Jonathan Leithead

RETAIL LEADER | FOUNDER | BUILDING SMARTER OPERATIONS THROUGH PEOPLE, PROCESS, AND TECH

808.345.3867

Jonathan.leithead@gmail.com

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Strategic and tech-savvy retail leader with 15+ years of experience driving multimillion-dollar revenue, leading high-performing teams, and transforming operations and customer experience in fast-paced environments. Known for implementing scalable SOPs, streamlining inventory systems, developing teams, and leading change with precision and empathy.

Adept in operations, technology integration, and customer experience design to boost efficiency and elevate brand perception. Passionate about empowering teams, optimizing the customer journey, and building resilient, future-ready retail ecosystems.

Work Experience


Tapestry | Store Manager of Operations & Warehouse Manager – Kate Spade

(3Years)

  • Reorganized and optimized 50K+ units in-store and 28K in warehouse, improving replenishment speed, stock accuracy, and team efficiency through redesigned storage systems and flow paths.

  • Created and implemented a dynamic Excel-based sales tracker that recalculated hourly targets based on real-time sales data and traffic trends, increasing team performance alignment and daily conversion rates.

  • Revamped the back-end labeling system, implemented barcode tracking, and enforced SOP adherence, resulting in a 25% reduction in misplaced inventory and faster pull-to-floor times. Reduction in shrink -4%.

  • Mentored two Assistant Store Managers to adopt a leadership mindset through data-driven coaching, performance walkthroughs, and structured development planning, contributing to internal promotion.

  • Improved internal communication and team awareness by redesigning break room boards with visual sales tracking, recognition areas, and operational updates, fostering higher engagement and accountability.

Gap Inc | Multi-Brand Leadership – Old Navy & Banana Republic

(9 years)

  • Held progressive leadership roles across Banana Republic and Old Navy, including Assistant Store Manager, Store Manager, Acting General Manager, and Remodel Coordinator.

  • Led a team of 50+ through a complete store remodel, improving customer experience and store flow.

  • Led people development through structured performance reviews, self-assessment integration, and action plans aligned to succession strategy, company set and personal goals.

  • Selected for a 3-month special assignment at a struggling Old Navy location in the Bay Area to revamp SOP standards, improve team performance, and strengthen store leadership capabilities.

  • Conducted market research on regional wages and contributed to corporate-level merchandising and pricing strategies.

  • At Banana Republic, partnered with the GM and DM to elevate team performance and succession planning.

  • Boosted profitability by refining visual merchandising, coaching direct reports, making data based decisions and improving the overall client experience (increased store comp by 5% over 15 months)

  • Facilitated walkthroughs and presentations for C-level executives, providing operational insights and showcasing improvement initiatives at key store locations.

Store Manager | Certified Tech | Mac Made Easy Hawaii

(5 Years)

  • Oversaw $6M operation serving rural communities; led warranty repairs and tech sales with Apple standards.

  • Trained staff to communicate complex repairs in user-friendly language for older and non-tech-savvy clients.

  • Built a structured onboarding and skills certification program to streamline training and improve team confidence in delivering consistent service.

  • Implemented an upgrade upselling initiative for out-of-warranty computers, increasing accessory and service revenue ( resulting in over $200k in sales over 3 years) while improving client satisfaction through tailored product recommendations.

  • Created a culture of learning through knowledge-sharing sessions, peer-to-peer coaching, and weekly performance reviews aligned with KPIs.

  • Secured large-scale education, business and government technology contracts with local institutions and streamlined service workflows to improve turnaround times and customer satisfaction.

Education

Master of Information Systems Programming (Incomplete)

Walden School of Management and Technology 2013-2019

Bachelor of Psychology | Minor in Business (Bachelors Degree Received)

University of Hawaii 2005-2011

LinkedIn | Additional Credentials and Relevant Courses

  • Change Management, Customer Journey

  • Mapping, Project Management Foundations,

  • Building and Managing High-Performing Sales

  • Teams, Psychology Fundamentals for

  • Marketing.

  • CAPM Certification - In progress

Skills & Technology

  • People Development & Performance

  • Coaching

  • Training & Succession Planning

  • Programs

  • Change Management & Communication

  • Tools

  • Talent Recognition & Succession

  • Planning

  • Labor Management & Workforce

  • Planning

  • KPI Strategy & Budgeting

  • Inventory & Planning Allocation

  • Advanced Excel & Power BI

  • Shapr3D (CAD Design)

  • Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word,

  • Powerpoint) Advanced

  • Retail Analytics Platforms (SAP, Micros,

  • Power Bi, Lightspeed, Successfactors)

  • MIMS

  • Apple iOS and MacOS

  • Microsoft OS

  • Chrome OS