Kate Oconnor

About Kate Oconnor

Building and leading high performing teams. Identifying and implementing operational improvements. Crafting communication strategies. Delivering superior customer service. This is what love; this is what energizes me. In my most recent role, I set the strategic direction for talent development and operations across 64 Target retail stores with over employees and $2.3B in sales. By collaborating with cross-functional partners from HR, Talent Acquisition and Operations, I developed strategic communications plans and implemented new onboarding and training processes for new team members. These efforts reinforced the company’s culture and values, encouraged accountability and set the foundation for the development of future leaders. I also led the company’s largest single market operational improvement investment – a $220M multi-store remodel initiative – and ensured the region maintained its top ratings on all financial, operational and customer service metrics. This remodel project offered me the opportunity to partner with Regional Senior Vice President on strategies for customizing process improvement best practices from HQ, on crafting influential staff and customer-related communications and on cultivating an environment of ownership and empowerment among employees. Finally, one of the most rewarding aspects of my work has been assessing, coaching and managing teams. I am extremely proud that my leadership helped the company create a pipeline of promotable talent and inspired individuals to reach their higher level of potential.

Experience

1. Vice President - People & Culture

   H&R Block

   Mar 2024 — Present · Dallas, TX, US

   Supporting Chief Strategy & Operations Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Small Business Officer, and Chief Marketing & Experience Officer; Leading Payroll and HR Systems; Reporting to Chief People & Culture Officer

Education

• University of Wisconsin-Madison

  BS, Consumer Science

Skills

• Time Management
• Profit
• P&L Management
• Strategy
• Succession Planning
• Cpfr
• Multi-Unit
• Visual Merchandising
• Big Box
• Team Leadership
• Program Management
• P
• Training
• New Store Openings
• Hiring
• Retail Sales
• Planograms
• Sales
• Recruiting
• Leadership Development
• New Store Development
• Merchandising
• Program Development
• Team Building
• Management
• Performance Management
• Employee Training
• Operations Management
• Strategic Planning
• Employee Relations
• Leadership
• Retail
• Multi-Unit Management
• Human Resources
• Loss Prevention
• Driving Results
• Store Management
• Merchandise Planning
• Talent Management
• Shrinkage