WENDY DEFOE
**** ********** ****** ~ Belmont, CA 94002
(c) 415-***-**** ~ (e) abl2p7@r.postjobfree.com
www.linkedin.com/in/wendydefoe
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
Versatile professional with over 13 years of experience leading diverse
teams in retail development projects across the U.S. and Canada.
Influential partner who consistently delivers projects on time and within
budget while adhering to brand standards. Strategic thinker adept at
transforming ineffective and costly processes into best-in-class practices
without reducing quality. Knowledgeable in all aspects of project
management, from project inception to architectural design, construction
and project close out. Additional expertise in:
Construction Oversight Sourcing & Procurement Team Building
Drawing Review & Plan Process Innovation Training & Development
Check
Project Sequencing Contract Negotiations Vendor Relations
Schedule Coordination Expense & Budget Reporting &Communications
Management
2 PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
LONGS DRUG STORES / CVS PHARMACY, Walnut Creek, CA
Director of Fixture Planning & Special Construction Projects
2008-2009
Recruited to transform the Fixture Planning group into a high-performance
team responsible for procuring over $70 million in store fixtures, supplies
and equipment each year. Managed a team of seven that completed more than
50 new and full-gut remodel store projects annually as well as 475
unplanned capital project requests.
. Partnered with Sourcing to execute a Request for Proposal (RFP) that
allowed competitive contract pricing and reduced fixture expenses by 25%
-- worth approx $3 million over a 2-year period.
. Trained existing staff on new processes and supporting technology while
bringing outsourced project managers on board to manage fluctuations in
workflow.
. For the first time in department history, created and managed a budget
for unplanned capital projects, reported status updates to the field and
tracked forecast spend against the capital budget.
. Led the successful remodel of a 24-hour store while keeping the location
open for business. Completed the project on time and within 5% of the
original budget despite unforeseen complexities in site conditions.
EDDIE BAUER, INC., Bellevue, WA
Director of Construction
2006-2008
Led all phases of construction management for both new and remodel stores,
delivering 50 projects worth $70 million annually. Piloted an outsourced
project management model that established new benchmarks in quality and
efficiency while managing expenses. Mentored project managers and
developed a cohesive team using regular site visits to ensure strict
adherence to schedules, prototype design specifications and quality
standards.
. Increased on-time project delivery record from only 70% to 95%, saving at
least $1 million in lost revenue due to delayed store openings.
Introduced industry best practices such as a plan check, competitive
bidding and change order approval process to reduce project timeline,
manage project budgets and improve overall quality.
. Improved expense management through project based estimating, competitive
bidding, close out processes and an in-depth assessment of prior year
project costs. Increased project cost estimate accuracy with rollout of
a new process that included delivery conditions, regional cost
differentials and project scope variance from prototype.
. Established communications model with Store Operations and other internal
business partners that improved turnkey success rate, garnered support
for internal process changes and shared ideas on the overall pipeline
process.
. Collected over $10 million in tenant improvement allowances through a
rigid close out process, this included allowances from prior year
projects that were uncollected due to process gaps.
GAP, INC., San Bruno, CA
Senior Manager, Construction Operations
2005-2006
Selected as a subject matter expert for a special assignment to implement
an enterprise wide real estate management / project management system
(Tririga) to replace several legacy systems. Acted as the primary point of
contact to define the current construction process using Six Sigma
methodologies and then optimize the process using the Tririga tool.
Completed data collection, process mapping, improvement identification and
weekly dashboard updates while working with cross-functional partners and
garnering support from senior management.
. Streamlined a cross-brand Project Manager Toolbox (a web-based portal
with process maps, template forms, and construction schedules) for over
40 team members across all Gap brands.
. Designed and delivered regional training on brand standards and process
improvements as well as dashboard reporting on cost, schedule and quality
goals.
Senior Project Manager 2004-2005
Managed a team of four direct reports and several outsourced project
manager for both new and remodel projects for the Banana Republic (BR)
portfolio in the U.S. and Canada. Delivered ~80 projects worth $60 million
in annual capital spend and led BR brand consistency across seven regional
offices. Developed and maintained strategic partnerships with Real Estate,
Legal, Brand Operations, Finance, Procurement and Store Design to achieve
the highest quality execution as scheduled and within budget.
. Rolled out a new store prototype project worth ~$32 million that included
the complete gut and remodel of 18 locations across the U.S. within a 9-
month period.
. Reduced project schedules from 14 to 12 weeks by updating template plans,
implementing third party plan checking and improving construction
sequencing. This improved speed to market, lowered contractor costs and
increased sales weeks.
. Developed and implemented a training program to bring outsourced project
managers on board based on a new, regionally outsourced construction
model. Delivered quarterly training presentations for project teams at
all seven regional offices.
Project Manager 2000-2004
Directed over 100 projects and an average of $30 million in annual capital
spend for the BR brand in addition to managing multi-brand projects for BR,
Old Navy and Gap. Identified and resolved on-site construction problems
without impacting the quality, schedule or budget of projects. Built a
deep understanding of regional and jurisdictional factors (local planning
commissions and the landmark preservation commission) by working in various
locations across the U.S. and Canada.
. Led high profile projects and developed an expertise in key metropolitan
areas such as New York (Soho), Chicago, Miami (Dade County), San
Francisco, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
. Conducted extensive process mapping as the remodel subject matter expert
for the Competitive Bid project team that moved Gap to a nationally
sourced contractor bid process.
. Delivered a 10% improvement in budgeted costs versus actual by
consolidating projects by region.
. Consistently exceeded cost, schedule and quality goals set by department
and brand business partners.
. Developed and implemented a national remodel fleet management program for
existing BR stores (MPERE).
. Selected as the functional lead for the Oracle Financial System
implementation team to system test, drive change management and train
peers on the PM module.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
Chevys Fresh Mex Restaurants, Emeryville, CA ~ Project Manager
The Shorenstein Company, San Francisco, CA ~ Commercial Lease Analyst
John Burnham & Company, San Diego, CA ~ Real Estate Manager
Rawson, Blum & Company, San Francisco, CA ~ Commercial Property Manager
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Attended Trinity College of Vermont, Burlington, VT
Completed "Moving from an Operational Manager to a Strategic Thinker" ~
American Management Association
Completed Situational Leadership 2-Day Course ~ Longs Drug Stores
Volunteer - Habitat for Humanity, Glide Memorial Church and San Francisco
Food Bank