Mike Kurek Email & Phone Number

Phoenix, Arizona, United States

• Full ownership of the product assortment, with ongoing guidance provided to the inventory planning team, offering direction on replenishment flags, allocation min's and max's, and supplier performance.• Orchestrate the development and management of an Omni-channel pool and spa care assortment, supporting 975 physical locations and a robust digital platform.• Apply category management practices to analyze product profitability, selection, display, and assortment.• Ensure full accountability for key performance indicators (KPIs) including Cost, Price, Sales, Gross Profit, and Margin.• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key suppliers, negotiating favorable terms to enhance profitability.• Leverage advanced Excel skills to analyze sales data, providing critical insights to support category strategy and performance metrics.• Identify and implemented supply chain optimization opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Phoenix, Arizona Area

• Managed relationships with 400+ suppliers and oversaw an 8,000-part product assortment, contributing to annual sales exceeding $200 million.• Developed and executed strategies and objectives for product categories including HVAC Equipment, Appliances, Plumbing, and Hardware.• Implemented purchasing strategies, including assortment changes, pricing strategies, and legislative adjustments, to achieve a superior market position.• Accountable for full KPI metric management, including Cost, Price, Sales, Gross Profit, and Margin.• Negotiated contracts and managed all elements of supplier programs, ensuring optimal supplier relationships.• Oversaw product knowledge training for a sales team of over 200 individuals.• Mentored and managed a team of ten associates, including Buyers, Merchant, and Business Analysts.

Greater San Diego Area

• Accountable for growing product categories and vendor relations, resulting in annual sales exceeding $200 million.• Managed a 4,000-part product assortment, including supplier/part selection, cost negotiation, and merchandising for annual catalog, direct mail, and e-commerce.• Negotiated vendor contracts and executed all elements of supplier programs, including rebate, COOP/marketing, trade discounts, payment terms, freight, and acquisition cost.• Developed pricing strategies relative to competition, ensuring a competitive market position.• Supported a sales team of 800+ individuals with sales product training, bid quotation, and customer service.

Provided operational support to the staff of the corporate headquarters and to over 120 affiliating field offices. Responsible for the purchasing and planning of printed materials, production supplies, and equipment; to include inventory control and analysis. Represented company in interviewing vendors and negotiated agreements for company contracts. Accountable for maintaining office equipment; coordinating with vendors as needed for, repair, replacement, or maintenance. Coordinated internal office space moves, cubicle planning/setup, and furniture movement. Responsible for maintaining the Corporate Facilities and offsite Shipping Facilities, coordinating with vendors for repair and maintenance.