Rick Hoffman Email & Phone Number

ResponsibilitiesIn charge of over 2,100 sku’s within 13 categories in Plumbing Department that generate annual sales of over $60 million. Execute sales, margin, markdowns, and inventory plan for assigned categories.Develop customer driven merchandising assortments by category and develop marketing and pricing strategies for each category.Maintain knowledge base of industry and competitor market trends as it relates to assigned categories.Utilize both internal & external data sources to develop assortments that address customer needs and industry trends to grow sales & margin.Maintain and foster relationships with current and potential vendors to the benefit of both parties. Analyze sales trends, key items, vendor profitability and aged inventory for driving improved performance.In charge of the development of product, and negotiation including costs, terms, and subsidies throughout all channels.Create yearly advertising plan for assigned categories, including samples, proofing, and direction, and monitor and maintain performance.Monitor and respond to issues and opportunities resulting from sale’s or margin plan variancesExperience in highly seasonal items doing mini category reviews yearly with vendors for both Spring/Summer & Fall/Winter goods. Selected Achievements Grew total assigned categories Gross Margin Rate every year.Developed SOP advertising plan for entire Plumbing department in conjunction with vendor community input resulting in increased advertising sales from $3 Million in 2008 to $7 Million by the end of 2011 without sacrificing Regular Sales.Developed SOP Cost/Retail analysis sheet to quickly and effectively review category pricing vs. the competition allowing True Value to stay competitive in the market place and continue to make an acceptable margin rate within that category. Developed regional pricing structures for commodity based goods, resulting in sales growth of 10.5%, while maintain margin rate.

Annual, quarterly, forecasting and budgeting by department. Supplier performance Management Price management SKU RationalizationSelected AchievementsSupported business unit growth by leading financial analysis of major business initiatives, retail programs, and pricing opportunities. Monitored impact of new items on category sales to establish category objectives.Actively involved with numerous SKU rationalization projects.

Manage within inventory productivity goals.Reconcile forecasting and receipt flow.Communicate inventory updates with all members of buying team Maintain acceptable in-stock and fill rate goals.Participate in promotional planning process to ensure item candidates can be supported.Participate in Line Reviews to determine inventory liability of discontinued items, transition sheets for conversion to new items programs.Single point of contact for all vendors regarding inventory requirements. Selected AchievementsAnalyzed business and item trends to effectively allocate inventory into those products that are trending upwards.Mentored and coached new inventory planners in department.Strategically planned with Buyers on line reviews and promotional items to build tactical inventory plans for in-stock needs, and goals.Managed within inventory productivity goals.

Manage within inventory productivity goals.Manage forecasting and inventory planning for the distribution centers.Communicate inventory updates with all members of buying team Maintain acceptable in-stock and fill rate goals.Participate in promotional planning process to ensure item candidates can be supported.Initiate and coordinate the Promotional Buying Worksheet at a national level allowing MA's to facilitate the roll up of individual needsSingle point of contact for all vendors regarding inventory requirementsMonitor liability inventory at the DC level and supports development of liquidation plans with Merchandise planning manager.Support revenue growth plan of the business.Selected AchievementsNegotiated with vendors returns on slow moving inventory freeing up additional inventory dollars to allocate towards trending itemsWorked with vendor community and buyer on preseason product buys assuring inventory for start of season, while negotiating for special costs to place big buys. Mentored and coached inventory planners for promotional opportunitiesStrategically planned with Buyers to build inventory plans and worked with inventory planners to monitor inventory levels to attain goals.Provided leadership to inventory team on big projects through strong analytical abilities, and strategic planning.

•Manage within inventory productivity goals.•Manage forecasting and inventory planning for the distribution centers.•Communicate inventory updates with all members of buying team •Maintain acceptable in-stock and fill rate goals.•Participate in promotional planning process to ensure item candidates can be supported.