Darlene Carpenter

Results-driven Operation & Inventory Management professional with 15+ years of experience leading inventory control, procurement, multi-site operations, compliance, auditing, process improvement, and cross-functional initiatives across retail, pharmacy, cannabis, professional services, and technology environments. Proven track record of improving inventory accuracy, reducing operational losses, implementing scalable processes, managing vendors and procurement activities, and leading teams through operational change. Experienced in ERP systems, inventory audits, purchasing, financial controls, regulatory compliance, process standardization, data analysis, and project management.

Lean Six Sigma Black

Belt and Green Belt certified through the University of Toronto.

Inventory Manager & Procurement at ABBA MEDIX / MTL CANNABIS (2024-05 – 2026-08)

• Manage the ERP inventory system for incoming medical products, ensuring accurate receiving, inventory records, and product controls.
• Created and maintain the master product database for all medical products.
• Manage weekly procurement requirements and create purchase orders through QuickBooks.
• Coordinate incoming delivery schedules with Licensed Providers to support timely and accurate product receiving.
• Designed and implemented a monthly inventory audit process to maintain inventory accuracy and identify discrepancies.
• Lead, train, and develop a 20-person team in industry-standard inventory management best practices.
• Successfully completed the annual CRA audit, including requirements related to excise stamps and inventory control.
• Strengthened inventory processes through standardized tracking, auditing, purchasing, and reconciliation procedures.

Acting Store Manager / Assistant Store Manager at PURPLE MOOSE CANNABIS – FLAGSHIP STORE, OSHAWA (2023-12 – 2024-05)

• Managed payroll and employee scheduling to support daily store operations.
• Conducted store audits and ensured compliance with operational requirements.
• Managed weekly receipt and processing of inventory shipments.
• Oversaw inventory ordering and replenishment activities.
• Tracked weekly sales performance and operational results.
• Prepared monthly compliance reports.
• Supported recruitment, onboarding, and training of new employees.

Lead Educator at FIKA HERBAL GOODS (2022-10 – 2023-12)

• Delivered exceptional customer service and product education.
• Provided knowledgeable product guidance while maintaining compliance with applicable requirements.
• Conducted daily regulatory audits.
• Managed weekly inventory activities, including shipments and merchandising displays.

Manager of Operations at MCOUAT PARTNERSHIP / ADULT LIFESTYLE COMMUNITIES (2022-02 – 2023-01)

• Reported directly to company owners and senior leadership.
• Created and managed budgets and P&L activities.
• Developed standardized workflows and forms for new business processes.
• Created digital inventory tracking and scheduling systems for company media assets.
• Developed contract and document management processes and asset tracking systems.
• Established financial bookkeeping processes using QuickBooks.
• Managed Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable.
• Recruited and trained employees on operational processes and procedures.
• Led cross-functional collaboration for the launch of a redesigned company website and conducted quality assurance reviews.
• Analyzed membership and marketing data to support business decisions.

Manager, Technical Development / Manager of Operations at TRITON CANADA INC. (2017-08 – 2022-02)

• Oversaw daily operations across multiple departments and divisions.
• Established productivity and quality targets and monitored performance against operational objectives.
• Led digital technology projects and strategic initiatives designed to improve productivity and operational performance.
• Sourced, selected, and managed vendors and negotiated contracted services as required.
• Managed and coached employees while implementing performance review and development processes.
• Managed a 26-person team, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements across functional areas.
• Analyzed workflows and employee strengths to optimize organizational structure and employee placement.
• Developed policies and procedures addressing government and industry regulations.
• Created and analyzed key operational reports and metrics and managed client and customer relationships.
• Conducted root-cause analysis to identify opportunities for process and service improvements.
• Supported SOC audit requirements across Operations, IT, and HR, including cybersecurity and information-security requirements.
• Led software development, system enhancements, maintenance, strategic planning, and technical documentation.
• Built and directed technology solutions supporting sales growth and profitability.
• Managed business relationships and participated in high-profile client RFPs.
• Collaborated with developers and architects on system design and enhancements.
• Analyzed workflows to identify automation and process improvement opportunities.
• Created feature templates, workflows, and test-case scenarios for technical development.
• Partnered with QA teams to troubleshoot and resolve system issues.

Manager, Store Inspections at REXALL PHARMACY GROUPS CANADA LIMITED (2011-02 – 2017-08)

Supported operational and loss-prevention activities across 480+ Rexall clinics and stores throughout Canada.

• Created national store fundamental audit programs covering Front Shop Retail, Pharmacy/Rx, and Post Office operations.
• Designed and launched a High Shrink Store Program to identify and reduce profitability losses.
• Developed strategic audit schedules using operational and performance analytics.
• Facilitated training for Regional Directors and leadership teams across Canada.
• Delivered loss prevention and shrink-management training, including Shrink University training for 160+ attendees.
• Conducted high-shrink reviews to identify operational weaknesses, process failures, and profitability losses.
• Created a Pre-Inventory Review program to reconcile store accounting and proactively mitigate inventory losses.
• Developed and updated business policies, SOPs, and operational procedures based on audit findings and business requirements.

Project Management Lead – Operations & Loss Prevention at REXALL

• Led the development, design, implementation, and training strategy for a perpetual inventory system across 487 retail stores.
• Created processes, procedures, SOPs, and process flows supporting perpetual inventory operations.
• Developed complementary operational projects involving RF units, electronic store-to-store transfers, electronic voids, and refunds.
• Partnered with Regional Directors and retail stores to conduct pilot projects and implement process improvements.
• Delivered two-day national training programs for Regional Directors and Regional Loss Prevention Managers.
• Created the High Shrink Review Program to identify inventory shrink and profitability opportunities.
• Partnered with senior leadership on the redesign and strategic direction of the Loss Prevention department.

Front Store Manager at REXALL

• Managed daily store operations with accountability for inventory management, profitability, sales performance, and shrink reduction.
• Monitored sales and traffic targets and implemented merchandising strategies to improve results.
• Managed financial controls and performance against profit plans.
• Led recruitment, retention, talent review, and succession planning activities.
• Ensured completion of store standards, inventory, and Post Office audits.
• Led regional Health & Safety compliance tracking in preparation for a successful Work Well audit.
• Successfully managed two stores during large-scale relines while maintaining operational standards and controlling shrink.
• Coordinated vendor-supported events and sales initiatives to exceed targets.