George F. Wasif
Mooresville
Summary
Results-driven operations and business management professional with extensive experience leading retail and restaurant operations, driving revenue growth, and improving overall business performance. Proven ability to manage multi-brand portfolios, optimize profitability, and lead high-performing teams in fast-paced environments. Skilled in financial management, budgeting, forecasting, and operational strategy with a strong focus on delivering measurable results and exceeding organizational goals.
Recognized for strong leadership, project management, and cross-functional collaboration skills, with expertise in coaching and developing teams to achieve operational excellence and superior customer experiences. Adept at identifying growth opportunities, improving efficiencies, and implementing strategic initiatives that increase revenue, strengthen performance, and enhance profitability.
Highly analytical and detail-oriented professional with exceptional communication, problem-solving, and organizational abilities. Demonstrated success managing multiple priorities simultaneously while maintaining composure, accountability, and a strong commitment to operational success and continuous improvement.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Key Account Director (Lowes)
Robert Bosch Tool Corporation
01.2024 - 05.2026
- Directed Lowe’s, a $175M national account, achieving 15% annual sales growth through strategic account management, category expansion, and revenue-driving initiatives
- Developed and executed national sales strategies that increased market share, secured new product placements, and displaced competitive brands across multiple categories
- Led and mentored a team of Senior National Account Managers, regional sales representatives, and agency partners to drive execution, accountability, and business performance
- Managed strategic relationships with Lowe’s leadership, internal cross-functional teams, marketing, and agency partners to align business objectives and maximize growth opportunities
- Analyzed sales performance, market trends, customer insights, and competitive activity to improve forecasting accuracy and optimize account strategy
- Led annual line reviews, promotional planning, pricing strategies, and customer-specific initiatives that increased product visibility and sales performance
- Managed multi-million-dollar budgets and strategic investments while consistently achieving financial, operational, and profitability goals
- Coordinated national and regional priorities across sales, marketing, and operations teams to improve execution efficiency and organizational alignment
- Drove operational performance and business growth across the United States and Canada in a fast-paced, high-volume retail environment
- Delivered consistent sales growth, strengthened customer partnerships, and improved overall account profitability through strategic leadership and execution
- Developed strategic account plans to enhance client relationships and drive revenue growth.
- Led cross-functional teams to execute complex projects, ensuring alignment with client objectives.
- Collaborated with marketing teams to create targeted campaigns that increased brand visibility among key accounts.
- Implemented CRM systems to streamline account management processes, improving data accuracy and accessibility.
Senior Key Account Manager (Lowes)
Robert Bosch Tool Corporation
02.2022 - 01.2024
- Managed a $95M Lowe’s business within the Power Tools and Accessories division, driving consistent revenue growth across in-store and online channels
- Developed and executed comprehensive account strategies that increased sales performance, strengthened customer partnerships, and expanded market share
- Built and presented strategic business cases for annual and incremental investments that supported long-term sales growth and profitability objectives
- Managed account-specific growth initiatives and promotional programs that maximized ROI and accelerated sales trajectory across key product categories
- Led development and localization of customer presentations, category reviews, and product pitches that secured strategic opportunities and enhanced product placement
- Utilized data-driven analysis and reporting to guide tactical and strategic business decisions, improve forecasting accuracy, and drive operational performance
- Served as a subject matter expert on the competitive retail landscape, delivering strategic recommendations that supported innovation, category growth, and business planning
- Established and monitored KPIs to measure business performance, track growth initiatives, and ensure achievement of sales and operational objectives
- Collaborated within the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process to support production forecasting, inventory optimization, and supply chain execution
- Implemented allocation strategies and managed open account orders to maintain optimal inventory levels, minimize stockouts, and improve customer satisfaction
- Developed strong cross-functional partnerships across sales, marketing, operations, and supply chain teams to improve collaboration and execution efficiency
- Mentored and developed high-performing team members, strengthening organizational capability and supporting long-term professional growth and leadership development
- Developed and executed account strategies aligned with corporate objectives to enhance revenue growth.
- Cultivated strong relationships with key accounts to drive customer loyalty and retention.
