Ben Whitfield Email and Phone Number

I was responsible for all aspects of developing and managing my merchandise categories in order to achieve established targets while continually assessing market developments and customer needs. In this position, I had one direct report. • Develop and implement business plans for my merchandise categories to ensure financial targets are met.• Analyze performance by style, brand and vendor and react to trends and evaluate opportunities in new markets.• Managed inventory through analysis of sales, gross margin, inventory turns, markdowns, receipts and on order.• Developed and implemented financial and assortment strategies including development of product mix, and product selection. • Maintained excellent relationships with vendors, negotiating policy agreements with them including discounts, payment terms, volume rebates, brand development, co-op advertising, flyer contributions and extra project funds.• Worked collaboratively with the Marketing and Operations Departments as well as vendors on merchandising/advertising initiatives including developing promotional plans and displays to improve the customer shopping experience. • Influenced growth by providing mentorship to Purchasing Analysts through effective coaching and feedback. • Initiated/informed the Marketing Department about key vendor marketing stories; then approve the creative to ensure compliance with our executed buys.

I provided recommendations regarding product mix, markdowns, and product cancellations as well as collaborating on advertising initiatives. • Provided buyers with inventory and on order recommendations based on financial reports and style performance reviews.• Identified at-risk inventory and provided solutions to the buyers by suggesting markdowns, cancellations, and re-dating purchase orders. • Collaborated with the AVP’s to create advertising stories.• Coordinated advertising photo shoots with the Marketing Department.• Ensured advertisements have correct category initiatives. • Maximized marketing effectiveness across all forms of media.

In this role, I assisted the buyer with analyzing sales trends, ensured the accuracy of advertisements and was responsible for the creating and tracking of purchase orders.• Assisted the buyer in purchasing merchandise and managing the inventory.• Assisted the buyer with analyzing sales, inventory, color, and size performance.• Managed purchase orders by tracking them and following up with the vendors/warehouse.• Ensured accurate and timely entry of pricing for advertisements. • Created the style and pricing template for flyer advertisements.• Ensured advertisements had accurate product and pricing shown.

I assisted the Purchasing Analyst with the creation of purchase orders and pricing compliance. • Produced weekly sales performance reports.• Assisted with the creation of purchase orders.• Provided price history reports to the pricing compliance department.• Assisted with the entry of pricing for advertisements.

I had the responsibility of running the front office, providing a wide range of services to our customers. As Golf Shop Supervisor, I oversaw 17 staff members including all cashiers and ball boys. • Managed the golf shop merchandise and the food and beverage departments.• Programmed and maintained the Jonas sales platform.• Assisted in the creation of advertising brochures.• Carried out office administration duties.

In this role, I serviced individual customers with all of their banking needs. • Helped customers find their optimum array of banking services.• Assisted customers by taking applications for credit and investment products. • Created sales contests for co-workers.• Contacted customers to sell them new products.