Ashley Hardie Email & Phone Number

Zurich, Switzerland

Erlenbach, Zurich, Switzerland

Erlenbach, Zurich, Switzerland

• Lead the product development process from formulas to packaging, through stages of innovation, conception, planning, development, testing and regulatory• Work closely with the Marketing Director to develop an on-trend and effective skincare portfolio• Create product profiles for all new products, including ingredient story, features and benefits, proposed packaging and predicted cost• Oversee product formulations with a focus on clean & sustainable ingredients• Communicate clear direction to vendors, formulators and manufacturers on the formula function and appearance of product• Managing the full range of procurement activities, including: demand and inventory planning, production scheduling, supplier sourcing and development• Controlling purchase & supply of collateral, bulks, components and finished goods• Microsoft Navision data entry and accuracy management

Switzerland

• Oversaw the product development process from concept to sample development and delivery, including data analysis; design briefs, material management, costing, consumer feedback & testing, sampling and production• Worked with manufacturing facilities on procurement and purchasing of materials and components for sample production; monitored supply chain functions (orders, production timelines/scheduling, delivery)• Acting Head of Sourcing and Product Development (10 months) o Led the team in seasonal product shifts and development o Spearheaded change management within the team during the COVID-19 pandemic• Managed the development of special product features - created development paths and monitored progress ensuring deadlines were met to keep delivery and launch dates• Coordinated sample management and distribution from global suppliers and manufacturers• Liaised with key business stakeholders and suppliers to bring the optimal products to the market under the sloggi brand• Spent time with cross-functional team in Hong Kong to identify workstream challenges and collaboration struggles; prepared root cause analysis and recommendations for leadership• Created process journey maps for leadership awareness; streamlined existing processes for improved execution• Led and collaborated on ad hoc projects to align the business and grow sales: liabilities management; supplier communications; development calendar; inventory reduction

Bentonville, Arkansas, United States

• Led the creation of and coordinated with cross-functional teams (CFT) to develop the most market relevant and customer centric assortment for the right time, place and price; growing sales and increasing profit YoY.• Managed the product portfolio for the girls’ apparel category (bottoms & activewear)• Implemented a process to reduce samples (25-30%) through 3D prototyping software• Served on the creation and integration team for standing up PLM within apparel department• Analyzed sales data and market data to make adjustments and decisions about future development and assortment• Negotiated with suppliers to find cost savings through efficiencies and material leveraging• Managed the day-to-day relationship with a dozen suppliers; collaborating on product design and quality to ensure sales growth for each company• Created weekly product selling reports and analysis for merchants and leadership team• Managed brand image through innovation and marketing: brought awareness of key benefits and features through packaging highlights

Bentonville, Arkansas, United States

• Led the corporate diversity initiative for Realty; evoked action and change within the division to increase business with women-owned companies• Created goals and distributed quarterly KPI updates to senior leadership team for corporate women’s empowerment initiative to increase spend with women-owned businesses• Identified/Maintained list of diverse suppliers to ensure accurate representation of vendors• Created Annual Business Planning meetings to grow existing diverse businesses• Built strategy for workforce development to increase awareness and interest in the skilled labor industry

Bentonville, Arkansas, United States

• Supported business partners on media issues and opportunities – provided advice and counsel on strategies and key initiatives• Served as spokesperson for Operations; crisis & response; and promotional campaigns• Developed and launched national and local public relations campaigns to drive traffic to stores as well as generate national and local media coverage• Led direct report and PR agency representatives

Bentonville, Arkansas, United States

• Engaged with senior leaders and project owners to create communications content and advise on mitigating potential risk, provided media monitoring (launch and follow-up)• Established crisis communication procedures for situations that caused a loss or disruption to the business such as natural disasters, store closures and product recalls• Developed corporate communications material including writing news releases, fact sheets, key messages and other press material