IVA JURKOVIC-ZAKMAN

10447 Nieting Court

St. John, IN 46373
ijbcb63e@westpost.net
MANAGEMENT PROFILE
Results-driven Manager with 25 years of extensive experience in managing all asp
ects of retail operations. Successful in creating and establishing both strategi
c and tactical organizational-wide initiatives resulting in enhanced productivit
y and bottom-line profit contribution. Skilled in building high performing teams
with a focus on driving sales, service, and retention. Highly effective facilit
ator, public speaker, and trainer with strong motivational skills. Excellent com
munication skills at all levels, both verbal and written. Committed businesswoma
n with integrity, strong work ethic, and a passion to succeed.
CORE COMPETENCIES
h Strategic Business Planning
h Process Management
h Operations Management
h Team Building and Leadership
h Recruiting, Staffing, and Training
h Perseverance
h Drive for Results
h Problem Analysis and Resolution
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
H&R Block, Chicago, IL 2008 V Current
Regional Director
Gained quick understanding of clients needs in a unique seasonal business model.
h Delivered annualized volume of $40M.
h Ranked #1 in the division for target return growth and earnings for 2010 Tax S
eason.
h Developed a new business model for the off-season that resulted in an increase
of 7% growth for 2010.
h Led the client experience and Service Breaks initiative for the division.
h Had the top two ranked district managers in the division (64).
h Led the division in Client Experience Survey scores with an Top Box score of 8
4.
DISNEY STORES, Chicago, IL 2006 V 2008
Regional Director
Demonstrate the ability to deliver strong performance results. A proven ability
to create strong teams of leaders with complimenting strengths that are leverage
d to their peak performance and promote internal relationships.
h Delivered annualized volume of $120M. Achieved above and at chain results the
two consecutive years.
h Supervision of eight District Managers in area consisting of 15 states.
h Partnership with Training and Development department to facilitate the groundw
ork for Division of Responsibility roll-out for District Managers and Store team
s.
h Created Company Business plan for 2007 V 2008 in partnership with Store Operat
ions Team.
h Responsible for Real Estate and Fleet Review presentations with Executive Lead
ership Management.
h Reduced turnover in region by 60% over 2006 results. In 2007 achieved 94% rete
ntion at the Store Manager level and 73% at the Assistant level.
IVA JURKOVIC-ZAKMAN PAGE TWO
OLD NAVY, Chicago, IL 2001 V 2006
District Manager
Achieved success by consistently delivering strong profitable sales, developing
and training internal talent for the next level, and continuing to leverage pers
onal strengths at the Division and Corporate levels with stretch assignments. Fo
cused greatly on having strong interpersonal, organizational, and decision-makin
g skills in order to effectively maneuver through complex and ambiguous landscap
es. Consistently recognized for effective and influential relationships built at
the corporate level.
h Delivered annualized volume of $95M with #1 sales comparison in the zone for F
iscal 2005.
h Selected as part of the team for the Old Navy Project Manager for the creation
and implementation of a new Management structure for the Old Navy Division.
h Above and Beyond Award received from Vice President of Stores for contribution
s given.
h Produced and implemented a Cross Brand Management Training / On Boarding Progr
am that was launched in 2004.
h Internally promoted 4 General Managers to the District Manager level.
h Turnover and Retention in the Top 10 for the company in both exempt and non-ex
empt level.
h Developed partnerships at all levels, to positively influence results and gain
a better perspective and understanding of the organization. I have been able to
strategically plan through collaboration with business partners and influence o
utcomes.
h Developed the CM Regions Business Plan for 2006.
VICTORIAS SECRET, Chicago, IL 1997 V 2001
District Sales Manager
Built an impressive record of achievement and advancement through a series of in
creasingly challenging positions. Advancement based on consistent contributions
to revenue and profit growth, team development, process improvement, and self-de
velopment.
h Delivered annualized volume of $45M while consistently outperforming the compa
ny in sales growth.
h Responsible for all On Boarding of new District Managers in the Midwest Region
.
h Company facilitator for all Quarterly District Manager and General Manager Con
ferences.
h Hand selected to develop and implement the 1999 Victorias Secret Holiday Field
Strategy.
h Developed and implemented Management Training Programs reducing Midwest turnov
er by 57%.
CONTEMPO CASUALS / WET SEAL, Chicago, IL 1986 V 1997
District Sales Manager 1990 V 1997
Store Manager 1988 V 1990
Built an impressive record of achievement and advancement through a series of in
creasingly challenging positions. Advancement based on consistent contributions
to revenue and profit growth, team development, process improvement, and self-de
velopment.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
AD, Fashion Merchandising / Management, Ray College of Design, Chicago, IL, 1988