Senior Manager - Washroom Product Management
Newell Brands Inc.
08.2021 - 03.2022
- Led strategic growth and category management for a $150M Washroom Products business, driving profitability, portfolio optimization, and long-term category expansion initiatives
- Directed and developed a team of 6 Product Managers, strengthening cross-functional collaboration, execution, and leadership development across the organization
- Created and executed the category’s annual strategic plan and 3-year growth roadmap, aligning leadership, operational priorities, capital investments, and resource planning to support business objectives
- Drove sustainability-focused product and category initiatives that strengthened market positioning and enhanced category leadership within the washroom products segment
- Managed the full product portfolio lifecycle, including SKU rationalization, assortment optimization, category expansion, and new product introductions to maximize revenue growth and profitability
- Led cross-functional collaboration with Supply Chain, Finance, Sales, Marketing, and Operations teams to improve forecasting accuracy, inventory management, fill rates, and operational efficiency
- Directed P&L management for the category, partnering with Finance to establish and achieve annual targets related to revenue, gross margin, COGS, pricing, portfolio mix, and market share growth
- Identified and executed operational efficiency and cost reduction initiatives that improved profitability while maintaining product quality and customer experience
- Led financial performance reviews and implemented corrective action plans to improve category sales, margin performance, and overall business results against company commitments
- Oversaw new product development initiatives from ideation through commercialization, driving cross-functional teams to deliver projects on time, on budget, and aligned with category strategy
- Developed and presented executive-level business cases and stage-gate reviews to secure leadership alignment and investment support for innovation and growth initiatives
- Leveraged consumer insights, market research, syndicated data, and competitive analysis to identify growth opportunities, inform product strategy, and strengthen market positioning
- Partnered with Brand Marketing and Marketing Communications teams to execute commercialization strategies and maintain brand consistency across product categories
- Served as a brand ambassador at trade shows, distributor meetings, and external customer events, strengthening customer relationships and expanding category visibility
- Developed go-to-market strategies, category selling stories, and product positioning initiatives that supported sales growth across retail and distribution channels
National Account Manager MRO/Office Accounts
Newell Brands Inc.
07.2020 - 07.2021
- Managed a $65M MRO and Office Accounts business, delivering 11% annual sales growth through strategic account management, category development, and customer partnership initiatives
- Achieved sales, profitability, and market share objectives by developing and executing customer-focused growth strategies across key national accounts
- Built and strengthened relationships with buyers, Divisional Merchandising Managers (DMMs), and cross-functional customer stakeholders to drive long-term business growth and collaboration
- Developed and executed annual operating plans and category strategies aligned with customer objectives, consumer trends, and company growth initiatives
- Utilized sales data, financial reporting, market trends, and shopper insights to identify growth opportunities, optimize profitability, and improve category performance
- Led trade spend management and customer program execution in partnership with Finance and Trade Marketing teams through effective oversight of internal TPM systems
- Negotiated trade funding agreements and customer programs that maximized ROI, strengthened customer value, and improved overall business profitability
- Collaborated with Demand Planning teams to improve forecast accuracy, support inventory management, and ensure efficient supply chain execution
- Monitored competitive activity, market share trends, and category performance to develop strategic recommendations and drive business growth opportunities
- Partnered with Trade Marketing teams to develop data-driven customer presentations, merchandising strategies, promotional programs, and category insights
- Implemented promotional, packaging, and merchandising initiatives that improved customer engagement, strengthened brand positioning, and increased sales performance
- Leveraged portfolio and product mix strategies to improve profitability while supporting customer, shopper, and company performance objectives
- Served as the voice of the customer internally, aligning cross-functional teams around customer needs, market opportunities, and strategic business priorities
- Developed strategic account plans to drive revenue growth and enhance client relationships.
Sr. Channel Marketing Manager- National Accounts
Newell Brands Inc.
