Chuck Simmons

• Provides strategic direction for U.S. Market of perishable foods merchandise line.
• Responsible for development and execution of business objectives working through Operations Managers to execute programs resulting in improved customer service, merchant support, and operational metrics.
• Collaborates with Store Operations, Merchant teams, and regional and divisional teams providing recommendations and advice on merchandise strategy.

Challenged to profitably open and operate new store 7 miles from Walmart’s World Headquarters. Mentored store managers in problem solving and driving business results. Coordinated vendor relations and centralized purchasing.

§ Accomplished goal by opening $30M store with revenues projected to be $5 million more than the average Target store.

§ Currently exceeding sales goals 6% with five direct and 150 indirect reports.

§Recognized nationally in various  publications for impact in local competitive market.

§Exceeded sales, expense, and shortage expectations two years in a row.

Selected to solve significant challenges in multiple areas of under-performance in all processes at one of the top five college stores in company. Led the only Target in the area with Texas A&M’s 50,000 students. Provided strategic planning for major sales tactics and hiring for the peak months of August and December. Met budget/sales goals with eight direct and 250 indirect reports.

• Positively impacted severely underperforming store in one year. Revenues increased 10% in the two years prior to the opening of a second Target location in the area. Stores now complimenting each other with a 35% increase in market share.
• Achieved 100% increase in sales in August, when students returned for new school year.
• Increased year-over-year sales by 6% and improved expense management 6% ($200K) through operational excellence.
• Selected by district leadership as Top Performer for 3 quarters for outstanding leadership and contribution.
• Selected by Texas A&M University to serve as a director to the Career Center Advisory Board.

Directed $8M, six-month, 24 hour/day total store remodel ensuring effective communication and planning between construction and store personnel with two direct reports, 50 Target team members and five general subcontractors. Ensured implementation of major technology projects that included staff training.

• Completed project 8% under budget, saved 30% ($150K) in payroll costs, and finished one week ahead of schedule.
• Increased store sales 8% through effective planning and merchandising.

Challenged to carry out special assignment for eight months troubleshooting and problem solving at underperforming stores by introducing new processes, stabilizing stores and developing operational leaders.

• Dallas – Ran year-over-year sales increase of 7% in one store while controlling costs 10% annually with five direct reports and 50 indirect reports.
• Houston – Challenged to open Super Target with projected revenues of $60M with four direct and 100 indirect reports.
• Promoted to Store Team Leader in October, 2005

• Directed 8 unit managers and revenues of up to $10 million.

• Opened new markets in North Carolina and South Carolina.
• Directed up to 20 salaried managers and 200 employees throughout a  20 store market.
• Achieved national recognition for numerous sales awards.

• Directed up to 10 salaried managers and 120 employes throughout a 10 store district.
• District sales ranked in the top three in zone covering 20 districts.
• District team ranked 1st in national sales contest.

• Worked through college to help fund college expenses.
• Selected by store leadership to assist in Department Manager duties in absense of leader.

• Communication Student of the Year, 1993
• President, Student Activities Board, 1991-1993
• Men's Basketball Program, 1989

"Chuck has an extraordinary ability to select high quality associates, to develop them successfully and to keep them focused on activities that produce outstanding results. He communicates clearly - builds strong performing teams - and demonstrates integrity. He is focused on the "big-picture" but is also willing to get hands on if it will accelerate performance and results."

"I've had the pleasure to work with Chuck as both his supervisor and peer with the Target Corporation. In the 8 years that I've known him, he has consistently demonstrated professionalism, focus, and exceptional critical thinking. His knack for strategic planning and attention to detail enable him to excel in any retail operations environment."

"From the moment you meet Chuck, you are struck with his professionalism, business acumen, and leadership presence. He has fierce dedication to drive financial success while elevating his team members' work experiences. Chuck's proactive, ethical, straight-forward approach is refreshing. To those he leads, he is fair and honest. To his peers and business partners, he demonstrates a keen intensity to identifying and course correcting opportunities while celebrating successes."