Responsible for developing, driving, implementing, measuring, and monitoring the company’s corporate national inventory program. Focused on harmonizing several operating companies under one Canada-wide umbrella. Also: Application Manager for Slimstock Slim4 software with 75 users.

In addition to the prior role's responsibilities, led the inventory management, inventory control, demand planning and replenishment for all Distribution Centres and Branches, equaling an on hand average of ~$188 million cost. Directly managed up to 10 senior analysts and analysts. Project-managed high-level cross-functional projects. (Ask for a resume for a list of selected accomplishments.)

Developed and executed supply chain / inventory / replenishment strategies to ensure high product availability. Created reverse logistics strategies to reduce excess and obsolete inventory in the network. Responsible for seasonal items, product line extensions, replacements, transitions, promotions, customer-specific inventory, and KeepStock. Managed demand and forecast planning processes with offline processes to balance inventory while achieving availability service targets. Collaborated closely with many internal partners to ensure the right inventory was positioned at the right locations. 
Led up to 8 inventory analysts plus 2 contractors to manage stocking policies while ensuring timely and accurate delivery of inventory plans, system updates and access permissions, administration of the simulation system, and continuous improvement goals. Collaborated with Distribution Centres, Branches, Product Management, Marketing, Sales, Transportation, IT / ES to support Product Offer changes and incorporate changes into the Inventory Plan. Interacted regularly with Suppliers / Vendors and the Supplier Performance Management team. Accountable for the daily operation, maintenance, continuous improvement and health of multiple inventory systems. Project-managed high-level cross-functional projects. (Ask for a resume for a list of selected accomplishments.)

Bootstrapped a sole proprietorship by leveraging experience in prior business roles, through principles learned in MaRS Entrepreneurship, and via a McMaster Executive Mini MBA. Created and sold several unique products and services in the public speaking and entertainment markets. Pivoted to serve ideal customers based on market response. Managed all aspects of the business, from accounting to selling to hiring. Ran several online social channels and created 2 websites integrated with e-commerce. Presented information to organizational audiences. Negotiated contracts with senior organizational leaders.

Led the Seasonal department for several years, followed by the Lumber and Building Materials department. Managed 180 stores across Canada for ~$1.25B purchases annually. Drove operational results for inventory turns and on hand inventory dollars. Drove continuous improvement changes that aligned processes with business goals, reduced inefficiencies and met or exceeded all KPI goals. Managed several teams comprised of analysts, senior analysts and team leads, while optimizing many business processes. Shifted stores from ~10% to ~90% centrally managed inventory. Developed training materials and presented strategies to individuals and large groups across Canada and in the USA. Won several awards for business high performance. Project-managed high-level cross-functional projects. (Ask for a resume for a list of selected accomplishments.)

Developed and executed short- to long-term replenishment business plans for several retail groups which included increasingly large portfolios from Better Men’s Apparel, to All Men’s Apparel, to Cosmetics / Fragrances / HABA. Spearheaded change management, identified and executed multiple business opportunities such as the removal of unproductive merchandise. Worked closely with leaders from Distribution Centres, Logistics, Marketing, Merchandising, Planning and many vendors to develop supply chain strategies. Was a key player in meeting group sales / inventory / turnover goals. Managed the largest and most profitable group at HBC. Managed 10-14 direct reports at any one time. Won several awards for business high performance and was in a small elite group sponsored to complete a Mini MBA through McGill University. Project-managed high-level cross-functional projects. (Ask for a resume for a list of selected accomplishments.)

Provided analytical support to ensure effective flow of merchandise and contributed to overall departmental financial objectives. Managed distribution flow, lead times for orders, order cycles and timing of merchandise delivery. Created allocations to maintain in-stock levels at distribution centres and stores. Performed automatic replenishment setup and maintenance using Inforem. Managed aged inventory in distribution centres and stores. Reduced excess weeks-of-supply. Generated reports with recommendations, analyzed and resolved issues relating to forecasts. Worked within Children’s and Men’s Apparel groups. Managed 3 direct reports.

Prepared Purchase Orders for vendors, monitored/modified POs and distributions, worked on various internal software systems (Retek, RDS, BIS, Excel, Inforem), executed distributions according to seasonal plans, executed in-season replenishment, reported/tracked various KPIs for the business in Children’s Apparel.

Promoted self to prospective clients (recording artists and corporate clients) requiring recording / mixing / mastering services, and music and audio production services. Undertook studio bookings, organization of live performances, and all technical and administrative requirements -- while keeping within client budgets. Engineered all levels of the audio and music production process, including pre-production, tracking (recording), mixing, mastering. In addition to music and voice, engineered some sound-for-picture in-studio, and some location sound for film and television. Broad use of audio hardware. Broad use of audio software on Mac and PC systems, with associated problem solving. Liaised between musicians and studio managers. Acted as an audio consultant to many musicians in the Toronto area. Acquired approximately 300 work credits across recording and performing music artists / bands / organizations.