Robert Cuthbertson Email & Phone Number

Carmel, In, Us

Focused on developing strong partnerships with clients through creation of customized solutions to meet client needs, including members of Fortune 500 to mid-market retailers looking to prepare foundation for rapid growth. Managed project teams, project schedule, and budgets as well as client success and satisfaction. Developed and delivered presentations to client executives. • Developed and implemented a retail technology transformation initiative for one of largest hospitality and gaming companies in world.• Directed pursuit and close of deal, delivering process and systems improvements through replacement of ERP, finance, planning, WMS, and POS systems.• Designed digital transformation strategy that focused on omnichannel capabilities for Fortune 50 transportation and retail services organization. Created solution to unify disparate POS from different divisions and e-commerce transactions into single accessible basket.• Managed omnichannel strategy development and solution selection projects leading to selection and implementation of next-generation point of sale and order management solution for leading retailer in sporting goods and outdoor lifestyle industry.• Authored publications focused on merchandise planning, integrated planning, and augmented reality.

Lead project engagements focused on selection and installation of e-Commerce, enterprise and store systems at many top retailers using products from Oracle, SAP, JDA, Micros, Micros OCP, Red Prairie, Manhattan, and many more. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: • Managed the implementation of Micros OCP e-Commerce platform. • Experience Developing Business Requirements, Modification Specifications; 3rd Party Integrations; QA Management: Development of Test Scripts; System and Integration Testing; Developed Standard Operating Procedures and User Training; Post Go-live Support / Issue Remediation.• Developed and executed Product Information Management (PIM) strategy: Re-organized Merchandise Hierarchy, optimized Product Image management process, defined master data management roles and responsibilities.

Minneapolis, Mn, Us

Buyer purchasing Cutlery and Cutting Boards within the Housewares Division for Target Stores. Responsible for sales, margins, costing, and category growth𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀:• Activities included developing merchandising financial plans, managing product adjacencies by creating Plan-o-Grams, and managing product development of own branded products.• Partnered with vendor group to cultivate relationships and innovate opportunities to increase sales and broaden product assortment.

Avon, Oh, Us

Led product marketing program for Duck Brand duct tape product category. Developed advertisement campaigns, how-to videos, media campaigns, promotional materials, and point of purchase collateral. Analyzed sales, market research, customer focus group results, and social media analytics to support business decisions. Oversaw new product development, which included trend research, developing print designs/patterns, category extensions, product packaging, and store displays. Led sales team by developing sales materials, coordinating presentations, and assisting with customer meetings. Financial responsibility for category gross and net margins. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀:• Increased total category 2011 sales by 50% over 2010 through new product introductions, increased distribution, and increased brand awareness/customer engagement.• Increased total category 2010 sales by 23% over 2009 by generating new distribution, designing new packaging and implementing displays. 2010 sales of Color Duck Tape® have increased by 70% over 2009. • Increased or acquired new distribution at Wal-Mart, Target, The Home Depot, Michaels, Staples, Office Max, AC Moore, Ace Hardware, True Value Hardware.• Increased net margins by 10%, by developing premium product offerings.• Added over 30 fashion prints to the product line ranging from Tie Dye and Peace signs to Zebra and Flames.• Utilized trend research, fashion inspiration, and Facebook to create new patterns. • Developed licensing partnerships with NCAA to launch new line of College Duck Tape and Sanrio to create Hello Kitty® Duck Tape®. • New products provided incremental growth of over 20%.• Supported development of a national television commercial and magazine ad campaign. • Managed social media messaging, including Facebook that has grown from 700,000 fans in 2009 to over 4.8 million fans.• Represented the brand as a spokesman in television and print interviews.

Cleveland, Ohio, Us

Premier management consulting firm advising retailers in strategy, technology, and process improvements. Oversaw projects in business strategy, operations, process design, improvement, retail technology selections, and implementations. Analyzed data, requirements, gaps, and resources to influence strategy and change for clients. Developed detailed cost and benefit analysis to support client decisions. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀:• Managed implementation of Red Prairie Warehouse Management system for $300,000,000 furniture retailer with expected savings of $2,000,000 in labor and inventory costs.• Supported development and validation of a strategic plan for a $200,000,000 wholesale manufacturer entering the specialty retail industry. The retail concept contributed a 10% increase in sales in its second year with stores selectively located across the country.• Developed business case identifying where inventory carrying cost could be reduced by 5% while increasing comparable store year over year sales by 2% for a $200,000,000 sporting goods retailer.• Developed a merchandise planning department including job descriptions, task, reports, and process designs for a $250,000,000 retailer who was looking to reduce inventory carrying cost and improve sales.• Conducted business development and sales. Created sales presentations and responses to RFPs

Cleveland, Ohio, Us

Columbus, Oh, Us

Key member of initial merchandising team that guided Hollister’s growth from 5 stores to 176 stores in four years and $500,000,000+ in sales. Responsible for sales, margins, costing, and sales strategies for product portfolio. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀:• Increased average store sales dollars by 7.5% by partnering with Planning and Allocation departments to ensure properly positioned inventory to meet expected demand.• Increased margin on average by 11% by partnering with the Sourcing Department to develop and manage vendor relationships, manage product development, supervise production quality, and identify areas for improvement.• Developed strategies to reduce product development and production times from 8 months to 3 months by partnering with vendor base to position materials and production capacity.• Negotiated costing, pricing and production schedules in Western Hemisphere (United States, Mexico, and Brazil), Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, China) and Europe (Portugal).