Patrick Blakey Email & Phone Number

Melbourne, Vic, Au

Port Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

St Kilda, Melbourne, Vic

Cotton On Head Office, North Geelong

Major Achievements:- Initiated Merchandise plans to increase brand turnover to support the growth from 250 stores to 495.- Project managed key business initiative, such as the stream lining of reporting.- Expanded Global Planning team from 2 to 9- Working with the Global Brand Merchandise Manager, managed the Brand roll out of the Merchandise Planning model.- Initiated merchandise plans that supported individual gross margin targets and integrated production FOB costings and as a result increased the end of year margin in the USA, Germany and South Africa by 15% GP$- Drove the plans that grew the menswear business like for like by 20% in sales and GP$ in the Australian market FY12/FY11.- Developed plans for a larger store roll out.- Managed the planning/trading calendar to better coordinate production timelines with the range launch dates which, reduced DC spot cover from 16 to 12 weeks.- Decreased the total inventory from 24 to 15 week, thus reducing logistic costs, providing additional revenue for expansion into new markets.- Working with the Global Brand Manager, developed a global strategy that created a minimum commitment by each country on the core range, leading to a 15% decrease in production costs and a 3 week reduction in lead times by securing bulk fabric purchases upfront.- Introduced a Merchandise Plan into the business, and supported the team with on the job training.Responsibilities:- Develop and manage the seasonal product budget plans and in season forecasting- Manage and coordinate the Merchandise planners calendar in conjunction with production lead times- Ensure budgets and targets are adhered to regarding Gross Margin, Sales and Inventory KPI's- Development and training of Merchandise Planners- Manage the Quarterly Range Planning and Production selection

Melbourne, Australia

-Planned for Baby Destination comprising of baby outerwear, sleepwear, manchester, nursery furniture, infant accessories and baby consumables with an annual turnover of $60 million - the largest portfolio in Kmart Childrenswear.-Responsible for planning girls and boys outerwear ages 3 years to 16 years. of 182 stores in Australia and New Zealand. Reporting directly to the Planning Manager. -Additional responsibilities included marketing and building brand profile in conjunction with the buyer.-Responsible for the training and development of a Trainee Planner & Inventory Co-ordinator, as well as working closely with 2 Buyers & their buying teams.

Kuwait

-Senior Merchandiser for the Debenhams franchise. Key member in the team which contributed to winning Retail Week’s "International Retailer for 2001”.-Key responsibilities included: yearly business planning and management for a £35 million business, OTB management, in-season trading of 8 stores in 5 Middle Eastern countries. Reporting directly to the General Manager. -Additional responsibilities included: marketing and building brand profile in new markets/countries.-Recruitment and team progression.-Worked closely with UK merchandise team and local licensee holders to adapt UK ranges and concepts for Middle Eastern customers.-Gained a comprehensive understanding of the Middle Eastern market.-Part of a team that developed and opened Debenhams first airport store.

London, United Kingdom

-Joining the business as Merchandise Assistant -Held positions in key fashion departments.-Promoted though the training scheme to Junior Merchandiser managing a department with an annual turnover of £12 million.-Stock management, daily liaison with supply base and assisting the Merchandisers and Buyers in range building, space management, stock allocation, replenishment and terminal stock management.

Leeds, United Kingdom

Marks and Spencer commercial graduate trainee in a large flagship store in fashion and food departments.