of strategic initiatives.
Consistently met and exceeded sales goals while simultaneously keeping operating
expenses within budgetary guidelines.
• Recruited, hired, trained, developed and assessed performance of staff;
scheduled employees to ensure adequate shift coverage while adhering to labor
guidelines and budget requirements.
• Mentor staff on customer service metrics to achieve complete customer
satisfaction and repeat business.
• Managed all aspects of product price changes throughout the store.
• Oversaw all payroll and scheduling activities; ensured employee hours are within
budgetary constraints.
• Expeditiously addressed and rectified all customer service issues.
• Developed store from $700,000 to a $1 million annually in sales.
• Trained and motivated associates through role playing, customer service and
product knowledge.
THE WALKING COMPANY, Chicago, Illinois
2007 to 2012
District Training Coordinator (2008 to 2012)
Promoted to DTC and largest Volume location in the Midwest in 2008. Supervised and
monitored store sales, operations and personnel functions of Water Tower Place
location in Chicago as well as four other locations with a total volume in excess of $5
million. Managed operations including sales, marketing, customer relations,
merchandising and staff development/training. Completed accurate and efficient
analyses of operations/sales trends and executed all managerial reporting;
expeditiously resolved issues and increased profitability through the implementation of
strategic initiatives. Consistently met and exceeded sales goals while simultaneously
keeping operating expenses within budgetary guidelines.
• Interfaced closely with senior management to relay sales results, employee
performance and new sales opportunities.
• Trained and motivated associates through role playing, customer service and
product knowledge.
• Utilized strong interpersonal listening and conflict resolution skills.

3. • Provided product demonstrations at area businesses.
• Worked closely with District Manager on all levels and oversee four other Store
Managers.
• Assisted in all aspects of new store openings within district.
• Developed store from a Key Performance Indicator (KPI) ranking of 10th to 2nd.
Store Business Manager - Bolingbrook, Illinois (2007 to 2008)
Responsible for all business operations including sales, marketing, merchandising,
inventory, vendor relations and customer service for this retail location. Completed
accurate and efficient analyses of operations/sales trends and execute all managerial
reporting; expeditiously resolved issues and increased profitability through the
implementation of strategic initiatives. Analyzed store budget and P&L to monitor
operating profits and reduce waste from shrink and overtime. Oversaw all
merchandising activities following plan-o-grams and corporate product placement
directives.
• Received Manager of the Year Award for 2007 KPI performance.
JOANN FABRIC SUPERSTORE, Naperville, Illinois
2002 to 2007
Operations Manager (2006 to 2007)
Responsible for all operations including customer service, human resources,
purchasing, inventory, training and employee development. Worked in collaboration
with managers on all operations policy and procedure enhancement. Managed short
and long term strategies and corporate direction. Assisted senior management in the
design, development and successful implementation of strategic modification programs
designed to enhance overall business strategy and performance.
• Managed inventory levels, human resources administration, budgeting, banking,
loss protection and cash control.
• Interviewed, hired and trained candidates for all sales departments.
• Managed daily recovery of the store, processed damages and managed back
store operations.
• Coordinated scheduling, maintained presence through effective floor
management and ensured staff coverage in all areas of the store as needed.
Frame Shop Manager (2003-2006)
Served as manager for multiple Joann Fabric Stores within region. Trained and
developed new frame shop managers for other stores. Coordinated scheduling,
ordering and ensured department operations were met.
• Grew frame shops in profitability over a three-year period.
Craft Specialist Manager (2002 to 2003)
EDUCATION:

4. LA ROCHE COLLEGE, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Completed Undergraduate Coursework.
JOLIET JUNIOR COLLEGE, Joliet, Illinois
Completed Undergraduate Coursework.
SOFTWARE:
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Point of Sale software.
DEBRA L. PAPANIA
17W714 Butterfield Road, #316
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181
(630) 542-0215
deb.papania@gmail.com
Dear Hiring Manager:
I am interested in exploring the possibility of joining your organization. Please find my
resume enclosed; it will furnish you with information relative to my experience,
accomplishments and abilities. References and any additional information you require
are available at your request.
As my resume indicates, I have extensive experience in various areas of sales,
operations management, customer service and visual merchandising within various
retail operations. Well aware of the value of team work, I pride myself on my ability to
foster a cooperative working environment. I excel in setting priorities and utilizing
resources to ensure the completion of complex projects on time, while remaining
committed to the highest customer relation standards. Combined, my efforts have
contributed to improvements in key areas of operations, profitability, inventory,
employee development, cost control and loss prevention. I am now seeking to utilize
my vast leadership talents in a management position within your progressive
organization.

5. In addition, I am able to offer you such skills as:
Organizational: Structure work flow to create the most expedient professional
environment possible. Solve problems through coordinating with internal and external
executive teams, ascertaining needs, researching options and implementing solutions.
Leadership: Self-motivated, resourceful and creative. A clear, articulate leader and
motivator. Provide continuous involvement and extra effort to generate positive results.
Versatility: Adapt to new challenges and opportunities. Manage time and effectively
accommodate larger volumes of customers. Provide effective customer support by
developing a comprehensive knowledge of company processes and answering all
internal inquiries in a professional manner.
Realizing that this summary can only partially communicate the benefits I can provide
you, I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you personally.
I thank you for your consideration and look forward to your reply.
Sincerely,
Debra L. Papania
Enclosure: Resume

6. In addition, I am able to offer you such skills as:
Organizational: Structure work flow to create the most expedient professional
environment possible. Solve problems through coordinating with internal and external
executive teams, ascertaining needs, researching options and implementing solutions.
Leadership: Self-motivated, resourceful and creative. A clear, articulate leader and
motivator. Provide continuous involvement and extra effort to generate positive results.
Versatility: Adapt to new challenges and opportunities. Manage time and effectively
accommodate larger volumes of customers. Provide effective customer support by
developing a comprehensive knowledge of company processes and answering all
internal inquiries in a professional manner.
Realizing that this summary can only partially communicate the benefits I can provide
you, I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you personally.
I thank you for your consideration and look forward to your reply.
Sincerely,
Debra L. Papania
Enclosure: Resume