Carrie B. Email and Phone Number

Secure products from China, Korea and Pakistan by container and LCLAchieve turn, fill rate and in stock metricsManage inventory by monitoring and prioritizing sales, expediting orders to maintain target levelsEnsure accurate and timely payment, receipts and deliveriesGenerate cost reduction strategies, resolve overstocks, mitigate risk and improve marginsWork cross-functionally to problem solve, creatively working to find and execute stock solutions

Develop strategy and processes for forecasting, purchasing and managing inventory for $25M at cost for 3 divisions, 4 brands and 5 warehouses utilizing 3 inventory systems. Manage order placement to maximize containers by size and weight and develop shipment plans for suppliers. Track container delivery to support the fluid demand plan and sales forecasts by SKU. Ensure arrival of business critical orders to support sales and customer service needs through escalation processes with freight forwarders and warehouses. Execute all customer specific programs. Verify invoices, shipment documents and prioritize vendor payments.

Developed, sourced and procured distinctive and innovative products at value retails for the LTD consumer through print catalogs and e-commerce. Personally developed over 325 innovative products annually across 19 categories. Fostered existing vendor pool by working with various contacts in order to grow them into long-term productive, creative and strategic partners. Established new contacts to expand LTD vendor base to allow exposure and appeal to broader consumer market. Traveled to multiple shows for product development, planning and sourcing including Outdoor Retailer, Shot Show, Gift Markets, Variety Markets, Tabletop and Housewares shows.

Supported the merchant team in the execution of purchasing, product development, direct importing and plan-o-gram development through a retail chain of over 90 locations and e-commerce to achieve budgeted sales and gross margin. Developed and managed promotional calendar, sales budgets and forecasts. Oversaw all activities to achieve events. Manage open to buy to achieve turn, GMROI and inventory ownership goals. Presented decisions and forecast plans to senior leadership, brands, planning and field. Responsible for execution of product placement in stores. Integral and original member of both the Global Corelle Design team and Snapware Acquisition Qualification team. Primary driver of the Pyrex plant gap fulfillment strategy team. Managed contract negotiation and execution of Corelle Coordinates brand program. Participated in cross functional teams on cost reduction, brand product development and new product launch programs. Attended brand meetings with Retail buyers on a consulting basis. Acted as the liaison between Senior leadership and suppliers for the Acquisition team.

Promoted to expand product development role for wholesale business including grocery while retaining buying responsibilities. Developed private label lines for national customers driving incremental revenue. Responsible for $26.7 million in sales volume. Sourced branded and distinctive restaurant and retail products and perishables for 70 stores, web, catalog, and 40 franchises including international operations. Responsible for all research and development to create a platform of private label food service products and consumables. Managed contract negotiation with regional and cold food storage warehouse distribution companies. Trained, developed assistant buyers. Ensured food safety training and FDA compliance through field compliance and training programs.

Member of the Senior leadership team for Discovery Cove. On the initial park opening team, planning store locations, designs, product assortments and lease programs. Managed concession company relationships and contracts. Responsible for all revenue generation in the park including shops, dolphin interactive photography and new initiatives.