Karen Llerenas
Plainfield
Summary
Dynamic Operations Manager with 19 years of experience applying exceptional planning and problem-solving abilities toward enhancing business plans and day-to-day activities. Results-driven and resilient in developing teams while improving processes and increasing productivity. Bringing solid understanding of industry trends, excellent communication skills, talent for spotting areas in need of improvement and implementing changes with a strategic approach.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Manager & Human Resources
Oswald's Pharmacy/ Oswald's Medical Supplies
Naperville, IL
02.2022 - Current
- Streamline inventory management processes to enhance workflow efficiency.
- Implement training programs for staff on operational best practices and safety protocols.
- Monitor management KPI metrics, identifying areas for process improvement.
- Supervise all operations, and keep employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
- Conduct regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them.
- Develop and maintain relationships with external vendors and suppliers.
- Establish positive and effective communication among unit staff and organization leadership, reducing miscommunications, and missed deadlines.
- Negotiate contracts with vendors and suppliers to obtain best pricing and terms
- Handle problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Support the business with employment law matters such as terminations, workplace policies, and employee relations concerns.
- Maintain human resources information system and keep employee files up to date and accurate.
- Handle human resources tasks such as hiring, onboarding, payroll management, and employee relations issues resolution.
- Prepare and develop human resources information for employee handbooks and administrative publications to facilitate onboarding.
- Collaborate closely with business owner and department managers to increase revenue and gross profit across all departments.
- Project management planning of all store and plaza events.
Training Store Manager & Acting DM
True North Shell
Naperville, IL
05.2017 - 02.2022
- Developed and implemented comprehensive training programs to enhance employee competencies and performance.
- Monitored and evaluated training performance to determine quality and cohesiveness.
- Established a culture of continuous learning, promoting professional development opportunities for all employees across the organization.
- Reviewed and edited all training materials for accuracy and company policy compliance.
- Managed all exempt employee coaching, training, and performance improvement actions.
- Evaluated training effectiveness through feedback and assessment tools, ensuring continuous program improvement.
- Mentored new trainers, providing guidance on best practices and instructional techniques for effective delivery.
- Oversaw daily cash reconciliations, ensuring accurate financial reporting and minimizing discrepancies.
- Completed regular inventory counts to verify stock levels, address discrepancies, and forecast future needs.
- Assisted in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding of new employees to maintain adequate staffing levels.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- Oversaw successful store openings, coordinating logistics, staffing, training, and promotional efforts to ensure smooth transitions for new locations.
- Cultivated strong relationships with store managers, offering guidance and support to achieve their targets.
- Ensured compliance with all company policies and procedures, conducting regular audits and training sessions.
Store Manager
Sears/ CPI Corp
Riverside, IL
10.2007 - 04.2013
- Oversaw daily store operations, ensuring efficient workflow and high standards of customer service.
- Trained and mentored staff on sales techniques and product knowledge to enhance team performance.
- Implemented inventory management systems, reducing stock discrepancies and improving accuracy.
- Developed merchandising strategies that increased product visibility and drove sales growth.
- Oversaw equipment procurement and maintenance, ensuring optimal performance and quality standards.
- Mentored junior photographers, providing guidance on technical skills and professional development.
- Maintained an organized digital archive of images, ensuring easy accessibility for future projects or reference.
- .Consistently met sales targets through efficient portfolio presentations that showcased the full range of photography services offered.
- Opened and closed location and monitored shift changes to uphold successful operations strategies and maximize business success.
- Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
Education
Business Management -
Triton College
River Grove, ILHigh School Diploma -
Morton West High School
Berwyn, IL05-2007
Skills
- Problem-solving
- Team leadership
- Operations management
- Customer service
- Employee relations and conflict resolution
- Staff training
- Operations oversight
- Policies and procedures implementation
- Performance monitoring
- MS office
- Onboarding and orientation
- Project planning and development
- KPI tracking
- Human resources experience
- Bilingual fluency in Spanish
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Operations Manager & Human Resources
Oswald's Pharmacy/ Oswald's Medical Supplies
02.2022 - Current
Training Store Manager & Acting DM
True North Shell
05.2017 - 02.2022
Store Manager
Sears/ CPI Corp
10.2007 - 04.2013
Business Management -
Triton College
High School Diploma -
Morton West High School