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Supported strategic planning and business management for a $400M national accounts business, helping drive operational alignment, category growth, and profitability improvements across key retail channels
- Analyzed pricing, promotional activity, distribution trends, retailer margins, and competitive market data to support strategic pricing decisions and maximize business performance
- Partnered with Sales, Category Management, and Finance teams to develop customer-focused strategies that aligned brand priorities, retailer objectives, and financial goals
- Managed trade spend analysis and customer program effectiveness, identifying opportunities to optimize ROI, improve profitability, and strengthen promotional execution
- Led weekly business update meetings with sales teams to improve communication, drive alignment, and support effective customer planning and execution
- Implemented category management recommendations focused on optimizing SKU assortment, shelf space allocation, merchandising strategies, and catalog performance
- Prepared financial analysis and business performance reporting to ensure customer plans aligned with organizational revenue and profitability objectives
- Utilized POS data, forecasting tools, and market analytics to support strategic decision-making, identify growth opportunities, and improve category performance
- Supported execution of promotional programs, merchandising displays, retailer advertising, trade shows, and channel-specific marketing initiatives to strengthen customer engagement and drive sales growth
- Collaborated with Sales and Category Management teams to prepare for line reviews and customer presentations, supporting pre-sell strategies and customer alignment initiatives
- Contributed to annual channel management and customer planning processes by identifying growth opportunities, business risks, and operational efficiencies across multiple brands and accounts
- Managed customer monthly business reviews, forecasting discussions, and billing meetings to support financial accuracy, operational execution, and customer alignment
- Identified and managed business risks, growth accelerators, and product mix opportunities to improve performance and profitability across national accounts
- Participated in the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process to improve forecast accuracy, reduce excess and obsolete inventory, optimize SKU productivity, and support supply chain efficiency
- Partnered cross-functionally to execute product exits, transitions, and changeover initiatives while minimizing operational disruption and maintaining customer service levels
- Developed and executed integrated marketing campaigns to enhance brand visibility and drive channel engagement.
Account Manager
Newell Brands Inc.
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Managed a $30M business territory, delivering 27%+ annual sales growth through strategic account management, category development, and customer-focused sales initiatives
- Executed annual operating plans that drove revenue growth, increased market share, and strengthened customer partnerships across assigned accounts
- Monitored competitive activity, market trends, and shopper insights to identify growth opportunities and deliver strategic recommendations to sales, channel, and brand leadership teams
- Utilized POS reporting, market analytics, and consumer insights to influence customer strategies, optimize in-store execution, and maximize commercial opportunities
- Collaborated with channel and sales teams to communicate market data, support strategic planning, and improve overall business performance
- Analyzed sales performance and field intelligence to identify risks, elevate opportunities, and support data-driven business decisions
- Leveraged deep understanding of product portfolio, brand positioning, and category strategy to improve product sell-in, sell-through, and customer engagement
- Identified and executed category growth opportunities that expanded customer offerings and increased sales performance across key accounts
- Built and managed relationships with key customer stakeholders, decision-makers, and influential partners to strengthen long-term business growth and collaboration
- Developed creative, solutions-oriented approaches to overcome business challenges, drive customer alignment, and achieve sales objectives
- Delivered timely communication and strategic updates related to market trends, competitive activity, and category performance to both customers and internal leadership teams
- Consistently exceeded growth expectations in a fast-paced, highly competitive retail and commercial sales environment
District Manager
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Directed operations for 8 high-volume restaurant and retail locations generating more than $80M in annual sales revenue
- Managed full P&L accountability across the district, consistently achieving financial, operational, and profitability targets
- Led and developed a leadership team of 8 General Managers and 32 Associate Managers, driving operational consistency, accountability, and team performance
- Increased same-store sales by 5.3% year-over-year through strategic operational improvements, marketing initiatives, and customer experience enhancements
- Improved district profitability by 7% year-over-year through cost control initiatives, labor optimization, and operational efficiencies
- Reduced inventory shrink from more than 2% of inside sales to less than 1% through enhanced inventory management and operational controls
- Consistently achieved food, labor, and supply cost targets while maintaining high operational and customer service standards
