As the Senior Manager of IM Operations, I’m responsible for the oversight of several merchandise support systems and processes within the Inventory Management group. I provide daily guidance, direction, and developmental coaching to a team of 4 Inventory Specialists that support end-users on the buying, planning, store operations, warehouse, and finance teams. Inventory Specialists assist the team with learning/implementing best practices, reporting, in addition to the execution of business critical tasks linked to demand planning, forecasting, replenishment functions, Open-to-Buy (OTB), vendor Income, product cost updates, clearance liquidation, and new store openings/renovations/relocations.

I joined the merchandising team at Shoe Palace’s Corporate Headquarters at the top of 2021. In the capacity of Merchandise Manager I created and help implement fixture assortment strategies in support of the company’s push to increase the overall sales penetration of branded and licensed apparel and accessories. While in role I was able to introduce pre- and in-season allocation strategies that increased forecast accuracy across all product categories. I also had the opportunity to build store allocation tools and reports that enabled allocators to more profitably distribute product to stores. In addition to this, I created and oversaw fixture capacity reporting tools to foster transparency among the merchant and visual teams in an effort to work hand-in-hand with store operations to enhance the customer shopping experience.

I assumed the role of Owner/Senior B2G Specialist in 2017. I oversee all aspects of business development, including product rollout and integration; initial concept development; and execution of marketing initiatives in a continually evolving landscape, in order to secure revenue generating market segments and maintain consistent brand presence. I also supervise client engagement with keen focus on ensuring client satisfaction and retention. Moreover, I define scope of events to coordinate manpower; allocate resources; and efficiently manage all vital event elements. I effectively develop sustainable relationships with clients to gather actionable insights on customer expectations and requirements; imperative for the development of adaptable business solutions. Lastly, I conduct thorough market research to identify trends and growth opportunities; consequently, delivering compelling and market-oriented experience to customers.

I was appointed as Retail & Wholesale Planning Manager in 2017 and I collaborated with cross-functional teams and senior leadership to generate wholesale and production sales forecast, and precisely predict B2B and e-commerce sales across various departments. Also, I successfully devised pricing strategies and led assortment planning to increment sales, maximize profitability, and optimize business for better experience and more conversion. Moreover, I processed purchase orders and created inventory tracking reports to identify inventory liabilities and allow leadership teams to proactively manage inventory. Lastly, I led a team of three employees, two assistants and one analyst, to ensure all operational efforts adhere to established guidelines and retail positioning.

I started serving as Senior Merchandise Planner in 2016. Here, I administered the replenishment of two large home departments by restocking over 10,000 items, on a weekly basis, to drive sales and minimize out-of-stocks. I also oversaw sales forecasting process and evaluation of monthly sales receipts to identify sales trends, manage S&OP (Sales and Operations Planning), and support senior leadership. Lastly, I examined inventory levels and led OTB (Open-To-Buy) planning to ensure adequate availability of store items and resources; imperative for reliable and market compatible sales operations.

I took over as Account Manager & Business Strategist in 2014. Here, I recommended practical business/product solutions to streamline operations and create a parallel relation between business requirements and clients’ demands. I also coordinated with potential stakeholders to devise and execute an ecommerce business strategy to entice customers from diverse market segments and enable off the chart customer acquisition for ready-to-wear products, tailored apparel, and haberdashery items. Lastly, I spearheaded market analysis to understand customer inclination towards specific merchandise, generate business forecasts, identify trending products, and compile actionable data to support long-term/short-term business decisions.

Here, I spearheaded the pre- and in-season program planning; prepared sales forecasts; and managed nationwide product allocations for apparel departments of 3,500+ Walmart locations, while ensuring strict adherence to corporate objectives. I also developed timelines for day-to-day operations, evaluated performance metrics, and led team development programs to uplift operational capabilities and improve brand performance. Lastly, I compiled and maintained Access tools (VBA/macros programming) and Excel spreadsheets to effectively execute business processes and data mining techniques, imperative for immediate analysis and prompt decision making.

Created and managed profitable open-to-buy, in-store and internet product assortments (retail and outlet) for men’s sportswear, children’s apparel, fragrances, accessories, and juniors; while collaborating with merchants, merchandisers and managers to provide customers an exceptional shopping experience.