James Elson
Monument
Summary
Store Director with 25+ years of experience leading complex retail operations and developing high-performing teams in fast-paced environments. Demonstrated success in improving operational performance, scaling processes, and mentoring leaders into senior roles. Known for using data-driven insights to drive continuous improvement, optimize labor strategies, and execute operational initiatives that strengthen business performance and customer experience.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
STORE DIRECTOR
Target
Colorado Springs, CO
04.2004 - Current
- Provide operational leadership for large teams of managers and frontline staff, ensuring performance across safety, quality, productivity, and customer experience.
- Exceeded company performance targets for more than 20 consecutive years through KPI tracking, operational planning, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Revitalized operations across six underperforming locations, improving performance metrics, engagement, and operational execution.
- Selected to represent field leadership on the corporate Labor Relations Committee, partnering with headquarters to support employee engagement strategies and maintain a positive, direct-communication workplace culture.
- Managed operations across multiple store locations concurrently, coordinating leadership teams, labor planning, and performance metrics to maintain operational efficiency.
- Identified and developed high-potential leaders, mentoring more than 15 individuals who were promoted into senior roles including Store Director, District Senior Director, and Group Vice President.
- Led workforce forecasting and labor planning to align staffing levels with changing business demand.
- Implemented engagement and development strategies that improved employee engagement by 20%.
- Maintained full compliance with operational and safety standards while achieving successful audit results for over two decades.
- Selected by headquarters to lead pilot testing of new corporate initiatives and provide operational insights prior to enterprise-wide rollout.
HR MANAGER
Target
Colorado Springs, CO
03.2003 - 03.2004
- Managed full staffing lifecycle including interviewing, hiring, onboarding, performance management, promotions, and terminations.
- Partnered with operations leadership to improve retention, engagement, and workforce capability.
- Led employee relations investigations and conflict resolution processes, ensuring compliance with company policies while maintaining a positive and productive work environment.
- Provided coaching and guidance to managers on performance management, employee development, and conflict resolution.
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Home Depot
Pueblo, CO
06.1998 - 03.2003
- Managed staffing, inventory, vendor coordination, and operational performance for retail logistics operations.
- Supervised daily operations across logistics, inventory management, and floor operations to ensure efficient product flow and operational productivity.
- Managed a team of frontline associates, providing coaching, performance feedback, and leadership development to improve productivity and team engagement.
- Monitored operational performance metrics and implemented process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce errors, and improve service levels.
Education
Business Administration coursework
Regis University
Denver, COSkills
- Operational efficiency
- Strategic planning and execution
- Business management
- Process improvement
- Workforce planning
- Performance analysis
Timeline
STORE DIRECTOR
Target
04.2004 - Current
HR MANAGER
Target
03.2003 - 03.2004
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Home Depot
06.1998 - 03.2003
Business Administration coursework
Regis University