Catherine Forbes Taylor Email & Phone Number

United Kingdom

Oxford, Gb

Member of the senior leadership team, reviewing and creating overall business direction and strategy.Direct management of Buying and Product technology department as well as interim management of Ecommerce and Marketing department, totalling 7 team members.Sets the overall direction and tone of the business with responsibility for both Buying and Product Strategy and also creation and delivery of a new Brand Strategy.Delivered sales growth over 130% over 2 years, increasing margin over 12pp.Lead and supervise range design and buying process end to end, including internal sales analysis, market analysis, product design, supplier management, supplier negotiation, pricing and product launch, including UK, French and Irish branded websites.Representing Buying and Marketing functions in the planning and launch of a new ERP system within the business.

Pangbourne, England, United Kingdom

Determine product strategy for the business reviewing all current ranges and delivering over 50%+newness across 5 categories, delivering margin growth across all product areas.Reviewed resource needs for the business, setting up Merchandising and Marketing functions as well as building the Buying and Product Technology department.Performed competitive reviews of the market and assessed gaps in ranges, designing products unique to the business to fill these gaps.Works closely with factories in the Far East to develop product designs and deliver end products at good margin and on time.Works closely with finance to review and set business accounts, budgets and profit planning.Responsible for all supplier management and product technology elements, setting up commercial agreements, managing quality control and negotiating supplier claims.

Oxfordshire

Responsible for the Tea category with increasing annual turnover +14% from 2016 equalling 44% of total company sales.Reviewed and resourced key lines to improve margin delivering an increase of GP 3% YOY.Regularly reviewed the market and competitors, reacting to trends by delivering seasonal products, limited editions and updating key categories to ensure a relevant and commercial assortment, both for the UK and International wholesale customers.Analysed core business categories building these areas with exciting, on brand and competitively priced products.Setting creative direction for new season products and overseeing internal and external design resources to deliver the range.Presenting range strategy and new product development to senior management and board members for sign off.Leading tea presentations at regular store conferences and running inductions and explaining strategic direction to new staff members.

Contributed to two record years for Lighting including sole responsibility for Kids and Novelty category delivering record sales through range restructure and development alongside a full own brand packaging re-design of the Novelty range.Reviewed beds and bedroom furniture product set up and online launch processes to deliver earlier sales on new ranges.Successfully launched a brand new category into Large Electrical, including supplier selection and commercial terms negotiation, range build and product launch planning with internal stakeholders throughout the business.

London, England, United Kingdom

Member of the team that delivered a record eight consecutive weeks of sales orders. Introduced critical path and assortment review processes into the office and supported the team through the change. Reviewed supplier terms and renegotiated commercial terms with key accessories suppliers.Reviewed stocked ranges and ordering process with merchandising to improve availability from 83% to 97%. Updated online accessories ranges resulting in 160% increase in orders year on year.

Worked closely with category and merchandising teams to ensure stock and sales targets were hit.Developed supplier management and influencing skills through daily communication with suppliers.Negotiated funding from suppliers on numerous occasions.Managed range documents and was instrumental during desktop and TFT peak range planning process. Gained strong product knowledge from little previous understanding.Supported senior buyer and category directors in pursuit of outstanding monies due before year end.Developed good understanding of customer base and needs to make more informed ranging decisions.

2.1, Ba Retail Management With A Year In Industry

Activities and Societies: Student Representative 1st, 2nd and Final year.Completed a dissertation investigating high street fashion ranges.

Education record