At Stage Stores Inc., I led a team of three in the day to day purchasing and sourcing efforts for a highly successful merchandise department of Stage Stores. Successfully managed sales and marketing strategies, purchasing and procurement, vendor management, contract negotiations, inventory control, gross margin, markdowns, as well cost and margin support from suppliers.♦ Partnered with Management and Operations group in the successful conversion of all Department Stores to a new off-price format (Gordmans). Selected to lead the company in the conversion to Gordmans product. ♦ Developed and implemented business and operational improvements that increased efficiencies, streamlined processes, and improved sales performance. Achieved an increase in margin by more than 115 basis points in 2019 vs. 2018.♦ Improved stock to sales ratio from 2.4 in 2018 to more than 2.9 in 2019 by successfully executing business development strategies which drove additional sales and improved margin performance.♦ Provided strategic analysis of sales trends and inventory levels. Placed upfront buys, maintained open to buy, financial plans, markdowns, and re-orders of suitable product for each season.♦ Collaborated with Executive Group, Marketing, and Operations to build merchandise assortments within tight budget constraints that increased new client acquisition rates and improved brand awareness.