Jessica Hobbs Email & Phone Number

Greater New York City Area

• Conducted styling appointments providing floor plans and product recommendations for residential and commercial clients. Developed ongoing relationships with interior designers through outreach and networking.
• Partnered with district leadership to implement seasonal merchandising strategies and help organize events. Supported marketing efforts through freelance photography services and social media posts.

Chattanooga, Tennessee

• Managed assortment plans and SKU database for entire company portfolio consisting of furniture, lighting, and decorative accessories.
• Analyzed market and ecommerce sales data to inform product roadmap. Advised purchasing regarding sales forecasting, key SKUs, markdowns, and drops.
• Designed and developed new products from initial concept through market launch including preparing design specs for manufacturers, selecting materials and finishes, and reviewing digitals and prototypes.
• Collaborated with big-box and ecommerce partners to identify and develop new product opportunities.
• Managed design and planning of market product launches including assortments plans, visual merchandising, and all marketing materials.
• Owned catalog development process including creative direction, product selection, imagery, page layouts, and pagination. Reviewed quotes, timelines, and proofs.

Atlanta, Georgia

• Managed product development projects for Trina Turk eyewear and private label collections for Wal-Mart, Sams Club, and Costco.
• Communicated daily with global suppliers pertaining to product details, samples, costing, MOQs, testing, compliance, quality control, and any other product information.
• Facilitated all Prop 65 testing and factory social compliance audits for Vera Bradley and Life is Good brands in accordance with corporate requirements.
• Created and maintained spec sheets and product information database.
• Collaborated with marketing, purchasing, and sales reps regarding brand direction and product feedback.

Atlanta, Georgia

• Developed assortment plans and business strategies for upholstery and fabric business. Reported to Sr. Director of Merchandising to manage all aspects of the category and ensure growth and profitability.
• Conducted competitive analyses, product research, and seasonal deep dives analyzing multi-channel data. Presented findings to President and executive team.
• Managed product development lifecycle from ideation to launch including preparing design specs for manufacturers, reviewing samples and strike-offs, and determining names, pricing, and margins.
• Negotiated competitive costs and MOQs. Researched innovative products and materials.
• Partnered with inventory management to advise line lists projected sales, target retail and margins, big bets, and products not going forward.
• Collaborated with marketing, copywriters, stylists, and creative to optimize representation across ecommerce, catalog, and retail channels.

Atlanta, Georgia

• Supported merchants in category merchandising and product development efforts to achieve fiscal sales and margin goals
• Provided product ideas and initiated project sheets
• Reviewed product development samples and provided feedback and direction to manufacturers
• Maintained database of product information and category assortments
• Determined product names, pricing, and margin
• Prepared sales reports and analyzed sales data to determine trends and themes within the business

Athens, Georgia

• Facilitated courses as a Teaching Assistant for Media and Technology (Telecommunications 3290) and Intro to Journalism (Journalism 3310)
• Guest lectured in social media and brand marketing for Intro to Journalism course
• Mentored students in learning modules covering Adobe Photoshop and Flash and starting and managing a blog through Wordpress

Athens, Georgia

• Designed invitations, brochures, and posters for GMOA events and exhibitions using Adobe Photoshop and InDesign
• Blogged for Curator’s Corner, the Georgia Museum of Art’s blog, and maintained social media accounts
• Prepared news releases and promotional emails and oversaw Monthly Media Calendar and Advance Exhibition Schedule for all local and national media contacts, such as the New York Times, Art Daily, and Southern Living