Eric Bernard Email & Phone Number

Hamilton, On, Ca

Burlington, Ontario, Canada

Full responsibility for the Supply Chain, including Supplier Relations, Sourcing, Purchasing, Inventory Management, Transportation & Logistics, Warehouse Operations, and Staffing for all current and future Prema Canada operations sites. Collaborating with fellow executives, managers, and staff to develop and achieve departmental and organizational goals. Inspiring and engaging staff to deliver a best-in-class experience to all wholesale, retail, domestic and international customers. Actively promoting cross-departmental collaboration and co-operation to maintain and improve company culture. Playing a key role in the development and execution of our organizational strategic plan.

Burlington, Ontario

Measurable Statistics Achieved by our Team:Reduced Brokerage Expense by 50+% over last 3 yearsReduced Duty Expense by proper classification of items by 40% over last 3 yearsReduced Freight In expense by 3.6% over last 3 years despite business growth of over 5%Reduced Freight Out Expense by 12% over last 4 years despite growing transportation costsReduced Inventory Shrink by 37K over last 4 years by implementing inventory controls.Above cost reductions resulted in > $130K annual improvement to bottom lineManager of all Purchasing functions as well as all Warehouse & Logistics Operations, responsibilities include:Management of Microsoft GP Purchase & Inventory system, including the analysis, preparation and issuance of all Purchase Orders. Monitoring Purchase Orders ensuring timely vendor compliance, working to minimize back-orders. Regular contact with all vendors, service suppliers, couriers, freight carriers.Responsible for the discussion and negotiation of product pricing, freight terms, annual rebates, allowances and special promotions. Responsible for sourcing and pricing all products in accordance with company margin objectives.Inventory planning and management including maintaining adequate inventory levels, recognition and dispersal of slow moving inventory, back-order reporting and management. Ensuring adequate inventory levels are maintained and turn objectives are met.Regularly evaluating MIN MAX logic, updating sales forecasting, vendor lead times.Development and roll out of our Equipment Program, including sourcing the wide range of parts and equipment required as well as assisting in the implementation of a parts reporting system. Development of product pricing and bulk buy programs, working with marketing on various promotional programs including flyers, chain account specials, show specials and other marketing initiatives. Negotiation of special purchases when required and proactive purchasing in advance of price increases

Brantford, Ontario

Developed merchandise financial plans and collaborated on strategies necessary to meet Company objectives of sales increase, receipt flow, weeks of stock, inventory turns and gross margin.Forecasted performance variances and participated in the development and execution of strategies to mitigate plan shortfalls or maximize plan overages to accomplish sales, margin dollar and inventory turn objectives.Developed, reviewed and obtained buy-in on strategies with the Buyer to ensure financial objectives are achieved.Formulated seasonal merchandise plans at department and class levels in partnership with the buyer, balancing the mix of close out vs. non close out business.Evaluate plans on a rolling review schedule and developed recommendations for changes.Performed necessary analytics to leverage performance and any necessary course correction of any financial opportunitiesManaged and directed the process to ensure timely delivery of Open to Buy budgets and forecasts.Reviewed Open to Buy, analyzed receipt timing/flow & DC split and recommended additional purchases or cancellations based on sales and inventory plans, trends and forecasts.Conducted periodic reviews of seasonal and aged inventories. Recommended promotional and markdown strategies to liquidate inventories most profitably.Actively managed the business by identifying opportunities to exploit sales and margin opportunities.Partnered with buyer and allocation analyst to develop execution tactics.Developed a collaborative team atmosphere through an open exchange of ideas and positive feedback between buyer, planner and allocation analyst team members.Led process improvements and necessary enhancements to processes, reporting and analytics of merchandise financial plan.Developed and maintained positive relationships with Leadership Team members through active communication.Accountability included but not limited to, Sales, Gross Margin, Inventory Turnover, GMROI, Assortment & Forecast accuracy.

Created and developed markdown analysis reporting, with a focus on costing and margin.Maintained and purged promotional and markdown pricing data. Operated as an effective team member through honest and respectful business communication.Administration of urgent pricing for the internal website.Created and distributed executive markdown reporting.Ensured timely entry of markdowns, price updates and promotional pricing throughout the organization.Performed analysis of always in merchandise and reorder amounts.Liaised with merchants and operations for inventory requirements of conversions, transfers, new store openings and current/future needs.Executed analysis of inventory for new store openings and conversion locations.Generated AD Hoc reports upon requests based on WOS and deal performance.Analyzed sales and inventory data to ensure appropriate allocation of merchandise to the outlets while ensuring the proper inventory levels and merchandise mix are represented in the outlets.Analyzed weekly sales and inventory reports and made recommendations to revise merchandise need figures based on sales trends.Developed and maintained store allocation reports used by the merchants to help determine buying needs.Coordinated store to store inventory transfers as required.Communicated effectively and regularly with Store Operations to ensure that all opportunities are maximized and challenges are solved quickly and efficiently.Accountability included Inventory Turnover, Inventory Requirements, Sales, Markdown Reporting

Maximized sales and gross profit in Outlet.Controlled labour cost percentage as outlined in yearly management goals and budgets.Ensured all controllable cost aspects of the P&L are held to a minimum.Enforced Loss Prevention and Outlet security policies and procedures in store.Conducted accurate inventory counts and inventory prep of Outlet.Ensured a clean, crisp and organized Outlet. Created and implemented a creative and powerful merchandise plan to maximizes sales and create impact.Frequently revisited merchandising to obtain maximum sales.Executed all marketing and event deals. Reacted to seasonal trends.Maintained proper signage, ticketing and pricing as outlined in company policy and through corporate communication.Operated the Outlet in a manner that maximizes the amount of freight on the floor and minimizes it in back room.Ensured online receiving completed in a timely fashion in accordance with policy.Processed direct shipments and complete PO receiving.Participated in local buying initiatives including promoting, sourcing, handling and pack-ups when necessary

Scheduled Outlet associates and management in accordance with all employment standard legislation and company policy in order to ensure proper and adequate staff coverage.Ensured payroll was completed in a timely and accurate manor.Maintained cash handling standards following Outlet balancing procedures, enforces adherence to cash handling policies, investigates, reports and documents all variances in cash and product.Maintained employee files.Maintained receiving files as per company policy.Ensured courier pack was complete and sent as required.Recruited and developed Outlet Team ensuring proper levels of skilled staff.Practiced and supported Human Resources corporate policies.Ensured staffs were properly trained in all aspects of their role.Provided ongoing performance feedback and coaching to all staff.Dealt effectively with all staff performance issues including performance reviews.Ensured all associate reviews were completed in a timely and responsible manner.Handled any required disciplinary action in accordance with company policy.Developed and maintained "Bench Strength" through the active execution of succession planning.Led, inspired and motivated the team for maximum productivity.Ensured employees comply with all policies and procedures.Fostered a healthy team environment through open and honest communication.Participated in conference calls and other meetings in a professional and positive manner.Relayed issues and problems that could not be handled at store level to appropriate regional or corporate individual(s).Regular inspection of corporate communication (bulletin/emails/mail etc.) ensured that appropriate action was taken at store level.