KRISTIN BLUE
Durham
Summary
Professional executive with 13 years of strong leadership skills and proven track record in driving organizational success. Adept at strategic planning, operational efficiency, and fostering team collaboration. Known for adaptability and reliable performance in dynamic environments. Skills include strategic decision-making, financial oversight, and effective communication. Recognized for high standards, servant leadership and delivering impactful results.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Leader, General Merchandise Sales
Target
Morrisville, NC
07.2025 - Current
- Oversaw a team of 6 team leaders and 150+ team members in work centers.
- Ownership of 60% of total store operations including logistics process, food and beverage and digital business
- Responsible for daily completion of total store logistics process, including the unloading and completion of all trucks
- Develop strong relationships with vendors and other outside store partners to execute company-level initiatives and launches of new brands
- Create routines and strategies to implement strong store processes
- Led cross-functional teams to implement strategic initiatives, enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
- Mentored and trained department leaders, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
- Established key performance indicators to monitor progress and inform strategic adjustments across departments.
Executive Leader, Food & Beverage
Target
Durham / Raleigh, NC
10.2021 - 07.2025
- Leader of a $27 million grocery department in a $95 million store while also supporting total store operations and digital business
- Oversaw a team of 5 team leaders and 120+ team members in work centers.
- Developed and implemented performance metrics to enhance productivity across departments.
- Mentored and coached emerging leaders, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Including 5 employee promotions.
- Facilitated training programs to enhance employee skills and ensure adherence to best practices.
- Optimized supply chain management processes for increased cost savings and improved vendor relationships.
- Analyze data and metrics within the business unit and partner leadership team to drive positive results
- Develop high potential talent into leadership roles within the organization
- Plan and execute major seasonal transitions and collaborate with other leaders within the store to execute seasonal store resets
- Partner with outside vendors to promote partnerships and brand collaborations to generate additional revenue
- Provide district-wide support to peers and other leaders in food
Executive Leader, Specialty Sales
Target
Raleigh / Morrisville, NC
08.2020 - 09.2021
- Leader of specialty department in three mid volume locations while also supporting total store operations and digital business
- Oversaw a team of 3 team leaders and 50+ team members in work centers.
- Utilize reporting and sales trends to make merchandising transitions to drive apparel revenue
- Execute Target exclusive launches and brand collaborations in cosmetics and electronics
- District inventory captain in specialty sales
- Boosted overall store efficiency through continuous process improvements and adoption of best practices in retail management.
- Implemented visual merchandising guidelines that enhanced store presentation and increased foot traffic.
Store Manager
Urban Outfitters
Durham / Washington, NC / DC
07.2017 - 12.2019
- Oversaw flagship store operations in Washington, DC
- Oversaw a team of 7 leaders and 70 team members in store.
- Spearheaded social media campaigns that significantly boosted online engagement and sales
- Built local partnerships to host in-store, community-driven events
- Led a team of 50+ associates, achieving consistent operational and sales success
- Developed and implemented staff training programs to enhance team skills and productivity.
- Managed inventory levels, reducing shrinkage through effective stock control measures.
- Oversaw visual merchandising standards, enhancing store presentation to drive customer engagement.
- Maintained a clean and organized store appearance to enhance the overall shopping experience for customers.
- Completed routine store inventories.
- Managed inventory control processes to restore back stock, control costs, and maintain sales floor levels to meet customer needs.
- Oversaw employee performance, corrected problems, and increased efficiency to maintain productivity targets.
- Reduced shrinkage levels by closely monitoring security measures, conducting staff training, and implementing loss prevention initiatives.
- Continuously assessed store layout to optimize product placement for enhanced visibility and impulse purchases from customers.
- Managed all aspects of budgeting for the retail location including labor costs, expenses control, revenue tracking.
- Recruited and retained top talent, with focus on completing timely performance evaluations, providing positive feedback, and rewarding superior performance.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Social Science
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC05.2015
Skills
- Big Box Retail Operations
- Logistics & Supply Chain Management
- Project & Operations Management
- Talent Acquisition & Leadership Development
- Food & Beverage Business Strategy
- P&L management
- Project planning
- Customer focus
Timeline
Executive Leader, General Merchandise Sales
Target
07.2025 - Current
Executive Leader, Food & Beverage
Target
10.2021 - 07.2025
Executive Leader, Specialty Sales
Target
08.2020 - 09.2021
Store Manager
Urban Outfitters
07.2017 - 12.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Social Science
North Carolina State University