Responsible for leading department and merchandising categories in the development and implementation of assortment strategies and tactics that drive sales and margin for True Value Company. Accountable for managing the most strategic relationships within the department. Created best in class assortments aimed at supporting product utility, retail penetration, new product innovation, differentiation, and destination brands. Implementing strategic growth plans with key vendors across internal support functions. Negotiating key vendor programs to support department growth initiatives. Leading a team of associates in the execution of assortment strategic vision in alignment with corporate objectives.

Pet, Farm, Automotive, Hardware Department Merchant. Transformed Pet Department from convenience to specialty focus. Grew pet sales 25 million over 5 years. Created marketing materials aimed at educating retailers of benefits of adopting the pet category including guidance for success. Worked to educate pet vendor community of independent retailer potential and negotiated to acquire specialty brands. Developed and presented a 5-year business plan to senior management for adoption of programs. Created pet newsletter for retailers. Introduced new product categories. Created new assortments and planograms. Worked directly with strategic retailer accounts to plan and execute custom pet sets. Partnered with inventory to balance dated merchandise investment. Negotiated special program truckload buys. Designed Black Friday pet products, Negotiated extended supplier promotional funding. Created new private label pet identity and product line exclusive to True Value retailers. Developed new Farm & Ranch programs and grew sales to over 60 million.

Responsible for achieving the department and company service level and turn goals. Worked as a team with merchants, distribution, and logistics to execute Market Only Specials, assortments, warehouse orders, relay orders, and preseason orders. Oversaw Inventory interests in eight departments. Supervised nine planners. Interviewed, evaluated and trained new Inventory Planners. Negotiated efficiencies to improve supplier performance.

Enhanced and maintained the Collaborative Commerce Program and the Merchandise Information Office. Developed and improved data integrity business processes, systems and applications. Supervised four Merchandise Data Analysts and one Collaborative Planner. Interviewed, evaluated and trained new Collaborative Commerce Suppliers. Analyzed and communicated weekly and monthly performance to Collaborative Partners. Gave corrective actions to improve Collaborative Partner performance. Established guidelines, policies & procedures necessary to insure accurate data.

Developed, implemented, and maintained assortments and merchandise programs to maximize sales and profit. Contacts included Presidents, Vice Presidents, National Account Managers, supplier-affiliated representatives, regional support staff, distribution center managers, and customer service individuals. Negotiated vendor program elements, payment terms and competitive pricing. Set up new suppliers, products, and conducted line reviews. Measured supplier performance through fill rate, service level, and lead-time. Resolved inventory disposition for discontinued or overstocked product. Updated and maintained the product catalog. Managed E3 daily replenishment and was involved in initial E3 setup for company. Assisted in the creation of direct mail advertising, sales promotions, and market programs. Created and coordinated assortments and planograms. Communicated with members to resolve issues and problems. Searched for alternative sources during shortages or markouts. Introduced New SKU’s and programs.

Managed inventory to produce the highest possible service level and turns. Evaluated vendors’ strengths and weaknesses to improve current status and work toward most efficient and cost saving processes. Adept at recognizing trends and reacting to avoid stock out situations. Consistently met or exceeded department goals. Placed orders weekly to replenish inventory in distribution centers. Created estimates and promotional forecasts. Expedited open orders.