Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Thomas Higgins

Tempe

Summary

Accomplished retail management professional with extensive experience leading high-performing teams, driving operational excellence, and enhancing customer satisfaction. Expertise in store operations, merchandising, employee development, and strategic planning. Recognized for leadership, mentoring, and fostering a customer-focused culture.

Personable and dedicated with strong ability to lead and motivate teams in retail environment. Understands key retail operations, inventory management, and customer service principles, combined with skills in team supervision and sales strategies. Committed to driving store performance and ensuring customer satisfaction through effective management.

Overview

35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Store Manager

Sprouts Farmers Market
01.2017 - Current
  • Successfully managed multiple store locations (Stores 14, 33, 10, 20, and 8)
  • Chosen for the Store Manager Council (2019), providing strategic input on operational improvements
  • Led pilot programs for FIM, PICAO, and Shrink Program, contributing to company-wide efficiency enhancements
  • Served as Subject Matter Expert (SME) to mentor peers and newly hired managers
  • Managed and led operations for the EL VP of operations store for two years
  • Recognized with the 2022 Value Award for Care at Sprouts Con
  • CSAT Ambassador for D49, spearheading the rollout of 'Greet and Ask' initiative
  • Shrink leader for D47, mentoring Store and Assistant Store Managers Department managers, and tracking accountability

Store Manager

Kroger Co.
06.2003 - 11.2016
  • Managed multiple Fry’s stores with up to 180 employees and successfully opened Fry’s 81 (24th St & Baseline) in 2004
  • Maintained high standards for customer service, employee relations, and operational excellence
  • Led store merchandising strategies, ensuring compliance with display standards and customer needs
  • Oversaw store operations, including shrink control, profit margins, safety, and labor management
  • Training and development of new leaders for the company and centralized training center in the store

Operations Coordinator (Central & East District)

FRYS
01.2001 - 06.2003
  • Drove district and division sales and profit goals, exceeding corporate expectations
  • Supervised and mentored store and department managers, implementing effective merchandising and operational strategies
  • Partnered with store teams to improve performance, drive sales, and optimize profitability
  • Developed and coached grocery and general merchandise managers to maintain consistent performance standards
  • Collaborated with space management teams to open new stores and oversee remodel projects
  • Held Vendors accountable for sales planning and execution of the companies expectations

Assistant Store Manager

FRYS
06.1996 - 01.2001
  • Oversaw daily operations across multiple departments, including Grocery, Perishables, Front End, and General Merchandise
  • Managed scheduling, labor forecasting, and sales strategies to enhance store performance
  • Ensured adherence to best practices and corporate standards across all departments

Grocery Manager

FRYS
09.1993 - 06.1996
  • Led the grocery department, managing inventory, ordering, vendor relationships, and sales performance
  • Achieved and exceeded shrink reduction and revenue growth targets

Various Positions

FRYS
07.1990 - 09.1993
  • Progressed through multiple roles, including Courtesy Clerk, Grocery Clerk, Night Manager, Department Manager and Receiver

Education

Mesa Community College
Tempe, AZ
01.1996

High School Diploma -

Tempe High School
01.1992

Skills

  • Store Operations & Management
  • Employee Development & Mentorship
  • Customer Satisfaction & Engagement
  • Inventory Control & Shrink Reduction
  • Merchandising & Compliance
  • Sales Growth & Profit Optimization
  • Strategic Planning & Execution
  • Team Leadership & Motivation

Certification

  • Professional Food Safety Manager, Current
  • Diversity & Inclusion Training, 2006
  • Mentorship University ('Top Grading'), 2010
  • Fred Meyer Leadership Development Program, 03/01/98

Timeline

Store Manager

Sprouts Farmers Market
01.2017 - Current

Store Manager

Kroger Co.
06.2003 - 11.2016

Operations Coordinator (Central & East District)

FRYS
01.2001 - 06.2003

Assistant Store Manager

FRYS
06.1996 - 01.2001

Grocery Manager

FRYS
09.1993 - 06.1996

Various Positions

FRYS
07.1990 - 09.1993

High School Diploma -

Tempe High School

Mesa Community College

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Thomas Higgins