Devon Johnson Email & Phone Number

Chicago, IL, US

Greater Chicago Area

Chicago, Illinois, US

• U.S. Category Lead for Cheese & Dairy (October 2023-present)
• U.S. Category Lead for Produce, Beverages, & Coffee (December 2021-October 2023)

Rosemont, IL, US

• Owned the relationship with 25-30 strategic disposable suppliers accounting for $2.0 billion in annual sales
• Led strategy of highest growing category within US Foods (+13% YOY), which focused around expanding assortment of Takeout items, increasing sustainable disposable options, and driving value within the product category.
• Responsible for negotiating all Vendor agreements and Multi-Year Exclusivity agreements
• Continuously review Exclusive Branded product lines for RFP opportunities and additional cost savings
• Monitored category trends and partnered with product development to launch new innovative products
• Collaborated with cross-functional partners to solve complex challenges and find resolutions

Rosemont, IL, US

• Owned the relationship with 15 strategic disposable suppliers accounting for $1.0 billion in annual sales
• Developed and drove category strategy including launching a Takeout Core assortment of 86 SKU’s and expanding assortment of Exclusive Branded sustainable disposables
• Led all innovative launches within USF Scoop platform and presented products at centralized training
• Negotiated with vendors on all product costs for Exclusive Branded items
• Focused on growing Exclusive Brand penetration through new product launches or conversion opportunities which resulted in Desk Exclusive Brand growth of 6.5% YOY in 2018
• Provided valuable detailed analytics and recommendations to Category Manager to support initiatives

Chicago, IL, US

• Developed and presented Spring & Fall 2017 product lines and financial strategy to senior leadership, identified missed gaps in assortment and built a strong value proposition which showed a 10% growth opportunity over.
• Analyzed sales weekly and reported on performance and actions to be taken at the product level
• Managed relationships with vendors and negotiated all product costs to maintain expected IMU and selling margin
• Owned the execution of orders and partnered with inventory and planning teams to ensure alignment on category strategy
• Responsible for identifying new opportunities and continually driving product development focused around key strategies and category trends
• Mentored and trained 2 new Assistant Buyers on the Sears Adult Athletic team while supporting $78 million department under reorganization

Chicago, IL, US

• Responsible for $52 million department
• Ownership of all National Marketing for category
• Developed an understanding of product development by assisting buyer in agent meetings and providing support on assortment selection
• Gained valuable knowledge of product execution and life cycle
• Reported weekly on sales/margin in comparison to last year, forecast, and plan

Bloomfield Township, Michigan, US

• Responsible for $5 million department within $32 million store operation
• Performed full buying responsibilities for the Nike Tiger Woods apparel line and various accessory vendors with $500,000 volume
• Participated in all seasonal meetings with vendors to provide support to buyer and point of view
• Managed a team of 12-15 sales associates and improved communication and efficiency

• Oversaw the negotiation process and assisted buyer plan merchandise for the 2011 Holidayseason and Spring 2012
• Responsible for receiving new goods and changing floor displays
• Provided superior customer service

New York, NY, US

• Met management given individual sales goals
• Provided superior customer service
• Received Shining Star Associate Award June 2010