Kevin Bartlett

Senior retail leader with 25+ years of experience driving performance across multi-unit operations in Western Canada. Proven track record of building high-performing teams, improving profitability, and executing strong operational and brand standards. Skilled in talent development, business analysis, and strategic planning, with a hands-on leadership style that delivers consistent results.

Passionate about the outdoor industry, with personal experience in mountain biking, hiking, and camping that aligns with brand authenticity and customer engagement.

Senior District Manager - Mountain Warehouse (Canada) - Western Canada

(2024-11)

• Lead multi-unit retail operations across Western Canada, driving sales performance, operational execution, and brand consistency across the district.
• Build and develop high-performing leadership teams through strategic recruitment, coaching, and succession planning.
• Partner with Store Managers to identify opportunities across sales, payroll, and inventory management, implementing targeted action plans to improve performance.
• Drive a culture of accountability and engagement, aligning teams to company objectives and customer experience expectations.
• Analyse key business metrics including sales, conversion, ATV, and payroll to inform decisions and deliver sustainable growth strategies.
• Ensure consistent execution of visual merchandising and operational standards across all locations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners to support new initiatives, promotional execution, and operational priorities.

District Manager - The Children’s Place

(2010-05 - 2024-11)

• Consistently delivered strong district performance through effective talent strategies, operational execution, and customer experience focus.
• Filled Store Manager roles within 15 days on average by building proactive recruitment pipelines and developing external talent benches.
• Coached and developed leadership teams to drive accountability, performance, and succession readiness across the district.
• Established a strong customer-first culture, improving selling behaviors, product knowledge, and service standards.
• Directed visual merchandising and brand standards execution, ensuring stores consistently met company expectations.
• Analyzed KPIs and business trends to identify opportunities and implement effective action plans for growth.
• Led district-wide operational planning and execution, ensuring alignment with company priorities and timelines.

General Manager - Old Navy (Canada), Inc.

(2004-11 - 2010-05)

• Reduced employee turnover from 270% to 90%, significantly stabilizing store operations and team performance.
• Recruited, trained, and developed leadership talent, resulting in 12 external hires and 11 internal promotions.
• Co-developed and implemented the Centre of Excellence Training Program to strengthen leadership capability.
• Delivered District General Manager meetings and supported broader district training initiatives.
• Improved customer experience scores by 17% year-to-date.
• Achieved sales results trending 17% above the Western Canada region.

Regional Director - SAAN Stores - Alberta and Saskatchewan

(2002 - 2004)

• Led 6 District Managers and 95 Store Managers across Alberta and Saskatchewan, managing over $110M in annual revenue.
• Achieved best-in-company shrink results, outperforming corporate targets by 7%.
• Reduced associate turnover from 175% to 75% and management turnover from 90% to under 50% within one year.
• Drove leadership development and performance management across all levels of the organization.
• Maintained tight control of wage costs, consistently delivering within 0.005% of budget.

National Operations Manager - SAAN Stores

(2000 - 2002)

• Supported the VP of Operations in executing national operational strategies and administrative priorities.
• Developed marketing and in-store execution strategies in partnership with cross-functional teams.
• Reviewed promotional materials, flyer content, and store communications for accuracy and effectiveness.
• Monitored daily sales reporting and conducted quarterly P&L analysis across all stores.
• Managed payroll allocation and supported annual budgeting processes.

District Manager - SAAN Stores - Alberta and Saskatchewan

(1996 - 2000)

• Oversaw 22 stores across Alberta and Saskatchewan, achieving top district performance in customer service, gross margin, and overall KPIs for four consecutive years.
• Implemented and scaled the WOW sales and service program.
• Delivered advanced leadership training at the national level.

Store Manager - SAAN Stores - Western Canada and the Northwest Territories

(1990 - 1996)

• Managed high-volume locations across Western Canada and the Northwest Territories.
• Consistently met or exceeded sales, shrink, and operational targets.
• Reduced turnover to below 50% in high-churn markets over five consecutive years.
• Developed 15 internal candidates into leadership roles.