Merchandising and SourcingResponsibilities include directing all design, merchandising and sourcing initiatives from proto development through production placement and tracking. Full responsibility from design concept through finished goods. Manage large staff of designers, fabric research, product managers, patternmakers and all support staff. Responsible for maintaining quality standards, on time delivery and required margin. Brands include Austin Reed Cream and Black Labels, H&W and eye.

Merchandising Responsibilities include directing all design/merchandising cycle functions from initial concept through production approval. Serving as liaison to production department for procurement of raw materials and finished stock. Joint responsibility for sourcing of offshore suppliers. Reporting jointly to the Group President and to the President. Providing strategic guidance and counsel to the senior executive & sales team. Managing large staff of designers, technical designers and product managers. Controlling budget of $12 million with accountability for 5 brands of better / bridge sportswear with total sales volume of $35 million. Brands included Austin Reed, Aura, Semplice, Pussers of the West Indies and H&W. Major Accomplishments:Spearheaded broad-based changes to transform design function into business operating unitImplemented ongoing assessment of market trends to assure alignment with current business circumstances; developed programs to address product development opportunities.Established calendar system to ensure deadlines were met for all design/development activities to ensure on-time delivery of finished stock.Developed formal program to manage number of styles developed, resulting in savings of $500k per brand annually.Developed a team environment resulting in increased employee satisfactionLead & directed cross-functional teams; instituted, a comprehensive and ongoing internal communication plan between sales, production/sourcing, inventory control, quality, distribution and design. Proposed, created, and implemented computer-based design software / graphics programProvided improved design services and support

Managed brand identity for multiple brands of women's sportswear. Accountable for product concepts, development, schedules, negotiating costs and managing deliverables. Controlled $8 million design & sales budgets. Supervised sales and design team.. Improved communication and productivity of division by designing an organizational matrix, creating formal information flow from retail sales to design staff.Developed design and sales staff to move subordinates to new management rolesSuccessfully controlled expenses, delivering brand profitability 8% above original cost estimates.

Held dual responsibilities within the sales department. Led marketing strategy and daily operations for the business unit. Accountable for managing and auditing sales reports. Acted as liaison with finance and merchandising department. Designed and implemented sales tracking programs for the various brandsAnalyzed data to identify opportunities in key product categoriesProvided accurate sales forecasts to control finished goods and raw materials inventories.