Deran Sivalingam

Customer‑focused retail professional with extensive experience supporting high‑volume environments, leading teams, and delivering exceptional service. Skilled in customer engagement, issue resolution, service recovery, and creating positive in‑store experiences. Known for strong communication, reliability, and the ability to guide teams while maintaining high operational and service standards.

Customer Experience Leader at PetSmart (2024-06 – 2025-11)

Reported to the Customer Experience Manager.

• Acted as Leader on Duty, supporting 5–10 associates.
• Operated POS systems, processed transactions, managed cash handling, and compliance with company procedures.
• Resolved customer concerns and escalations with professionalism, empathy, and quick problem-solving.
• Promoted and recommended products, services, memberships, and promotions based on customer needs to support sales goals and enhance the customer experience.
• Trained and supported new associates on customer service standards, product knowledge, and company procedures.
• Provided oversight of the Pet Care department, ensuring animal welfare standards, department cleanliness, inventory accuracy, and associate compliance with company policies and procedures.

Operations Leader at PetSmart (2023-09 – 2024-06)

Reported to the Operations Manager.

• Acted as Leader on Duty, supporting and leading 5–15 associates.
• Managed inventory accuracy through cycle counts, replenishment, discrepancy investigation, and shrink-reduction practices.
• Executed planograms, seasonal resets, promotional displays, and clearance strategies to maintain visual and sales standards.
• Oversaw receiving, backroom organization, and product flow to maintain in-stock levels and efficiency.
• Prepared and fulfilled online orders and in-store pickups (BOPIS) while maintaining timely and accurate order processing.
• Ensured compliance with health, safety, and operational standards.
• Supported team success by sharing product knowledge and assisting colleagues during peak service periods.

Overnight Lead Hand at Real Canadian Superstore (2020-02 – 2023-09)

• Supervised overnight teams to complete freight, stocking, and merchandising on schedule.
• Ensured store opening readiness including signage, pricing, and promotional setups.
• Completed nightly reporting and communicated priorities to day leadership.
• Trained new hires on stocking standards, equipment use, and safety procedures.
• Maintained clean, organized aisles, backroom, and receiving areas.
• Enforced safety and loss-prevention policies.
• Consistently met overnight stocking timelines and readiness targets.

Store Coordinator at HomeSense (2017-03 – 2020-02)

• Supported customer service on the sales floor and at cash by providing guidance, problem resolution, and friendly engagement.
• Handled returns, exchanges, and service escalations with professionalism and care.
• Assigned tasks, prioritized workload, and supported leadership during shifts.
• Coordinated truck receiving, processing, and door-to-floor merchandise flow.
• Maintained visual standards, replenishment, and seasonal transitions.
• Trained new hires on customer service and operational procedures.
• Maintained organized backroom and safe working environment.
• Demonstrated reliability and accountability in maintaining service quality and operational standards.

High School Diploma – Panorama Ridge Secondary School (2011-09 – 2016-06)