Kate Alexander Email & Phone Number

Carlisle, Gb

Working across four in-house brands (Lakeland Active, 55 Sport, Kilter, Lago Terra) to design, develop and oversee production of a range of products, focusing on footwear, bags and small accessories aimed at the outdoor and sporting customer.• Management of the product department, liaising closely with directors• End-to-end project management of the design, production and delivery process• Planning, execution and management of all strategic projects under the Product sector within the business• Building and nurturing a strong supplier base and working with external stakeholders to continually improve in areas such as sustainability, cost, quality and efficiency• Working to a critical path to ensure timely development and delivery to maximise turnover• Strategic overhaul of existing processes, including introducing automation in the project management process, to improve efficiency, usability and transparency• Managing demand planning and forecasting in line with KPIs and strategic goals within the product department• Analysing and mitigating risk factors including supply chain and product issues• Responsible for all design development from initial research and concept to delivery• Managing and monitoring project budgets and costs across buying, freight, delivery and buying• Providing training, mentoring and guidance to staff• Knowledge and implementation of EU directives related to product compliance• Compiling tech packs and order specifications adhering to an exceptionally high level of detail, including all product and packaging• Cross-team collaboration and communication across marketing, customer service and fulfilment• Analysis of available data from internal and external sources to improve product quality, customer experience and profitability• Managing QC/QA to identify, monitor and improve on any persistent problems to improve overall product quality

Carlisle, England, United Kingdom

Responsible for product development across our 4 in-house brands (Lakeland Active, 55 Sport, Thistlewood, Lago Terra)Areas of expertise:• Designing and developing new products for in house brands from concept to delivery• Sourcing suppliers for new products and building supplier relationships• Designing according to market research, trends and market opportunities• Liaising with overseas suppliers to manage all products from concept to order approval, including sample technical specifications, sample evaluation and amendments, packaging technical specifications, order specifications within agreed timeframes• Organising QC inspections and maintaining high product standards• Liaising with freight agents and suppliers for timely delivery of stock

Carlisle, United Kingdom

Partnering with leading clients in the B2B events industry to deliver innovative digital and printed publications. Within my current role I am responsible for project managing this process from concept to completion, implementing marketing strategies and communications to ensure our client's objectives are met and exceeded. Excellent communication and relationships with both clients and suppliers have been pivotal to my success in this role.Areas of expertise:• Contract and project management for leading events companies including Hyve, Clarion and Reed• Creating engaging content and copy for use in print and digital to increase exhibitor and visitor engagement• Handling and analysing exhibitor and visitor data to extract meaning, action insights and drive advertising sales leads• Developing proposals for new and existing business, including new products and initiatives• Championing the digital publishing plan

London

Working across multiple departments within Own Buy Menswear, I created and developed successful ranges for our '20 something' customer, and by the end of my time I was given sole responsibility of the Casual Shorts department. During my time on Knitwear and Casual Trousers/Shorts I worked to develop strong relationships with suppliers in the UK and overseas, sourced materials and trims in line with trend forecasts and commercial budgets and conducted customer research to informe the design process and ensure our products were in line with customer demand and our first to market ethos. Areas of expertise:• Successful product development through informed design, range builds and departmental strategies• Working seamlessly between two different departments within Own Buy Menswear, as well as working collaboratively with other product areas in menswear and womenswear to develop co-ordinating products• Implementation of new technology, e.g. Shima Seiki, into the department to modernise the sampling process and encourage more sustainable practices• Working collaboratively with buying and merchandising to react quickly to gaps in the market and buying trends to identify key opportunities

Carlisle, United Kingdom

Working alongside my studies, I gained strong knowledge of footwear and accessories across mens, ladies and kids which allowed me to successfully advise customers on the best product for them.Areas of expertise:• Understanding the needs of customers and giving appropriate advice• Clear knowledge of target markets and demographics of our customers• Stock management and organisation• Target driven achievement• Utilising new technology to enhance customer experience, e.g. kiosks on the shop floor to show stock level and order status• On the job training twice monthly alongside service reviews

Stockholm, Sweden

Gaining a place on the H&M Internship scheme at their Stockholm HQ gave me an invaluable insight into the working of one of the world's leading fashion retailers.• Creating and editing technical production packs to send to international suppliers and factories• Conducting trend research to assist with colour, shape and trim direction• Product development including fabrics, details, silhouette and colourways• Tailoring product offerings to an international audience through range builds and sales report analysis

Bachelor’S Degree, Fashion Design, First Class

Activities and Societies: One of 17 students selected out of 85 to show my 6 look collection at Graduate Fashion Week 2017 and featured.

Foundation Diploma In Art & Design, Fashion