Kelly Witte Email & Phone Number

Charleston, South Carolina, Us

As VP, I drive B2B and B2C product development for Apple-compatible accessories. I source, select, and negotiate contracts with material vendors with a focus on cost engineering and margin goal attainment without sacrificing quality or design. Additionally, I conduct cost/price and budget analysis to determine appropriate product pricing. As a people leader, I provide mentorship and support to 19 people across various teams. A few of my most noteworthy achievements while in this role include: • Built the product development department from the ground-up. • Leveraged AI-driven insights to rebrand 3 key products into 'newer and improved' versions with upgraded product features. Produced a substantial increase in volume in less than 1 year of the most recent launch. • Grew, developed, and continuously promoted team members through effective goal setting plans and consistent feedback and coaching. Retained nearly all cross-functional team members over tenure.

As a product development expert and senior leader, I served as a consultant supporting clients in all areas of supply chain management, including materials sampling, manufacturer communications, pricing strategy, and contract negotiations.

New York, Ny, Us

In this role, I headed the development of a start-up e-commerce jewelry and accessories company. I managed wholesale accounts with large department stores, as well as onboarded new vendors with a focus on quality and design. I embraced a major undertaking in this position by building the sourcing department from the ground up, while reporting directly to the co-founder and Chief Sourcing Officer. I focused on executing the launch of Bauble Bar products across major retail chains. Some key achievements include: • Streamlined purchasing processes by launching a company-wide production lifecycle calendar, changing production from a weekly to a seasonal basis. • Established a packaging strategy to deliver the greatest efficiency and cost optimization possible. • Created and implemented various tools to save measurable cost, improve processes, and expand the category base substantially.

New York, Ny, Us

Tapped for promotion to direct accessory production from product design to launch for five brands. I cross-functionally managed teams specializing in distinct brand and product categories. One of my primary focuses was to negotiate and review costing with vendors globally to ensure cost efficiency. I also served as a people leader, managing 10 direct reports while overseeing $332M+ retail dollars, and 10M SKUs per year. Some of my noteworthy accomplishments include: • Ranked in the top 3 company-wide for Gallup manager and employee engagement results. • Introduced eco-friendly initiatives and process improvements to drive productivity and quality.• Enhanced production processes by streamlining vendor base and implementing a vendor scorecard evaluation system.• Exceeded all IMU goals by brand across all managed categories in 2013.

New York, Ny, Us

As Senior Manager, I led a team specializing in fashion accessories and leg wear categories across all brands at Ann Inc. I oversaw all stages of sourcing, including vendor screening, selection, development, cost negotiation, and vendor quality compliance. I also managed import logistics and tariffs. Some of my key accomplishments include: • Spearheaded the launch of Lou & Grey lifestyle brand in five stores in 2014.• Regulated production performance and partnered with overseas counterparts in China and India to consistently meet and/or exceed performance goals.

New York, Us

I headed product development for Women's Collection Accessories with a focus on design, quality, and cost. I evaluated costing to ensure margin goals were achieved while adhering to budget constraints. Additionally, I directed all aspects of material production operations with a focus on efficiency and quality.

New York, Us

I maintained and oversaw efficient production of accessories. I also managed an office in Florence via on-site visits and remotely, monitoring costing and delivery details.

New York , Ny, Us

I managed trim and lining purchasing, development, and production, as well as communicated with international vendors for beading or embroidery purposes and with factories to confirm trim used on final production garments. I maintained stock inventory of linings and fusible fabrics.

New York , Ny, Us

As Coordinator, I facilitated and oversaw all aspects of production including finalizing details of garment construction, issuing new purchase orders, monitoring production progress, and working closely with merchandising and sales.

Associate Of Arts And Sciences - Aas, Design

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Apparel Design And Technology