Christopher Akers Email & Phone Number

Los Angeles, CA, US

Los Angeles, CA, US

• Developed and executed vendor management and procurement strategies to enhance supply chain efficiency for product programs and achieve company goals aligned to cost management and financial strategies.
• Department Sales: Doubled in 5 years. YOY GM% rose in all product categories.
• Program Development: Strategized with sales leadership on growth opportunities and implemented programs nationwide. Identified leading suppliers to develop branded and private label programs with proven sales records.
• Product Sourcing: Supports sales team by identifying special order product to fill gaps in the core assortment for all sales segments, including inside sales, commercial sales, homebuilder and multi-family housing..
• Vendor Management: Profit margins rose 11% by fostering relationships and negotiating contract terms and performance metrics with 75+ U.S. and overseas vendors, ensuring compliance with organizational policies..
• Vendor Buying Agreement: Worked with senior management on creating and implementing updated vendor policies including extended payment terms, pricing strategies, return goods policies, and marketing and sampling.

City Of Industry, California, US

• Strengthened procurement and import operations for over 4,000 products across 50+ international suppliers, driving growth and supporting market expansion.
• Increased supply chain growth 30% in the first year by implementing strategic operating procedures that aligned with company goals, resulting in significant cost savings and supplier performance improvements.
• Mentored and led a high-performance sourcing and purchasing team, delivering over $50M in annual sales.
• Spearheaded ERP system enhancements (Sage Mas90), reducing inefficiencies and improving quality control and transit operations.
• Reduced lead times by 25% and improved on-time shipments by developing vendor guidelines and operating procedures.

• General Manager, Sales Manager and Brand Manager specializing in high-end home accessories for luxury boutiques, residential and commercial interior designers, hospitality, and multi-door private label accounts..
• Promoted from Sales Manager to General Manager in September 2006.
• Brand manager of high-end collections of bath accessories, home accents and handbags including development, pricing, production, import and marketing.
• Developed strong relationships with all international vendors as the key point of contact for production and product development.
• Product Development team member instrumental in creating all Gail DeLoach branded product. Lead developer of all private label and custom product for multi-door and hospitality accounts.
• Marketing Development lead for marketing materials including web site, catalog and mailings.