Mara Gonzalez Email & Phone Number

Richmond, Virginia, United States

Managing the Imports Portfolios from Spain, Portugal, Germany, Austria, and Greece

Richmond, Virginia Area

Managing the Imports Portfolios from Spain and Portugal

Tysons Corner, Va

Project management for wineries entering the US market, or changing/improving distribution channels. Competition analysis, supply chain, compliance, sales, HR, programming and marketing strategy implementation to execute a successful launch or expansion.Assist with other projects, like recruitment, training, event planning, and office management.

Arlington, Va

Responsible for the supply chain management of this leading importer of fine wine from South America and New Zealand, marketer and seller of wine from California. Main focus was on forecasting, purchasing and best practices adoption. Managed inventory levels, coordinated and reviewed key market needs. Assessed overall supply chain demand and performance for a network of 60+ distributors for both import drop shipment and domestic sales, considering 3 tier needs.Improved supplier turn around by 30% providing accurate forecasts. Worked with Logistics service providers, optimizing rates, availability, and minimizing potential delays; ensuring timely customer orders fulfillment. Planned and coordinated scheduled shipments for retail partner's high volume programs.Recommended, customized and lead the implementation project of the company's first business intelligence software, Dimensional Insight’s Diver. Trained staff in data mining techniques and analytical report production.Collaborated with sales budget and yearly purchase commitment development. Contributed with creation and implementation of new policies, procedures and overall process improvement to ensure company’s growth goals were effectively met.

Potomac, Md

Procured National Brand products, managing a team replenishing the stores in five markets.Led a cross functional team to develop a software tool to improve efficiency in quantity deal purchases. Collaborated with new ordering system roll out, and other process improvement initiatives within the New Stores Group. Collected costs to ensure accuracy for monthly pricing file, and negotiate deals to increase gross margin.

Alexandria, Va

Directed and managed a team in charge of inventory control, national and wholesale purchases for fifty states, including seven owned distribution markets. End to end supply chain management for all purchases from countries handled by the division.Total suppliers 180+, total SKUs 1200+, estimated revenue in 2010 was 100 MM .Developed and implement KPIs, report and track progress. Coordinated efforts with Brand Management, Sales, and Contracts Administration to ensure business plan is executed.

Alexandria, Va

Led the integration process of personnel and brands from the former Billington Wines into Winebow Inc., and was the main liaison with NJ HQ.Managed the challenging transition process with out disruption of the product flow.Responsible for all purchases for the division, managed inventory levels, assessed overall supply chain demand and performance for a network of 60+ distributors for both import drop shipments and domestic sales for the national and seven owned distribution markets. Effectively coordinated all supplier relations aspects, as well as supply chain, compliance, and divisional issues, enhancing inter departmental communication.. Coordinated efforts with Sales Management, ensuring alignment with company's strategic goals.Winebow is the leader importer of Italian wines. The Emerald Wines Division was created out of the brands, suppliers and personnel from BILLINGTON WINES. Winebow is now also a leading importer of fine wine from Argentina and Chile, with portfolio enhancements from Germany, France, and New Zealand.

Springfield, Va

Directed and managed the purchasing and logistics functions for this leading importer of fine wine from South America, specialty importer from New Zealand, Spain, France and Germany, and producer and seller of wine from California as revenue grew over 400 % reaching 36.5 MM in 2008.Worked directly with top 5 distributors implementing an innovative order suggestion system that significantly optimized inventories, driving overall customer satisfaction. Collaborated with creation of a more sophisticated tool, and plan for execution as project was expanded to 30 additional distributors.Implemented and managed KPIs to measure and improve all major operational aspects. Created traffic position and related SOP to ensure timely tracking and processing of all inbound and outbound shipments, delivering visibility, and updates to all relevant parties. Worked on recruiting, selecting,on boarding, training, as well as supervising and mentoring employees with different functions in Operations, Compliance, Administration, and Sales Logistics..As a member of the executive team, collaborated with several process improvement initiatives,and updates of policies and procedures. Lead the creation of a detailed operational manual.In 2009 the combination of multiple factors caused the company to wind down operations, most of its brands and personnel formed the Emerald Division at Winebow Inc.

Springfield, Va

Acted as Chief of Staff, gatekeeper to CEO, General Office Manager, and HR principal contact.  Made domestic and international travel arrangements, for individuals and groups. Supervised full scope event planning – Off-site presentations and tastings, as well as on-site company gatherings. Produced multiple recurring and ad hoc performance reports, and worked with vendors, customers, and the Sales Division on behalf of the CEO to drive efficiency.Hired, trained and supervised staff dealing with Administration, Compliance, Operations, and Marketing Worked with CFO and Finance Department, IT, and Sales Management collaborating with creation and Implementation of procedures to improve efficiency of processes and reduce overall expenses.Purchasing Manager for the German and Alsatian portfolio. Assisted with purchases from Argentina, Chile and Spain. Decreased inventory by 18% in categories managed. Increased shipment capacity by 20 % company-wide.Negotiated pricing and levels of service with multiple logistics providers, as well as other vendors reducing expenses.

Mendoza, Argentina

Managed the apparel, shoes, and home-lines departments for this 250 MM regional retailer.Created business plans,monthly budgeting, and goals execution, as well as special events to promote customer loyalty and engagement.Managed staff of 5 purchasing 15 MM in goods, and indirectly supervised the personnel in charge of softlines in the 20 stores and distribution center.Decreased inventory by 31%, increased sales by 12%,and implemented new vendor agreements/allowances.Redesigned store layouts and installation of new fixtures and signage, project completed 10% under budget. Reorganized the division promoting empowerment, and training team members to excel..

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Directly responsible for annual volume in excess of 8 MM, for the managed departments in all Super-Centers. Managed the budgeting, inventory planning, private brand development, imports, promotions, and profitability of the area, as the chain grew from scratch to to ten stores.Exceeded Back to School seasonal sales budget by 23% and gross margin dollar budget by 32%, and received an award.Performed highest yearly comparative sales and profit increase, 28%, received special recognition and prize.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Successfully contributed establishing the brand, and building the business from the ground up. Provided full range of administrative support handling a demanding workload and consistently meeting tough deadlines. Translated in meetings and conferences. Was promoted fast due to outstanding performance, and excellent training and mentoring.

Lic., International Relations

US Equivalent: Masters in International Relations

Bachiller Bilingue En Ciencias Y Letras