Simon Kon Email & Phone Number

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Developed, implemented and led the supplier strategy for sourcing products and services in the US, China, Mexico, Vietnam and India through supplier selection, development, and supplier consolidation to ensure sourcing optimization and overall supplier performance.• Led strategy and development for all packaging and products, from concept to commercialization.• Utilized clear systems and processes to manage technical direction of projects – identified key deliverables and next steps and communicated to team.• Collaborated with inventory management, vendors and marketing teams to manage site merchandising (promotions, special collections, department landing pages, etc.).• Managed creative designs and timelines for various cross-functional teams to meet major holiday and occasion deadlines.• Strategized and implemented methods to reduce cost on all Edible and Berry Direct items and products to ensure financial profitability.• Managed the setup of organizational structure and deliverables internally and for all Berry Direct suppliers.• Recipient of the Edible Innovation Award for innovating a cutting edge solution for the company.

• Managed all domestic and international supplier relationships for Edible and Berry Direct. Worked with all suppliers on production timeline and deliverables.• Oversaw and submitted weekly PO review and approvals with the Finance team on all Berry Direct inventory.• Supported cross-functional teams through the sourcing, evaluation, vendor negotiation, and contract implementation process.• Focused on speed to market, cost reduction, improvement in the cost of quality, and cycle-time reduction.

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Led the collaboration with Merchandising, Design, Operations, Quality, and Technical Design to communicate quality, cost, and product needs to global sourcing teams.• Directly managed product development process for multiple product categories, from concept to final product, within a strategic business unit or brand, including the development and approval of new trims, art techniques, new fabrications and overall aesthetics.• Subject matter expert in multiple costing components for designated product categories; collaborated with Merchandising to understand and anticipate customer needs, cost and margin goals, and recommended low-cost alternatives that uphold the integrity of the design.• Influenced sourcing strategies based on various brand needs; provided customer-based input to global teams to create and expand innovative sourcing strategies to support customer needs.• Managed potential development, safety, quality or cost concerns during the sampling and preproduction processes and trained others to identify similar concerns.• Launched accessories categories for all Carter’s brands.

• Resolved production issues involving trims, fits, art placement, late approvals, bulk dye lots, failed test reports, Preproduction Sample and Top of Production Sample (PP/TOP, and delivery slides.• Utilized Product Life Cycle Management System (PLM) and identified errors to effectively drive business growth and improve the system for other business units.• Managed development by communicating with the company’s Asia offices and overseas vendors.• Reviewed cost options and determined any significant aesthetics with merchandising and design.

• Assisted with the line plan and product development to ensure business strategies were met.• Collaborated with key business partners in the editing and prioritization of the line.• Ensured that product was consistent with market trends and business strategy.• Identified, recommended and executed opportunities for process improvements.

Alpharetta, Georgia, United States

• Assisted in training store associates with product knowledge, inventory control, and visual merchandising display. Coached associates to consistently provide exceptional performance and customer service.• Oversaw the implementation of all Visual Merchandising schematics to meet brand standards.

San Francisco, California, United States

Recipient of Outstanding Faculty Award in Product Development, 2008Co-Author & Instructor, Product Development Fundamentals• Co-wrote and co-developed a new course that was designed specifically for Product Development Majors.• Introduced students to the processes involved in the entire apparel product development cycle from the initial concept to the final product. Taught students planning, forecasting, fabrication, developing silhouettes and specifications, pricing, and sourcing. Defined and explored various apparel career paths and job opportunities.Instructor, Classification and Line Development• Taught students to work with industry partners to develop their own lines of exclusive products for a specific season, market and category. Instructed students on how to analyze and incorporate past selling results into their own lines. Showed students how to effectively present their lines and their development.Instructor, Preproduction• Taught students the process of garment prototype development and approval prior to production. Instructor, Retail Environment• Introduced students to franchising, licensing, branding, and pertinent retail terminology so that they gained a better understanding of the retail industry.

San Francisco, California, United States

• Designed and sketched boys outerwear, bottoms, activewear, woven and knit tops.• Researched global markets to identify new trends and styles.• Managed graphic artists for knit tops and activewear.

Hayward, California, United States

• Designed missy, petite, and plus size collections for Cascade Blue / French Laundry Sport brands.• Researched seasonal color, fabric, and silhouette trends and presented to senior management.• Created themes, color palettes, fabric direction, and silhouettes for six deliveries for the year.• Supervised CAD artist.

San Francisco Bay Area

• Managed company accounts: Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Bloomingdale’s.• Hired and managed merchandisers and trained personnel in sales techniques and product information.

Palo Alto, California, United States

• Formulated and executed marketing and communications strategies based on a thorough understanding of company objectives. Interfaced with senior management and clients.

Santa Clara, California, United States

• Managed employee benefits program for eight divisions of the company.

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Advance Studies Program In International Manufacturing And Product Development

Professional Designation Degree In Merchandise Product Development