Ulysses Van Cleave
Princeton
Summary
Dynamic retail leader with a proven track record at Sullivans Foods, excelling in sales leadership and inventory oversight. Cultivated strong vendor relationships and enhanced team performance through effective staff management. Achieved significant sales growth by implementing strategic merchandising initiatives, driving brand awareness, and fostering exceptional customer service.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Interim Store Director
Sullivans Foods
04.2025 - 07.2025
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures.
- Managed inventory levels, optimizing stock availability and minimizing waste.
- Developed staff training programs to enhance employee performance and customer service skills.
- Implemented promotional strategies to drive sales and improve store visibility in the community.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends, informing product selection and merchandising decisions.
- Collaborated with upper management to establish long-term strategic goals for store development and expansion.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations for staff members, identifying areas for growth and development.
- Collaborated with other Store Directors on regional initiatives aimed at increasing brand presence in local markets.
- Promoted team collaboration, performance, and efficiency by fostering healthy environments focused on mutual success.
- Optimized merchandising layouts based on shopper insights and market trends leading to enhanced product visibility.
- Kept inventories accurate with daily cycle counts and regular audits to identify and resolve variances.
- Addressed customer concerns promptly and effectively, resulting in increased loyalty and repeat business.
- Oversaw staffing and training, safety compliance, inventory control and financial functions.
- Cultivated strong relationships with vendors, negotiating favorable terms and conditions for the store''s benefit.
- Managed payroll administration for all employees in alignment with company policies and budgetary guidelines.
- Oversaw store remodels and expansions to enhance the shopping experience for customers while maximizing retail space utilization.
- Set effective store schedules based on forecasted customer levels, individual employee knowledge, and service requirements.
- Organized special events within the store to drive foot traffic and increase overall revenue potential.
Assistant Store Director
Sullivans Foods
Princeton, IL
10.2022 - 04.2025
- Assisted in daily operations to ensure smooth store functioning and customer satisfaction.
- Executed merchandising strategies to enhance product visibility and drive sales performance.
- Collaborated with management to develop employee training programs, improving team efficiency.
- Monitored inventory levels, ensuring optimal stock availability and minimizing waste.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends and inform strategic decision-making for promotions.
- Conducted staff evaluations, providing feedback and guidance to improve performance outcomes.
- Developed community engagement programs, fostering relationships that increased brand loyalty and customer base.
- Managed daily operations, ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks.
- Oversaw cash handling activities ensuring accuracy and security during transactions.
- Partnered with store director to interview, hire, train, and develop department managers and team members to build and sustain high in-store performance.
- Responded to customer complaints and comments.
- Handled escalated customer complaints, providing solutions that satisfied both parties involved in the situation.
- Improved store sales by implementing creative merchandising strategies and eye-catching product displays.
- Collaborated with the Store Director to develop and execute strategic plans for store growth.
- Assisted in recruiting new team members, conducting interviews, and facilitating onboarding processes for new hires.
- Developed a positive store culture by fostering open communication and promoting teamwork among employees.
- Increased customer satisfaction with attentive service and quick resolution of issues.
Night Shift Manager
Sullivans Foods
08.2019 - 10.2022
- Supervised night operations to ensure efficient workflow and adherence to safety protocols.
- Managed inventory levels, optimizing stock rotation and minimizing waste during night shifts.
- Trained and mentored team members on operational procedures and best practices for productivity.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced team performance and reduced operational delays.
- Coordinated with day shift management to align goals and streamline handoff processes between teams.
- Prepared materials for following shift.
- Ran nightly reports closing out various accounts and detailing daily activities.
Frozen Foods Manager
Sullivans Foods
Princeton, IL
06.2014 - 08.2019
- Managed inventory levels for frozen products, ensuring optimal stock availability and reducing waste.
- Trained team members on proper handling and storage techniques for frozen food items.
- Implemented product rotation procedures to maintain quality and freshness standards.
- Collaborated with suppliers to negotiate pricing and improve delivery schedules for frozen goods.
- Streamlined ordering processes, improving efficiency in procurement of frozen products.
- Developed promotional displays to enhance visibility of frozen food offerings within the store layout.
- Analyzed sales trends for optimal product selection, leading to increased revenue generation.
Grocery Stocker
Sullivans Foods
Princeton, IL
04.2014 - 06.2014
- Stocked shelves promptly to maintain product availability and organization.
- Assisted in inventory management by tracking stock levels and reporting shortages.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure efficient restocking processes.
- Operated forklifts and pallet jacks safely for moving heavy merchandise.
- Advised customers on product locations, demonstrating strong product knowledge.
- Participated in training new employees on stocking procedures and safety standards.
- Placed products in correct storage locations to keep stock areas organized and inventory counts accurate.
- Rotated stock correctly to prevent out-of-date products and removed aging items from main shelving to build special promotional displays.
- Improved store organization by efficiently stocking shelves and maintaining clean, clutter-free aisles.
Overnight Fryer & Baker
Moose Is Loose Bakery
Kenai, AK
01.2013 - 11.2013
- Operated fryer equipment efficiently to prepare high-quality food items.
- Monitored cooking times and temperatures to ensure product consistency and safety.
- Maintained cleanliness of work area and adhered to food safety standards.
- Assisted team members in preparing ingredients for frying processes.
- Implemented best practices for oil filtration and disposal procedures.
- Ensured compliance with local health department regulations through regular equipment cleaning and maintenance, as well as proper food handling procedures.
- Changed out cooking oil on regular basis and kept fry area clean to avoid grease fires or hazards.
- Unloaded food supplies from distributor trucks and efficiently organized inventory.
- Disinfected workspace and washed all utensils and dishes to maintain hygienic kitchen.
- Ensured consistent food quality by conducting regular taste tests and adjusting cooking methods as needed.
- Wrapped, dated and rotated food items to properly store food and maintain freshness.
Full Case Filler
Ace Distribution
Princeton, IL
06.2012 - 10.2012
- Monitored inventory levels and reported shortages to management promptly.
- Adhered to safety protocols while handling hazardous materials during production tasks.
- Assembled products according to changing daily work orders and specific customer needs.
- Attached identification labels to finished packaged items and cut stencils and stencil information on containers such as lot numbers or shipping destinations.
- Reported malfunctions and errors to supervising staff, addressed concerns and supported other machine operators completing challenging workloads under tight schedules.
Education
High School Diploma -
Princeton High School
Princeton05-2012
Skills
- Sales leadership
- Vendor relationship development
- Staff leadership
- Brand awareness
- People management
- Inventory oversight
- Order management
- Customer response
- Customer service
Timeline
Interim Store Director
Sullivans Foods
04.2025 - 07.2025
Assistant Store Director
Sullivans Foods
10.2022 - 04.2025
Night Shift Manager
Sullivans Foods
08.2019 - 10.2022
Frozen Foods Manager
Sullivans Foods
06.2014 - 08.2019
Grocery Stocker
Sullivans Foods
04.2014 - 06.2014
Overnight Fryer & Baker
Moose Is Loose Bakery
01.2013 - 11.2013
Full Case Filler
Ace Distribution
06.2012 - 10.2012
High School Diploma -
Princeton High School