Nancy Houston Email & Phone Number

West Linn, Oregon

Worked closely with owner and product innovation engineer to develop and build technical, patented insole products. Established, managed and fostered relationships with various external suppliers to serve the needs of the business, including designers, photographers, videographers, packaging supplier, interns, copywriters and material suppliers. In addition to identifying key suppliers, implemented and briefed them on projects and ensured accurate deliverables. Championed, guided and collaborated with cross-functional teams within the organization. Contributed to sustainability and philanthropic projects. Supported implementation of policies and procedures to improve productivity, streamline processes. Managed strategic plans to maintain highest possible levels of service.

6285 Lakeview Blvd. Lake Oswego, Or 97035

Performed dual role as action-oriented Account Manager and Product Developer. Proactively assessed account needs to identify product assortments. Engineered product in accordance with account direction, cost targets, performance requirements, delivery timelines and more. Advised clients with recommendations on best practices to standardize and streamline the product process. Built clear communication channels with internal partners, customers, vendors and overseas offices. Researched and generated ideas for advanced innovations to implement in product to promote cutting-edge technology and function. Traveled to Taiwan, China and Cambodia to support product creation and production process in offices and factories.

Recruited to manage footwear development for Work and Outdoor categories. In this role, I developed Work product by adhering to rigorous domestic and international safety specifications and standards. Served as key contributor to the launch of Outdoor, as a category for the Ariat brand, into key retailers. Participated as a member of the Advanced Technical team, responsible for collaborating to create, test and implement new footwear advances, enhancements and technologies. Served as liaison with external research and technical facilities to gather and analyze data to increase efficiency of technologies. Regularly traveled to overseas factories to execute development, as well as domestic market research travel and attendance at seasonal outdoor retailer and shot show conferences to analyze market trends and competitor landscape. Participated in the initial phases of creating a PLM system by providing insight to system needs and setup, as well as recommendations on roll out. Created and implemented Best Practices to facilitate process and structure to accommodate the rapid growth of the organization.

Portland, Oregon Area

Promoted to leadership role with focused team created to address opportunities in the North America markets for the NEO brandmark, of which I previously helped create. Drawing upon senior level expertise and skills in both product development and marketing, successfully managed product line beginning to end. New role entailed more end-to-end process responsibilities, taking product from planning stages to product placement and merchandising, with greater involvement in each stage. Collaborated with account marketing and brand marketing teams to effectively activate product. Led internal and external presentations of seasonal product offering. Worked closely with sales and retail accounts, successfully establishing assortments at profitable margin. Traveled frequently to oversee production in Vietnam factories, as well as domestic travel to meet with accounts and conduct market research. Served as interim Business Unit Director during 7 month period, during which time NEO group was closest to forecast accuracy, produced fastest inventory turns and highest pair efficiency for all adidas business units in Performance and Style categories.

Portland, Oregon Area

Promoted to unique hybrid role created specifically to utilize both my development and marketing skills and expertise. One of the founding members to establish the highly successful NEO brandmark for adidas, building business from zero to over 8.6 million pairs in the market. Developed marketing strategy for this new business, took ownership for the entire product management process with emphasis on high-level quality product development. Analyzed consumer and marketing trends to identify growth opportunities. Worked closely and efficiently with all relevant cross-functional personnel in the product creation process. Responsible for presenting product range both internally and externally to account partners and sales teams. Frequent travel to Korea and Vietnam to oversee production in factories, as well as Europe to conduct market research. Integral creation and development role contributed to evolution of exciting and thriving new brandmark.

Portland, Oregon Area

Expanded successful product development expertise into marketing role. Supported category manager in the implementation of building product ranges and presentations. Responsible for management of customized, Special Make Up products for Family Footwear, Department Stores and Sporting Goods channels. Worked closely with design and development teams to create, build and finalize market and account-relevant products. Created product briefs and comprehensive shoe packages based on market, consumer and account needs. Quickly and effectively adapted development expertise to excel in marketing role. Promoted to unique senior level role upon success in this role.

Baltimore, Maryland Area

Recruited by Under Armour to assist in the creation and management of footwear development division. Successfully launched and managed footwear development for Football, Baseball and Slides categories. Oversaw costing, development, product testing, materials and commercialization for all footwear. Served as lead contact with liaison office and factory in China to execute quality footwear development, commercialization and production. Initiated and maintained ongoing contact with material vendors to create extensive materials library. Created and implemented development practices, templates and manuals for start-up in footwear.

Portland, Oregon Area

Established thorough product development expertise in Basketball, Skate, Adventure, Special Make Up, American Baseball and American Football categories. Responsible for managing Athlete Services and Promo custom footwear development. Worked closely with various departments to ensure controlled costing, materials, product testing and factory capacity level loading. Maintained effective correspondence with liaison office and factories, frequently traveling to Asia to oversee production. Created and implemented Product Data Management and Range Management System database training for over 30 employees. Successfully maintained large workload, with over 350 articles per season. Nominated for the adidas Leadership Award for performance in 2003.

Speech Communication And Rhetoric

Activities and Societies: Oregon State University Forensics team parliamentary debate, Associated Students of Oregon State University.

High School, General Studies

Activities and Societies: Volleyball, Softball, Basketball, Drama and Recipient of Scholarship Award.