- Developed and implemented district marketing and merchandising strategies that enhanced traffic, sales performance, and overall facility presentation
- Partnered with cross-functional leadership teams to improve operational execution, employee engagement, and customer satisfaction across multiple locations
- Drove operational excellence in a fast-paced, high-volume multi-unit environment through strategic leadership and performance management
General Manager
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Managed full P&L responsibility for high-volume restaurant and retail locations generating more than $5M in annual sales per location
- Led and developed a team of 4 Associate Managers while overseeing daily operations, staffing, customer service, and financial performance
- Increased store sales by 8.3% year-over-year through operational improvements, customer engagement initiatives, and targeted local marketing strategies
- Improved profitability by 4% year-over-year through expense management, labor optimization, and operational efficiency initiatives
- Reduced inventory shrink from more than 1.5% of inside sales to less than 1% through strengthened inventory controls and operational oversight
- Recognized as a top-performing General Manager in the region for consistently achieving food, labor, and supply cost targets
- Implemented marketing and merchandising initiatives that increased customer traffic, improved guest experience, and strengthened overall store performance
- Maintained high operational standards while delivering strong financial performance in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment
Assistant Football Coach
Appalachian State University
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Developed and mentored student-athletes to maximize performance, discipline, and leadership both on and off the field
- Collaborated with the offensive coaching staff to develop and execute offensive game strategies and playbook initiatives
- Built strong relationships with athletes, coaches, and staff to foster teamwork, accountability, and a high-performance culture
- Assisted in player development, training preparation, and performance analysis that contributed to the program’s competitive success and historic achievements
- Demonstrated strong leadership, communication, and motivational skills in a highly competitive team environment
Education
B.S. - Exercise Science, Business Administration
Appalachian State University
Boone, North Carolina01.2010
Skills
- Self-motivated and results-driven operations professional with a proven record of driving business growth, operational excellence, and team success
- Increased retail business revenue at Lowe’s by 15% annually through strategic sales initiatives, operational improvements, and team leadership
- Managed multi-million-dollar budgets while consistently meeting or exceeding annual financial and operational goals
- Oversaw annual sales volumes exceeding $175M across national retail accounts throughout the United States and Canada
- Led and developed national account teams while managing cross-functional business operations across multiple regions
- Managed and mentored teams of 15 employees, driving performance, accountability, and professional development
- Extensive experience supporting national retail operations across the US and Canada in fast-paced, high-volume environments
- Strong financial management expertise, including forecasting, budgeting, revenue optimization, and profit margin improvement
- Proven ability to identify and generate incremental revenue opportunities while maximizing profitability and operational efficiency
- Experienced in performance management, coaching, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams that consistently exceeded sales and operational goals
- Extensive background managing and selling multi-brand portfolios across diverse product categories
- Highly analytical with exceptional attention to detail and data-driven decision-making capabilities
- Consistently delivered against growth targets, operational objectives, and customer expectations
- Demonstrated initiative, accountability, and strong follow-through across multiple projects and strategic business initiatives
- Strong project management skills with the ability to lead initiatives from planning through execution
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and collaborate effectively across departments to achieve organizational objectives
- Skilled at managing multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines simultaneously while maintaining high performance standards
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building capabilities
- Strong conflict resolution, composure under pressure, and technical problem-solving abilities
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
- Extensive experience in Retail and Restaurant Operations Management
- Strategic leader with a strong work ethic and the ability to thrive in high-pressure, fast-paced business environments
Timeline
Senior Key Account Director (Lowes)
Robert Bosch Tool Corporation
01.2024 - 05.2026
Senior Key Account Manager (Lowes)
Robert Bosch Tool Corporation
02.2022 - 01.2024
Senior Manager - Washroom Product Management
Newell Brands Inc.
08.2021 - 03.2022
National Account Manager MRO/Office Accounts
Newell Brands Inc.
07.2020 - 07.2021
Sr. Channel Marketing Manager- National Accounts
Newell Brands Inc.
01.2018 - 01.2020
Account Manager
Newell Brands Inc.
01.2016 - 01.2018
District Manager
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc
01.2014 - 01.2016
General Manager
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc
01.2012 - 01.2014
Assistant Football Coach
Appalachian State University
01.2010 - 01.2012
B.S. - Exercise Science, Business Administration
Appalachian State University